“Well, you can keep that dream to yourself because it’s not going to become a reality.”
The corner of his mouth climbed higher, and she had to admit there was a bit of a boyish charm to him.
The railing dug into her back, and though she knew she should move to the side and dodge his advance, there was something in the way he looked at her that kept her rooted in place.
His hands landed on the railing, arms bracketing her in. Her breath hitched, her gaze dropping to his mouth. The Duke’s gaze found hers. Her eyes fluttered shut as she let out a soft breath, his lips ghosting over hers in a kiss. Once, twice.
And then he fully leaned in, his body pressing against hers. His fingers drifted over her cheek as his lips moved against hers in a kiss that sent fire searing through her body.
She froze for a moment before she leaned into him, her cheeks burning at the small sigh that escaped her. His smile was against her lips, his hands drifting to her hips, taking fistfuls of her skirt and holding her in place. Not that she planned on going anywhere. She could happily stay there with him. She could chase the freedom he was offering her.
Just as soon as it started, it was over. The Duke of Foxdrey pulled back mercilessly quickly with a smirk covering his face. His gaze searched hers before his hands were back on the railing. She missed his touch immediately, coming down from the high of doing what she wanted for the first time in her life.
She should slap him. She knew she should. It would be as simple as raising her hand and bringing it hard to the side of his cheek. His head would snap to the side; she would leave the ball.
And what little remains of my life will fall apart.
“Rake,” she said instead, her voice wavering. She planted her hands on his chest and pushed him back a step.
He arched an eyebrow, the fingers on her cheek falling to grip the railing beside her again. “At least now you know what you’re going to be missing.”
Suddenly, there were voices.
“Do you think it’s wise to be out here?” a woman asked, a man’s low tone following her words though Isobel couldn’t make out the words.
Isobel’s heart froze in her chest, and she glanced at the door, trying to keep herself calm.
If they were caught now, she would be ruined—in an irrevocable way. There was a chance whatever couple was sneaking around in the hallway might step outside and see them there.
“What if there’s someone else out on the terrace? We wouldn’t want our night ruined.” The woman giggled at something the man said, still too low for Isobel to hear. The woman’s voice was louder though.
Isobel glanced at the Duke, her blood pounding in her ears. “We have to hide.”
“Relax,” the Duke of Foxdrey said, moving closer to the door. “You stay here; I’m leaving.”
“You are?” she asked, feeling a small shred of inexplicable disappointment forming deep in her chest.
“I have debts to collect tonight. Men are bold with coin they do not possess—and humbled quickly enough when they need more time.” The Duke studied her for a moment before disappearing through the door and back into the party.
It can’t be.
And as Isobel was left standing on the terrace, the reality of what she had done hit her with the force of a summer storm raging through the country.
She let out a shuddering breath, putting her hands on her hips and trying to draw in deep breaths.
The Duke of Foxdrey wasn’t just the man who toyed with her emotions or who had the power to ruin her reputation.
No, he was more than that.
He was her father’s creditor. The man who had the power to take everything away from her family.
And she had just kissed him.
Four
Andrew glanced around the room, hovering close to the edge of the swirling couples on the dance floor. He didn’t want to get too close, to risk being eyed by one of the unsuitable women. One of the ones who knew about his reputation and didn’t care because they were only looking for a bit of fun outside their marriage.
“Your Grace!” A woman in a pale blue gown swept over to him wearing a bright smile.
