His lips trailed along her jaw and delicately brushed across her mouth. Her breaths came out shakily as he nuzzled her neck. She cared for him; he knew that. He moved to claim her mouth, but she placed her hand on his chest, stopping him. He looked down at her. She smiled sadly. “Of course, I care for you, but not enough to stay.”
Augustus saw the certainty in her eyes, and it shattered his heart. There was no changing her decision. It was over—this interlude between them that should have never started.
“If you leave, don’t ever reach out to me again,” he bit out, his fury bubbling over.
She flinched, but he wasn’t sure if it was because of his tone or demand. She nodded. “I think that is best.”
He stepped back and said, “I will take my leave.”
Rose nodded, and he strode to the door, but something in him snapped. Augustus pivoted and walked back to her, pulling his temptress flush against him. His tongue plunged into hermouth as he walked her back until they bumped into the wall. In a swift motion, he had her pressed against the wall with her legs wrapped around his waist.
His kiss was brutal and dominant. He madly wanted to confirm to himself how much he could tempt her—that this connection wasn’t just one-sided and only on his part. His hard length pressed against his trousers as he flexed against her warmth. How he wanted to free himself and plunge into her, but he didn’t.
Augustus released her and stepped back. She stumbled slightly but remained upright. Even though it destroyed him, he smirked at her condescendingly. “I hope all your artifacts keep you warm at night, Miss Calvert. Don’t expect to hear from me again.”
Shock filled her face, but it was quickly replaced by sadness. “I understand, Your Grace.”
He fled the room and the townhouse. No, what he was escaping was the woman he would always love but could never have. Rose Calvert may not want him forever, but it terrified him that he would never be able to forget her. Still, starting today, he would do his damndest to try.
Chapter Thirty-Four
London, England– December 1850
Rose stood inthe large exhibit room at Seely House. They were releasing the next portion of the epic today. She had spent the last few weeks working on deciphering the text. Lisbeth insisted that she was working too hard, but her work had been the only thing preventing her from falling into a pit of despair. She’d not seen Augustus once since he’d left Lisbeth’s house weeks ago.
She missed him even though it had been her choice to let him go. What if it was a mistake? Dread filled her, but she pushed it down. It was the right thing to do. Once he spent more time with Lady Gillings, he would realize they suited better. In the brief time Rose spoke with her, it became apparent how well-suited she was for the duke. Rose didn’t doubt or discount any of her own accomplishments, but she was not a lady who could host a tea party or plan a ball.
Addie leaned in and said, “Lord Harston is here. That man has still not agreed to give us the map.”
“Did your discussion with Lord Hawley at your townhouse help at all?”
Addie winked. “He and Sinclair have come up with a spectacular plan. I think we are closer.”
Her mouth tilted up in a smile. It wasn’t very often that Addie bestowed a compliment on her husband. “Careful, I might think you don’t detest your husband.”
A loud giggle escaped the club president. “Nonsense. I’m simply saying that he can be of use at times.”
Rose grinned. “I must agree. He did review my work using his key and concluded it was accurate.”
“Yes, that was fabulous as well.”
She glanced around but didn’t see Hawley or Augustus. “What are they planning?”
Addie winked. “You’ll see, hopefully, today.”
While Rose was thrilled that they might obtain the map soon, she was hopeful that her words meant that Augustus might make an appearance. “If we get the map in the next few days, I can take it with me.”
Addie nodded. “Though I can’t believe Lisbeth offered to deliver it.”
“Neither can I,” Rose said but instantly felt guilty. Not everyone knew Thomas and Lisbeth’s history.”
“Rumor suggests there is an untold story about Lisbeth and Thomas Easton,” Addie mused.
“There seems to be one about you and your husband.”
Another loud laugh escaped Addie, drawing everyone’s attention. Rose flushed, and it deepened when her eyes met cool blue ones. Augustus had decided to attend. People swarmed around him, hoping to engage with a duke. His eyes stayed trained on her, and she nodded a greeting.
She craved to see his mouth tilt up in a smile or even down in a frown like it did when she was doing something he didn’t quite approve of, but there was none of that. His face was an emotionless mask. He nodded back at her and turned to the man beside him, who seemed to puff up at his attention.
