Page 63 of A Trap by the Rakish Duke
He leaned in and captured her lips in a gentle kiss before stepping back.
“Do not stay up too late with your preparations,” he teased as he took his leave, the door clicking shut behind him.
The day of the ball arrived swiftly. Aurelia stood before the full-length mirror in her chambers, her fingers smoothing over the exquisite fabric of her gown. The dress was fashioned from a delicate lavender silk, the color soft and demure yet rich enough to catch the eye.
It was adorned with tiny pearls on the bodice that shimmered faintly with each movement. The sleeves were modest, resting just off her shoulders, with the neckline dipping slightly but not too low. A satin ribbon cinched her waist, emphasizing her slender figure, and the skirt flowed gracefully to the floor in a cascade of silk and lace.
Her hair was swept up into an elegant chignon with a few soft curls framing her face, while a pair of diamond earrings hung from her ears, sparkling in the soft light.
Eilidh has done a splendid job tonight.
As she descended the grand staircase, Aurelia noticed Philip waiting for her at the bottom. His eyes rose to greet her and she saw an expression of intense warmth light up his face.
Aurelia had barely reached the last step when he moved forward, his hand finding her waist and pulling her into his arms.
“You look…breathtaking,” he whispered, his gaze lingering on her face before his lips descended on hers in a firm, possessive kiss.
It was tender yet filled with the promise of more, and Aurelia felt a shiver run down her spine.
“If you are not up for the ball,” he murmured against her lips, “we could simply stay home. I would not mind.”
Aurelia’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink at his suggestion and she quickly glanced around, watching as the maids and footmen in the foyer discreetly turned their backs to afford them a modicum of privacy. She gently pulled away from him although her heart continued to flutter from his touch.
“I have spent far too much time on my appearance to stay home,” she said, a teasing smile forming on her lips.
Philip chuckled, his arm still securely wrapped around her waist as he led her toward the waiting carriage. “Then I suppose we must go.”
In the dim light of the coach, Philip’s eyes gleamed mischievously as he leaned toward Aurelia, his voice low and intimate.
“I still believe we would be far better off spending the night at home,” he murmured, the corner of his mouth curling up as he spoke. “In my chambers, just the two of us…naked under the moonlight.”
Aurelia’s cheeks reddened at his brazen words, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She lifted a hand to fan herself, trying to cool the heat that crept up her neck.
“Philip,” she scolded, though her voice lacked any true reprimand. “We are already on our way to the ball.”
He grinned, thoroughly enjoying her flustered state. “All it would take from you is one word,” he said, his tone lazy, “and we would be on our way back to Oakdale Manor.”
Aurelia shook her head, laughing despite herself. “You are impossible.”
“I am determined,” he corrected, his eyes flashing with playful intensity.
Before she could respond Philip reached for her, pulling her effortlessly into his lap. Their sudden proximity left her breathless, her body pressed against the hard lines of his chest.
He took a moment to admire her, his gaze roving over her face and down to the delicate curve of her neck and shoulders.
“You are truly a vision tonight,” he whispered, his hand stroking her cheek. “You will be the death of me.”
His lips captured hers in a slow, seductive kiss that sent a ripple of warmth throughout her body.
His lips lingered on hers, teasingly close as he murmured, “I mean it. One word.”
Aurelia’s laughter bubbled up, muffled by his lips. She managed to pull away just enough to respond, her voice soft but resolute. “We are going to the ball, Philip.”
He sighed dramatically, though his eyes gleamed with amusement. “As you wish, wife. But know that I will be counting down the minutes until I can have you all to myself.”
“You are incorrigible,” she huffed, trying to sound firm, but her smile gave her away.
“And yet, you married me,” he teased, his hands gently squeezing her waist before helping her back into her seat as the carriage slowed to a halt.
