He held out his arm for her. “Just take my arm, and do try to appear happy about it.”
Richard handed over the horses to the stable man, and said, “My duchess and I require a room for the evening.”
Moments later, a friendly older woman showed them to their room. The woman opened a door on the second floor and waved them in. Black and white wallpaper coated the walls in a striped design that matched the chair situated by the small window. A cherry sleigh bed on the far wall called out, inviting her to lie down and rest her sore muscles.
“Your Grace, I hope this room meets your requirements. It is our best,” the kindly innkeeper said with a low bow.
“Very well, thank you.” Richard moved farther into the room.
The innkeeper studied Amelia before dropping into a curtsy. “My condolences, Your Grace.”
Amelia nodded politely, unsure of how a duchess should respond.
Richard came to stand beside her. “Thank you, we shall let you know if we require any further assistance.”
Once the innkeeper left, he placed their supplies on the floor near the door, then turned to her.
“I will go procure supper while you ready yourself for bed.”
Her cheeks warmed at the knowledge she would be spending the night in his company. “Very well, but I haven’t any night clothes.”
His rakish grin appeared sending her body into turmoil. “Then you should freshen up for now. Later, you can shed your gown. I assume even you are lady enough to have on a chemise?”
She reached for the closest object, a candlestick, and hurled it at his back as he exited the room in a storm of laughter.The scoundrel, low-down rake of a lord!“How dare he!”
She moved to the bed like a small child caught in the troughs of a temper tantrum and threw herself onto the mattress. Why did he make her feel so out of control? Even when vexed with him, her body was pulled toward him. She wanted to pummel him and be wrapped in his embrace at the same time. The thought startled her and she pushed herself into a sitting position. Her breath caught as the door opened revealing his return.
He breezed into their room followed by two commoners, arms laden with trays of food. They placed their burdens on a small table situated next to the chair before, turning to leave. Her mouth watered in anticipation of the feast.
Richard sat in the only chair they had. “I wasn’t quite sure what you liked, so I got a variety. I do hope you enjoy ale. It was the only option.”
“I have never had it before, but I am certain it will suffice.” She stood and walked to the table, stopping in front of it. Her gaze locked with his, silently commanding him to relinquish the chair to her.
“Oh, let me guess,” he said, a smug expression firmly ensconced upon his face. “You wish for me to move.”
“It would please me if you did, my lord.” She batted her eyelashes for added effect.
“Acting flirtatious will get you nowhere with me, my lady. All the same I shall--” A knock at the door cut him off. “Enter.”
Another commoner, whom she surmised must be in the inn’s employ, carried in an additional chair. It did not match the room, but appeared to be equally comfortable.
The intruder looked to the duke for approval.
“Very well, place it by the table,” Richard ordered, in a smooth yet authoritative voice.
With a smile the employee did as told before exiting the room.
Richard stood as the door clicked shut. “Choose your chair, my lady.”
Amelia quickly situated herself in the chair he vacated despite the fact his body left it warm. She had never occupied a recently vacated chair before, and could not help but think he had tormented her on purpose. No matter, she did not mind breaking society’s rules. He seated himself, then uncovered the food before glancing up at her, a grin spreading across his face.
She found the meal pleasurable. The ale, though different, satisfied her palate. She ate her fill while enjoying a merry conversation about their childhoods. He shared stories of his time at Eaton and the mischief he had often found himself in. She told him about her mama and papa and how they had always indulged her.
Once they completed their meal, he stepped out into the hall while she removed her dress and climbed into the bed. Her body seemed to vibrate as she pulled the blankets up to her chin. Modestly covered, she called out and gave him permission to reenter the room.
“I intend to ready myself and suggest you close your eyes until I am decently beneath the covers.” He glanced at her, a wicked look resting upon his face as she slammed her eyes shut. It did little good. Images of his chiseled body materialized in her imagination and begged for her to take a peek at him.
The temptation proved too great, and she opened her eyelids a crack. His magnificent half-bare body stood mere feet in front of her, setting off a spark of desire deep within her. She studied the curve of his hips all the way up to his onyx hair. Her body reacted powerfully, heart hammering, pulse racing, and the apex of her thighs pulsing in unison as she gazed upon his physique.
