Page 10 of Best Duke Ever

Chapter 6

“Ijustneedamoment.”Lenora was panting in Edward’s ear, still waiting to catch her breath.

What had she just done?Obviously it was the most amazing experience of her life.And she wanted to repeat it ad infinitum.That, she knew without a doubt.It was as if her heart had at long last caught up to her mind.After so many years of friendship, trusting him, knowing him, relying on him, she had finally allowed herself to be thrilled by him.

And…

Oh.

My.

God.

What a thrill that had been.

But she needed a moment to understand what had just happened.To compose herself.To somehow head back into a ballroom full of people.Including her cousin.

Oh my stars.What would Mirabelle say?Would she even tell her?

Normally, Lenora would tell her sister Seraphina everything, but since she wasn’t here that wasn’t possible.She and Mirabelle were close enough that it wouldn’t be cause for concern to discuss this with her.

“Are you alright, Lenora?”His hand caressed her face as if his fingers had always tenderly stroked her cheek.

This was her best friend.The man who knew how to calm her down.The man who could always dance her cares away.The man who shoved treats in his pocket for her.The calm one.But right now she felt anything but calm.

The reality of what just happened, or parts of it, started to crash down on her.

“I just…um…need a second.”But she wasn’t actually sure if a second would be enough time to gather herself.And where she would gather herself she didn’t know.But she had to get out of that room.Had to breathe.Had to remember who she was in relation to Edward.

“Wait—”

But she dashed out of the room.Wild.No concern for her hair or her dress or the flush that surely pervaded her cheeks.

Less than a few seconds later, she could hear footsteps coming around the corner behind her.Of course he would follow.She tugged on a door, opening and closing it to throw him a red herring.Then she slipped into a different room across the hall, hoping he didn’t see her.

Her breaths were coming in quickly now.Her heart hammering.Her chest heaving.Palms were sweaty.

She just needed a minute.

To think.

To breathe.

She pushed herself against the door, locking it.Her head rested against the hard wood as she focused on her breaths and closed her eyes.

“To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”A deep voice rumbled in the darkness.

Lenora froze.Palms to the door.Eyes flickered open.

Of course.

Wouldn’t that just make sense…it was Gabriel, Duke of Thornhaven.

Exactly when she didn’t want him to notice her, he finally had.

And all she had to do was unlock the door and leave.

And she would have.

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