Before She Ruled (Before Series, Book 1)

Chapter Ten

They were greeted by a butler who was familiar with Theo. He directed them to the study, and Addie felt herself unconsciously holding her breath as she entered the room. The sound of male voices greeted them, and she checked around to see two gentlemen. She was not familiar with either, and the Duke of Weston was not in sight. She let out the breath she had been holding.

"Ah, Lord Farrington. Nice to see you." Theo greeted the gentleman to the right with a smile, and the man responded in kind. Theo then spun to his left, his expression turning grim. "Lord Trotten," he said, giving the man a clipped nod. He did not wait for the lord to respond before beckoning Addie forward.

She felt herself blanch, recognizing Lord Trotten's name. No wonder Theo was short with him, if this was indeed the man who had ruined his sister.

"This is Miss Addison Singleton," Theo introduced her to them. She gave a quick curtsy toward both gentlemen.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lords." Addie studied them. Both were of a similar age to Theo and handsome. They were built, as was fashionable in society, with slender although toned physiques, but ultimately drew up short when standing next to Theo, who was positively demanding in his presence.

"The pleasure is all ours, Miss Addison," Lord Farrington responded smoothly. There was a glint in his eyes as he surveyed her with more than polite interest. Theo wrapped his arm around her waist slightly and pulled her close in response. His body taut beside her, Addie's insides betrayed her as they flamed against his touch.

"We have business with Weston," Theo said with a slight edge to his voice. "Is he in?"

"Yes," Lord Trotten responded. "We were finishing up business with him ourselves, and he only stepped out a moment ago. He should return shortly."

Theo gave a curt nod. When he didn't make any further comments, Lord Trotten cleared his voice and said, "We should be on our way."

Lord Farrington did not appear as though he was eager to leave but reluctantly followed his companion to the door. He nodded in Theo's direction. "Your Grace." Theo repaid the nod stiffly. Lord Farrington then looked at Addie. "Miss Addison, it was lovely meeting you."

Addie maintained a polite expression and nodded her head in respect. "Likewise, my lord."

With one last smile in her direction, Lord Farrington left the room. When their footsteps had completely faded from the hallway, Theo spun her around to face him.

"Likewise, my lord," he mocked.

Addie fixed him with a glare. "How did you wish for me to respond, Theo?"

"I believe when you met me you had no problem unleashing that sharp tongue of yours," he accused.

Addie rolled her eyes, not giving him the satisfaction of a response. She slipped away from his hold on her.

"You mustn't grab me so. People will mistake your possessiveness for something else."

Theo's eyes glittered down at her. "I do not believe they would be mistaken in any of their assumptions."

She inwardly denied the flip of her stomach as she drew a quick intake of breath, throwing her hands on her hips in defiance. "Your Grace, I am not yours."

He chuckled, unbothered. "You are my maid, are you not?"

Addie glared at him. "Yes, but that is all. It gives you no control over my body."

Theo mumbled in response. "God, don't I know."

Addie was transfixed by him as he gave her a funny stare. She found herself staring at his lips, daring to remember when they had kissed her.