“Yes, Camelia.”
Her chest tightened with a searing pain, but she forced a cold smile.
“Did Wendy offer her…servicesto you again?” she hissed.
“Yes, she did,” he replied flatly. “She even touched my arm.”
Camelia took a sharp breath.
I won’t let him see me crumble.
Raph’s husky voice taunted her. “Does that make your blood boil, Duchess?”
Camelia lifted her chin. “Hardly, Raph. I’m merely curious why a duke wastes time with courtesans when he has a wife. Unless Wendy is your… lover?” She kept her calm. “Did Wendy’s touch thrill you? Or was it just polite conversation?”
She hoped he would tell her what she wanted to hear.
Raph’s thigh pressed harder against hers. “Camelia, her touch was nothing like yours, which sets me on fire. You’re the one who haunts me day and night, little flower. Not her.”
Camelia’s breath caught at his confession.
“You sure know how to speak to a lady. Should I be flattered, or is this just your way of dodging my questions?” she teased, but hid the comfort his words gave her.
“Would you like to hear more about Wendy?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
“No, but I’m not letting you off that easily.”
“I don’t suspect you will.”
His closeness made it hard for her to think.
Raph chuckled and brushed her arm, sending a shiver through her. “I’m here, aren’t I? Talking to you instead of Wendy. And no, she’s not my lover. Now, admit it. Were you jealous, thinking of her touching me?”
Camelia forced a laugh. “Jealous? Of Wendy? Please, Raph. But I do wonder how many other hands you have let touch you tonight.”
“It was just Wendy, I think,” he said mockingly.
“You’re avoiding my question. What did you say to her?”
Raph’s eyes darkened, his voice a husky promise. “I told her I’m a married man. My desires are spoken for by a wife who drives me to distraction. You want to know what I want?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly.
“You, here, now, not another woman’s fleeting touch.”
Camelia’s cheeks flushed, her voice trembling despite her calm facade. “If you wanted me, then why did you run off on your secret errands, Raph? If you desire me, why not stay and show it?”
Raph leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, “Oh, little flower. I’m showing it every time I look at you.”
“I’m trying, Raph, but you make it hard when you shut me out. I want to be your partner, not just your wife. Tell me something,anything, about where you go, about your past, and your plans for the future. Be honest with me.”
He’s so close, I want to melt into him.
Raph’s hand lingered on her arm, sending heat waves through her. “Something? All right. All of my errands are to ensure that Pamela’s future is secure. That’s all you’ll get for now, little flower. But know this, you both are the only ones who matter.”
“Then prove it, Raph.”
“Prove it how?”
