Page 81 of A Duke Changes Everything
Nick watched her explore his private space, watched where her gaze went, and listened for her little sounds of interest. He realized he was holding his breath, eager for her approval, not unlike her eagerness for him to appreciate Enderley. This room reflected who he was, who he’d become, and her reaction mattered.
“The bed is rather—”
“Oversized.”
“Tall.” She glanced up where the four posts reached to the ceiling. “Everything you require is here.” With a sweeping gaze, she took in the small dining table, desk, and matching gold settees in front of the fireplace. “Though there isn’t much room for entertaining.” She shot him a curious glance.
“I don’t entertain. I’ve never invited anyone to join me in this room.”
She hobbled another step, and Nick rushed over to lend his arm for support. “It’s all rather cozy,” she said with a sweeping look around.
Safeis how Nick thought of this space. His alone. But now, for the first time, he wasn’t alone, and Mina looked right in a room he’d long considered his solitary refuge.
He led her toward the settee, resisting the urge not to haul her back into his arms. A primal part of him now felt quite certain it was where she belonged.
Before he could get her seated, three short raps sounded at the door, and Spencer poked his head in. “Forgive me, Mr. Lyon, but Dr. Stevens has gone home for the evening. Apparently, one of his daughters is ill.” Spencer waved a hand, and a servant followed him into the room, bearing the items Nick had requested. The young man deposited them, strode across the room to ignite the kindling in the fireplace, and departed the room quickly.
Spencer hovered at the threshold. “Shall I call for one of the other doctors or attempt to find someone with such knowledge on the gaming floor? I believe Lord Kellyn was once a medical man.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary, Mr. Spencer.” Mina spoke up before Nick could tell him to seek whatever doctor they could find. “I’m walking now and my ankle feels much better. Thank you.”
Spencer responded to her as he would to Nick, nodding his assent and backing out of the room.
To prove her claim, she hobbled the rest of the way to the settee and dropped onto the cushions. The bodice of her gown dipped, and Nick tried not to gape at the delicious view.
She lifted the hem of her gown, inch by inch, watching him as if to gauge his reaction.
If he didn’t know her better, he’d think Mina Thorne meant to seduce him.
“Shall we have a look?” she asked softly.
Yes. God, yes.When Nick realized she was speaking of her ankle, he hunched down in front of her to assist.
Her eyes widened when he lifted her dress higher, but then she began to help, gathering fabric in her hands. Her shapely legs, encased in virginal white stockings, were the most erotic sight he’d ever seen.
“There’s no visible swelling. Does it still hurt?” He touched her gingerly, stroking his hand up her calf rather than put pressure near her ankle.
“Perhaps I should remove the stocking.” She lifted her gown an inch more. “Will you help?”
Mina bit her lip and watched as Nick froze before her, his hand tensing around her calf, his gaze wary.
“Mina?” He spoke her name as a question, but she wasn’t certain whether he intended to plead with her to continue or warn her off.
Every part of her body was humming with an energy that wasn’t quite nerves and had nothing to do with the pain from her twisted ankle. She didn’t hurt at all, but she ached in places she’d never ached before.
Most of all, she wanted. Desperately. Not to see a doctor or even to explore the decadent gambling club over her head. She wanted Nick. Wanted to savor this moment with him, in this private space he shared with no one else.
He’d let her in. Allowed her to get close to him. But it wasn’t enough. She wanted to get closer. She wanted more of him. Even if this was the only night they’d ever share.
Here, away from Enderley, there were no titles or duties. Just this. This powerful, undeniable pull between them.
“No one will interrupt us?”
“I promise.” He knew what she wanted. He understood why she’d asked. Something in his eyes changed. Heat replaced wariness.
That’s how she wanted it between them. Real and true, without an ounce of pretense.
Slowly, he began sliding her stocking over her knee, dragging his fingers against her skin. When he neared her ankle, he cast her a worried look.
