Her body hummed as he ran a hand down her back and along the curve of her hip. She would wait to tell him about his lost love and allow herself this time with him.
“Kiss me, Rose,” he begged huskily.
Any thoughts of Lady Gillings fled from her mind, and she lowered her head, pressing her lips to his, reveling in the connection that flared between them. She wanted her time with Augustus. Rose wanted this.
His tongue swiped across her lower lip, and he whispered, “Open your mouth for me, love.”
She happily obliged, leaning into him as he cupped her neck, teasing her with every stroke of his tongue. This proper duke was sin-personified when he wanted to be, and Rose loved it. Finally, he pulled away and said, “Now, answer me. Are you nervous, or have you changed your mind? You can.”
She jokingly frowned at him. “About meeting Mr. Abbas?”
He sighed, and she grinned. “I know what you’re asking, and I want this night with you, Augustus. One night where neither our identities nor our responsibilities matter.”
“I want that too,” he confessed.
She smiled at him. “Are you truly looking for a bride this Season?”
He was surprised by her question. Augustus lifted a brow. “Why have you changed your mind about being a duchess?”
A mad part of her wished that she had. Yet, she hadn’t, and Rose also knew that someone was available who was perfect for the role. She forced herself to giggle. “No. Simply curious.”
He didn’t respond but pulled her in for another kiss. One that left her wanting more. His tongue sparred with hers, and she moaned, leaning into him. His hand slid her skirts up, and heat pooled in Rose’s belly.
Augustus pulled his mouth away before sitting her on the bench across from him. She stared at him, shocked, and he tipped his head back, laughing. “What is it about you, Rose, that tempts me to hike your skirts up in unusual places such as libraries and carriages?”
“You’ve never tupped a lady in a carriage or a library?”
He grinned wickedly. “Not yet, but never say never, especially with you around.”
She flushed, enthralled that he was finding it hard not to touch her. She wanted him to. The carriage came to a stop, and he nodded. “It was good we stopped when we did.”
While rationally she agreed with him, she would have gladly continued.
“Why don’t you let me speak with Mr. Abbas first?”
The fog of desire disappeared at his words. She frowned at him. “Augustus, I will not sit in the carriage while you speak with the man. That is ridiculous.”
He scowled at her. “It could be unsafe. It could be associated with something much more nefarious than just thieves.”
They’d still been unable to speak with Hawley about his blasted associates. “Did you inform Hawley about what happened at Seely House?”
Augustus sighed. “I sent a note, but I received a message from his assistant that he is away.”
Rose frowned, concerned that Hawley and his associates might be connected to what was happening, even though thescholar had denied it. Still, she wouldn’t let Augustus see the mysterious Mr. Abbas alone.
“You said Hawley believes the theft has no association with his dealings,” she said.
He frowned. “You and I are both still unsure if his word can be trusted.”
“So, we don’t know what you could be facing. I should join you,” Rose stated.
“One of the drivers will go with me.”
Rose shook her head. She would not allow him to go alone. “No, we go together.”
He sighed and surprised Rose by pulling her towards him and placing a frustrated kiss on her lips. “At some point, you will have to learn to listen.”
“Perhaps, but not today,”
