The Duke's Bride

[Marian Hawke]

He smirks. "Pleasant I can do."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I chuckle eyeing him up and down. "So tell me ami the first noble lady you've teased? " I smirk

[Marian Hawke]

"Now that would be telling, wouldn't it?" he teases. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I chuckle gently.  "So You're a gentleman then. Excellent I thought they had gone exstinct." I smile this is a lovely evening but I can't help but worry. Something is off about him he's not being fully truthful but about what I can't tell. I could drop my shield and use my sucubus aura to charm him but I like home too much for that. So I take a shot in the dark. "Garrett I have another business proposition for you." I say sweetly

[Marian Hawke]

"I'm all ears, my lady," he says, tilting his head slightly. 

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I take a breath "I'm getting married in two weeks. And three months after that we will part ways, however I will need someone I can trust, and someone who can play a noble, on my arm while I play politics. In short I'm asking you to play the role of my lover, no love required, of course." I say smoothly

[Marian Hawke]

A trace of alarm flashes over his face. "I am surely not as skilled as you might think. My whole adult life has been with the bandits, you see."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"That's why I want you. I could take a well polished courtesan but you ground me. Nobility can be taught and manners can be polished, but charisma and skill can't be. I need someone I can be myself with without fear of misunderstandings about my nature." I say calmly

[Marian Hawke]

"Lady, no offense meant, but I am not the man you think I am," he admits. "Charming I may be, but I am nothing you could not find among the nobility."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

"You are, you're honest,"

[Marian Hawke]

"You are bad at spotting a liar, then, my lady."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I smile gently "you have your secrates but you hav3 told me nothing false other than your age. Still if you're not interested in the details of my proposal I won't push. A bandit in my pocket is worth as much as one on my arm in many ways"

[Marian Hawke]

"I haven't exactly lied, per se, about my age," he says, but he waves his hand. "Regardless, this is hardly the time for my life story. Let us enjoy the night."

[Countess Elaina Moorwood]

I nod "forgive me. I have a bad habit of always working, I hope I haven't spoiled your appetite."

[Marian Hawke]

"Very little could spoil this appetite, my lady," he laughs.