“Fix your gown… and get back to your duties. Your curiosity will get you nowhere. I suggest you drop it.”
Camelia’s fingers trembled as they brushed over the wrinkled fabric of her dress. The distance between them returned, vast and merciless, but she was getting closer to the truth.
Raph turned away from her, unlocked the door, and left without a second glance.
CHAPTER 21
What secrets is Raph hiding?
The novel on Camelia’s lap lay open yet unread. Her mind echoed with forbidden desires that she couldn’t fathom. She struggled to maintain her focus, as her thoughts were always consumed by Raph.
I’ve gained a sliver of control since our kitchen tussle, but his mysteriousness keeps me on edge, like a storm I can’t predict.
The memory of his hands, firm and commanding against her flesh, sent a flush through her, and her body shivered with longing.
The library’s quiet was shattered by the creak of the heavy oak door, and her heart leapt as Raph stepped inside. His dark coat made his broad frame seem taller, and his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that stole her breath.
My body’s already alive for him.
“Camelia.” He made her name sound like a sin, stirring her senses like no other. “You’re reading alone at this hour? I thought you’d be resting.”
“Why should I be resting?” She closed the book and set it aside.
“You need to regain your strength,” he said simply, as if his choice of words wouldn’t unravel her further.
Her fingers trembled slightly, but she decided to challenge him. “Regain my strength for another of your lessons, Your Grace?”
“Are you being smart with me?”
“Maybe. Or maybe I’m just trying to understand the man who keeps me guessing.”
She rose from the armchair, her muslin gown rustling softly. Her pulse quickened when his scent reached her. Her eyes ventured to his hands, the same hands that had touched her so intimately just the other day.
And now I am already craving more.
“You long to understand me, little flower?”
“Yes, I do.”
Raph stayed still. His cold eyes gave nothing away. “That’s a dangerous pursuit, Duchess.”
“Dangerous for who?”
“For everyone.”
“A husband should never be a mystery to his own wife,” she retorted.
“Some mysteries are better left unsolved.”
Camelia stepped closer to him, daring him to face her. “I’m not afraid of you, Raph.”
Her body hummed with awareness of his closeness. She craved his hands on her hips, his fingers on her sensitive folds and her nipples.
He’s standing so close, and I want him to touch me again. God, I’m shameless.
Raph raised an eyebrow. “You’re not scared, even after our… adventure in the kitchen?”
Camelia blushed at the memory of their passionate encounter in the kitchen. It was a forbidden thrill that lingered like a secret between them. They had never spoken of it since then.
