Page 79 of A Duke Reformed
He didn't let go of her hand. Instead, he tightened his grip on it. His eyes searched her face, lingering on her lips, her cheeks... then her lips again as his smile waned. The moment stretched between them. It was as if the world had tilted on its axis just to let them stand there, suspended in something so precious.
"I'm going to kiss you," Solomon said softly. "Would that be okay?"
"Yes," she whispered without hesitation. "I would like that ve–"
He silenced her with his mouth, his kiss stealing the rest of her words and setting fire to the air between them. It wasn't rushed... it was slow, reverent, like he was memorizing the shape of her lips, the softness of her skin against him. His hand cupped her cheek, anchoring her, while his other arm slid around her waist and drew her closer, as though he needed her nearer still, until no space remained between them.
Emma melted into him, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt, clutching at him like he might disappear if she let go. The kiss deepened. Tender but urgent, tasting of everything they had just confessed...of every longing held at bay for too long. Her knees weakened beneath her, and only his hold kept her steady.
It felt like falling into something she had always known was hers.
It felt like home.
For the first time in what felt like forever, everything inside her went silent. No doubts. No fears. Just him.Just them.
They finally pulled away, both breathing heavily. Their foreheads resting together as they shared the moment to catch their breaths. Emma's heart raced. Her chest rose and fell as she tried to recover from the intensity of the kiss. She couldn't help but smile as she shut her eyes, feeling the happiest she had ever been.
"We should probably get back to the party," she said softly, her voice a little shaky.
Solomon chuckled. "How do I explain where I came from?" he whispered. "I practically snuck in here, Ducky."
Emma giggled. "You're right. We should probably just stay here."
Solomon pulled her into a warm hug, his arms wrapping around her tightly. He held her close, his chin resting gently on the top of her head, as their bodies pressed together. Neither of them spoke. They simply stood there, lost in the feeling of being in each other's arms.
For once, the world outside didn't matter. Emma didn't even care if anyone saw. It was just them... in that moment... basking in the warmth of their love.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
"Good morning, Your Grace," Dorothy greeted him. "Are you here to see Papa?"
As the butler led Solomon down the corridor toward the morning room, he suddenly found himself intercepted by Dorothy and Phillip, who had emerged from one of the side hallways.
"Is it a matter that concerns Cecilia, Your Grace?" Phillip questioned.
Solomon paused, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of Emma's siblings. Usually, they were quite chaotic. The few times he had seen them at the estate, or in the park, they were usually running around, or chasing each other. Now, they seemed... calmer. Less erratic.
"You are right, Dorothy," he answered her first. "I am here to see your father. But it's not a matter that concerns Cecilia," he said to Phillip.
"Then what is the matter, if I may ask, Your Grace?" Phillip inquired. "Why have Emma and Cecilia been whispering about your coming?"
Solomon smiled down at them. "Emma has been talking about my visit? Did she sound excited? Or just... casual? What did she say exactly?"
Dorothy raised an eyebrow. "Surely, you must know. No one has said anything that would give us a clear answer. Emma and Cecilia have been acting all mysterious, whispering about you when they think no one's listening."
"Now we're left with nothing but questions," Phillip added. "So, come on, Your Grace, don't keep us in suspense. What's all this about?"
Solomon glanced between them, his smile faltering just slightly as they reached the door. "You'll know very soon. Have some patience and wish me luck."
"Luck?" was the last thing Dorothy said before Solomon stepped into the morning room and the door was shut behind him.
As Solomon entered the morning room, he found Emma's father, Lord Lockhart, seated by the fireplace, reading a letter.The room was quieter than he expected, a stark contrast to the lively household he was used to. He recalled that the last time he came to see Emma, Dorothy and Phillip had been running down the hallway and nearly bumped into him.
"Your Grace," Howard said, rising to his feet. "Come, sit please. I must say I was surprised when I got news that you were paying me a visit. I assumed you'd heard of some of my latest business strides and wished to discuss potential partnerships."
Solomon paused for a moment, amused at the assumption but maintaining his composure. He sat across from Howard, interlocking his fingers in front of him.
"Lord Lockhart, my visit today is not about business," he announced.
