“Nonsense.” Lilli shook her head. “Give him a chance and you will see.”
Seven
Having made her decision, Annie enjoyed a restful night’s sleep, followed by a most disconcerting day of seeking the duke’s company. She watch for him as she took her morning ride. Then endured the drudgery of the parlor hoping he would enter. After that, she thought he would surely materialize for teatime, but still he remained elusive. Even the dinner hour came and went without his presence.
Exhausted and more than a little discouraged, she snuck out to the balcony and stared up at the crescent moon. She drummed her fingers on the marble rail as she wondered where the duke had gone.
She supposed she should have inquired, for surely someone in the house knew. But then, if she asked after him, the company would speculate. After all, unmarried ladies did not ask after gentlemen’s whereabouts.
“Would you care to take a stroll?”
Annie’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to find the duke standing just behind her. Mercy, the mere sight of him sent her body into a state of delicious disarray. Her heart pounded, and stomach flittered as she grew warm all over—and she delighted in the sensations.
He offered his arm, and she accepted it, a shiver of delight running through her. “I looked for you today.”
“Did you?” He asked, the corner of his lips lifting. “I was in the village assisting a family to replace the roof on their cottage. Lord Greenford and Lord Farrow helped as well.”
“How unusual and kind.” Annie should be ashamed of herself for not noticing the other gentlemen missing. In fact, she had not taken notice of any other gentlemen since the guests first arrived. She would not speculate on her lack of observation. Not right now.
The duke led her along a torch lit, cobblestone path. “I suppose it could be considered unusual. However, I see it as my duty. My country seat is near the village. The people who live on the land and in the village work hard. The duchy would be nothing without them. They deserve my support and helping hands.”
Annie stopped walking and gazed up at him. “That was well said, Your Grace. England would surely be a better place if more noblemen felt the same as you.”
“It is nothing.”
“Nonsense.” She shook her head. “I have come to see the real you. It is a pity that you hide your true nature from everyone else.”
“Carful, Lady Ann,” he said, his hand coming up to cradle her cheek. “I might think you have a tenderness for me.”
“I do,” she said in a whisper. “God help me, but I do.”
He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “The feeling is mutual. Since the day I met you, I’ve felt a pull between us. A fascination I cannot satisfy and ever-intensifying need to be near you.”
Warmth spread through her at his words. She tipped her chin up and he brought his lips to hers. A tender, sweet kiss. The sort of kiss that said everything while saying nothing at all. And she reveled in the contact, the heat and pressure of him. The melding of their souls.
He broke from her lips to kiss her jaw, her nose, her forehead. “Sweet Ann, you quite undo me. A few more minutes of you in my arms and I fear I will ruin your good opinion of me. I am not so bad as thetonthinks, but neither am I a saint.”
She angled her head, gave a sensual smile, and said, “You know, Your Grace, I would rather like to test that theory.”
“Minx,” he said, then brought his lips back to hers. He slid his tongue into her mouth, claiming and branding her. Their mouths slanting together over and over as their tongues thrust and swirled against each other, tasting and testing. Her knees shook as she held onto him, desperate to answer the feelings stirring deep within her.
He slid his hand lower to cup her bottom and pulled her closer as he devoured her mouth, his heart pounding against her breasts. “Let me pleasure you, Ann. Let me show you how good we can be together.”
She nodded, too breathless to speak, but wanting whatever it was he offered.
He brought his lips back to hers and kissed her soundly before laying her on the lush grass and trailing kisses across her chest.
She moaned when he freed her breast and suckled one hard nipple, then squirmed as he lapped at the other, sending delicious shivers through her. She did not protest when he picked up her skirts, his fingers finding the slit in her drawers and brushing against the curls between her legs.
He stroked his fingers back and forth, causing heat and need to pool between her thighs as he gave her another devastating kiss. Nipping at her lower lip, he said, “Open for me, sweeting. Let me pleasure you.”
Annie spread her legs without fear or shame. She trailed her fingers across his shoulders, then threaded them in his thick hair as he worked his finger in and out of her. She arched her back and moaned, desperate for more. “Your Grace,” she pleaded, on a breathy sigh.
His finger stilled, his gaze meeting hers. “Say my name. Say Evan,” he said, stroking into her again.
“Oh, oh God, Evan. It’s… Ah… that feels so good.”
He increased his thrusting as he slid down her body, abandoning her breasts to burrow his face between her thighs. He met her gaze with a wicked smile. “Good, you say? Allow me to show you earth shattering.”
