Excerpt: Dueling with the Duke by Robyn DeHart

About the Book

England, 1838

Gabriel Campbell, Duke of Lynford never intended to carry that title, but when his reckless brother gets himself killed in a duel over a woman, Gabe has no choice. Now he’s sworn off love, blaming the woman that broke his brother’s heart and led to his untimely death. 

Lilith Crisp, Lady Thornton, knew from a young age that pretty girls grow up and get married off to the highest bidder. Being paraded around London as her husband’s trophy has taught her some unique skills and now she can manipulate any man for his darkest secrets. 

Gabriel's position in the Brotherhood of the Sword leads him directly to Lilith’s door. For Gabe, Lilith is the one woman he’s always wanted, and Lilith is now forced to deal with a man who seems immune to her charms. But a secret about Lilith’s niece brings them together to face a danger that threatens not only their lives, but the fate of England’s Crown. Resisting Lilith is getting more and more difficult and Gabe finally recognizes that he can’t keep blaming her for his brother’s fate. Finding love means forgiving the past and that might be the one thing they simply can’t do…

Excerpt

She was ridiculously beautiful in any scenario, but when angry, she became an entirely different creature. There was something authentic about the anger in her eyes. What was most disturbing was this wasn’t the first time today that he’d felt as if he was seeing the real her. He shook off the feeling.

Lilith was no fool. He knew he’d have to tell her something, some measure of truth about the work that he did, in order for her to trust him. Or at the very least, in order for her to give him the information that he needed.

When the Crown demanded information, people tended to comply.

“It has been a few years, and I know that it must seem as if I sprang into your life suddenly.”

“It certainly does,” she said. Her frown stayed firmly in place, and he had to force himself not to look at the way her breasts swelled with her angry breaths.

“I’m not trying to frighten you, Lilith, nor anger you,” Gabe said.

“That is difficult to believe.”

He took a step toward her. “I need for you to trust me.”

She crossed her arms over her chest; again he fought to keep his gaze on her face and not her tempting curves. “Why the devil would I ever trust you?” she asked.

“It is I who should have difficulty trusting you, yet here I am fully expecting you to answer my questions honestly.”

She winced as if he’d struck her.

He went to put his hand to her face and stopped himself, instead moving to the window though he made no move to look outside. “It’s quite evident that you and the girl are in danger, and I can help, but only if you let me.”

Her features set in a frown. “We shall be safe enough. I am planning to leave town soon.”

“Lilith, you can’t lie to me,” he said. “You saw what happened at the school. Certainly you cannot deny that Isabel is in danger.”

“No, I do not deny that, but it does not mean I require your assistance.”

“Enough!” he said, more forcefully than he’d intended. He walked back to her and gripped her upper arms. “We can dance around this all night.” He softened his tone. “But hear me now when I say that like it or not, I am in your life for the indeterminable future, and I will get answers. I can only help you protect the girl if you give me some information.”

She released a low breath. “What do you want to know?”

About the Author

National Bestselling author, Robyn DeHart’s novels have appeared in the top bestselling romance and historical romance lists. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages. Her historical romantic adventure series, The Legend Hunters, were not only bestsellers, but also award-winners, snagging a Reader’s Crown and a Reviewer’s Choice award. She had three releases in 2013 and 2014 will see four more, all set in the popular historical romance Regency and Victorian eras. 

Known for her “strong dialogue and characters that leap off the page” (RT Bookclub) and her “sizzling romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been featured in USA Today and the Chicago Tribune. A popular writing instructor, she has given speeches at writing conferences in Los Angeles, DC, New York, Dallas, Nashville and Toronto, among many others.

When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters, Busybee and Babybee as well as two spoiled-rotten cats. They live in the hill country of Texas where it’s hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it. 

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