Page 78 of A Duke Changes Everything
Chapter Nineteen
He’d carried her away, and it was the headiest feeling Nick had ever known.
Mina was a warm, soft, sweet-scented bounty. He loved the feel of her pressed against him, the heated weight of her in his arms. She wasn’t some fragile creature that he might break. And she didn’t shy away from his touch.
In fact, she slid an arm around his neck and clutched his lapel possessively between her fingers.
So he took her. Past the noisy drawing room, past the skittish housemaid who blushed at the sight of them, and past Colin Fairchild, who waved goodbye to his cousin with something akin to misery writ across his youthful face.
Nick willed his mouth not to curve in a victorious grin. Thankfully, Mina’s gown hid the tightening in his groin.
“You shouldn’t be enjoying this,” she whispered.
“I know. I’m doing my best.”
“Excuse me,” an all-too-familiar voice called from behind them. “Where exactly do you think you’re going with that young lady?”
“He’s taking me to the doctor,” Mina answered helpfully over his shoulder.
Bugger off, Huntleywould have been Nick’s preferred reply.
“I’m taking her to the club to see Dr. Stevens.”
“Are you, indeed?” Huntley came around and positioned himself between them and the front door. “You are aware that women are not allowed at Lyon’s Club.”
“Is that true?” Mina looked utterly offended by that news.
“Miss Thorne, may I present Rhys, Earl of Huntley, who is a co-owner of Lyon’s, and also known to thwart club rules on a regular basis.”
“A true pleasure, Miss Thorne.” Huntley twirled his hand in the air, stuck out his leg, and bowed deeply. The man never did the minimum when he could leap past sufficient and crash straight into excess.
Nick stepped closer, until the spot where his hand that was wrapped around Mina’s knee came up flush against the man’s bright eyesore of a waistcoat. “We’ll be going now, Huntley. The lady needs a physician.”
“Do forgive me.” Huntley stepped back. “I only meant to see to Miss Thorne’s well-being, but I see, Lyon, that you have matters well inhand.” The scoundrel tipped his gaze down to where Nick tightened his hold on Mina. Then he proceeded ahead of them and gestured toward the door. “Take my carriage. The coachman will bring it back after he delivers you.”
With great effort, Nick managed to climb into the vehicle while keeping Mina in his arms.
“I can sit on the bench,” she said after they were seated.
“What if I prefer you here?” He slid a hand around her lower back to indicate how much he wanted to keep her right where she was.
“You are warmer than the squabs, I suppose.” Her tone was teasing.
“Practical as ever, Miss Thorne.” Nick could barely see her in the darkened interior, but he heard the hitch of her breath when he tightened his hold around her waist.
Seated like this, the heat of her body warmed every inch of his. Her scent became richer, not just her usual floral perfume, but a deeper scent that was uniquely Mina.
He felt her leaning closer, felt her breath whispering across his skin.
“This reminds me of the night I came to your room.”
“Does it?” His mouth watered for a taste of her, just as it had that night.
“Alone with you in the darkness.” She inhaled sharply, tensing in his arms. “I don’t regret that night.” She waited, falling so silent Nick wondered if she was holding her breath. Then she finally said, “I don’t regret this moment either.”
“Mina,” he whispered before leaning in for a kiss.
She slid a hand around his neck. “Is the club much farther?”
