“You don’t look great, either,” she murmured, her stomach flipping as he leaned closer to inspect the injury.
“I’ve suffered through worse,” he replied, his eyes flicking to hers. “My brother hits harder.”
“What’s your brother’s name?” Her heart thrummed at his proximity.
“Richard.”
“Have I met him?”
“No. He prefers the solitude of our country estate.” The Duke of Lennox’s gaze dropped to her lips. “Does it hurt?”
“My mouth?”
“Your cheek,” he chuckled.
“Oh!” She blushed and dug her teeth into her lower lip. “A little. I suppose it’s not as painful as your face.”
“My whole face?” His eyebrows raised.
Maybe she was better off outside in the snow.
“No. That is… your eye and your forehead. I didn’t want to name the parts, and now I have, and…” She was babbling.
“Eveline.” He leaned back and placed his finger on her lips. “Do you love me?”
“Yes.” She nodded her head so quickly that it vibrated.
“And do you understand that I love you, too?” He raised his eyebrows. “That I will do everything in my power to prevent anyone—and that includes myself—from harming you?”
“I—”
“Yes or no, Eveline,” he cut her off. “It’s a simple admission to yourself. Do I love you?”
“Yes.”
“Will I ever allow anyone to hurt you again?”
She exhaled a slow breath, staring into his eyes. “No.”
“And do I intend to seduce you in the parlor?” His lips twitched.
“You can’t!” Heat exploded across her cheeks.
“I can.” He leaned closer, his mouth stopping less than a millimeter from hers. “Your brother is currently residing in a different location, and your dress is scandalously inappropriate to receive visitors.”
“Should I remove it?” she asked, glancing down at the torn bodice.
“And deny me that pleasure?” He clucked his tongue.
His hand skated across her collarbone, then pushed the ruined material off her shoulder, his fingers tracing soft circles on her exposed skin. Her breath caught.
Pressing his mouth to hers, he wound his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap, splitting her legs over his. He gathered her dress into his fists, then broke the kiss and yanked, ripping the gown over her head, further destroying the delicate material.
“I won’t be able to save that one,” she murmured, shifting on his legs.
“I’ll buy you a new gown,” he said, his mouth slamming on hers.
His hands glided down her back and cupped her butt, rocking her forward against his growing erection.
