Page 12 of The Duke's Ultimatum

“If you admit you liked it.”

Eleanor’s world tilted on its axis. “What?!” she yelled, her voice carrying through the empty library once more.

“How dare?—”

The Duke’s hand bolted out and covered her mouth as he spun her around. They were both facing the door with her back pressed up against his chest. Two more knocks came from the other side of the door.

“Eleanor? Are you in there? Your mother is looking for you.”

Caroline. She was a friend of Eleanor’s. Another knock and Caroline’s voice drifted in from the hallway. “Eleanor? Are you all right?”

Eleanor nodded against the Duke’s hand, signaling she knew the voice.

Once again his breath tickled her neck as he whispered, “Tell her to leave.”

Shock waves rolled through her body. She’s spoken to countless men in her life, so why did her body pick this one to react to?

“Yes! I’m here.”

The door began to push open, and the Duke’s grip tightened around her waist. They were standing in front of the door.If Caroline fully opened the door, there would be no excuse on Earth that would explain their closeness. Other than her ruination of course.

“No! Wait!” she yelled.

Eleanor released a breath when the door remained closed.

“Is everything all right in there? Shall I get your mother?” Caroline sounded worried but thankfully didn’t try to push the door open again.

“I don’t think your mother would approve of our current entanglement, do you?” His salacious words were whispered in between soft kisses up and down her neck. She could feel his smile against her heated skin.

“No need to get my mother.” Eleanor cringed at the tremble in her voice. “I’m just a bit flushed from the ballroom; I needed a rest.”

The Duke traced his tongue along her neck in between little nibbles and lazy kisses. She leaned back against him, her head resting on his chest, and let out a breathy moan.

“Eleanor? Are you sure?” The door began to move towards them.

Eleanor bounded back up. “Yes! Please, no need to come in. I don’t want anyone to see me like this. I’ll be out in a few moments.”

Caroline didn’t answer. Eleanor stared at the door, her mind warring between willing the door to remain closed and forgetting all about propriety and her upbringing to indulge in more of whatever the Duke was currently doing to her body.

Chills and heat were in a race to see which sensation would devour her body first. Eleanor was ashamed to admit she found the feeling intoxicating.

“Oh, well, I will be by the refreshment table if you need anything.”

Eleanor listened for the retreating sound of Caroline’s footsteps. When she was certain Caroline was gone, she turned in the Duke’s arms to face him.

“You are incorrigible,” she ground out.

The Duke let his hands fall to his sides as he took a step back, a smile playing on his lips.

Eleanor bristled at his smirk. “You’ll have to excuse me; I do not find my potential ruination to be a laughing matter.”

The Duke shrugged. “I wasn’t laughing.”

Eleanor raised her hand and pointed at him. “You are smiling. Nothing about this should be taken lightly.”

The Duke straightened up and righted his rumbled shirt. “You’re absolutely correct. For instance, now that I know you are not only a voyeur but a wanton creature, I will have to keep my eyes on you to make sure you don’t sully our good name.”

Any lust or interest she may have felt during their close proximity drained from her body and was replaced with red hot anger.

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