“What I should have said was, any man would be foolish to lose you.” He paused, staring into her wide blue eyes. “And I’m not a fool.”
Damn the lies printed in the morning paper!
He leaned forward and touched his mouth to hers, welcoming the blazing fire that singed his lips earlier that day. She sighed, her mouth parting, and his tongue dipped past her lips, drawing a low moan from Miss Rowe, which ricocheted through his body, setting his blood aflame.
He was doomed. Two kisses, three if he counted the one he didn’t remember, and his only thought was of seducing Miss Rowe… continually, daily, until neither of them possessed the strength to leave the bed.
Groaning, he walked her backward, his arms sliding beneath her butt. He lifted her, pinning her soft body between the wall and his growing desire. His mouth covered hers, swallowing the soft mewling sound vibrating in her throat.
Lord, it wasn’t enough.
He wanted more, needed more, but if he didn’t pull away soon, someone would discover them in this compromising position, and he very much doubted Miss Rowe wished to be trapped into marriage, either. Reluctantly, he broke the kiss, pulling away as he lowered her to the floor.
“In all my years of wagers,” Levi panted, “that was my favorite prize.”
The dying blush exploded across her face again.
“I look forward to our next bet.” He raised her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips across her knuckles.
“There will be no more wagers,” she replied, pulling her hand from his.
It was as if she slapped him.
“Why?” he asked, taking a step backward. “Do you not enjoy our time together?”
Her eyes flicked to the right, focusing on something on the far end of the corridor, then returned to him.
“Your Grace previously revealed that he holds no intention to marry. And while you can afford the luxury of a scandal, I cannot.” She raised her chin. “I won’t be pursued for a lark.”
“And if it’s something more?” He closed the gap between them, fighting the desire to wrap his arms around her again. “If all our interactions have led to an undeniable fondness… what would you say?”
Curling her hands into her chest, she shook her head.
“Your affection is misplaced,” she whispered and turned.
He grabbed her elbow. “You cannot deny the connection between us.”
“I cannot.” She swallowed and glanced down at his hand. “Nor can I encourage it.”
Before he could ask for a reason, she jerked her arm from his grasp and hastened down the hallway. He didn’t think. He ran after her, catching up when she reached the foyer.
“Stop!” he shouted before she moved toward the parlor. “Miss Rowe, stop, or I will shout loud enough to draw every person in this house to this spot.”
Back stiffening, she froze.
“I deserve a reason for your dismissal.” His harsh voice rippled across the foyer. “I am a duke.”
“I don’t deserve your attention, Your Grace.” She spun around, tears sliding down her cheeks. “I’m the most horrible person.”
He crossed the floor and crushed her to his chest, his arms enveloping her as she buried her face against his chest.
“What terrible thing could you have done?” he asked, stroking his hand down her back.
A knock resounded on the front door.
Levi lifted his narrowed eyes as Miss Webb darted out of the parlor. She skidded to a stop when she spied them, her mouth popping open.
“I-I apologize for the intrusion, Your Grace.” She bobbed a quick curtsey, spun around, and hurried back into the parlor.
