Page 23 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

It wasn’t Christopher but Damion—one of London’s most wayward dukes. Confusion filled her. Damion released her legs and stepped back. They both attempted to catch their breath as desire and need hung heavily in the air. She should have been horrified by their actions, but the only thing she felt was a deep, hungry longing to be in his arms again.

Damion cleared his throat and said, “Cora, I took that too far. I will do the right thing by you.”

She flinched at his practical words. Cora wouldn’t be the second woman Damion married that he didn’t love. “No.”

He frowned at her. “Cora, don’t be foolish. I pretty much fucked you.”

“But you didn’t. I want to marry someone who wants a wife. Do you want that?”

“A man can change his mind.”

She smiled sadly at him before grabbing her wrap and putting it on. “Not from one moment.”

“Cora—”

“I must go. Please don’t worry about me. This was a bit of madness for both of us. You want your freedom, and I want to be married to my family friend.”

His eyes darkened at her statement. “You don’t want him.”

Cora’s eyes watered. “I also don’t want a proposal from a man because he believes he is honor-bound to do so.”

Damion shook his head, but she didn’t give him a chance to respond. “Good night, Damion.”

Cora rushed down the hallway, up the stairs, and into her bedroom. She flopped down in a wingback chair in her room. What had she done? She closed her eyes, and the pleasure she had felt in Damion’s arms coursed through her.

Cora’s eyes flew open. She wouldn’t dwell on Damion even if he offered marriage. He didn’t want another wife. Still, now, she wasn’t so sure she could wed Christoper either. Not when she knew she could feel so much more for another. She sat in the chair, pondering what it meant that she had such an intense connection to the Duke of Blythe.

***

Damion stood in Stanton’s study, waiting for his friend. He’d asked the butler to fetch him. He wanted to formally tell Stanton that he planned to court Cora. He would be surprised but Damion hoped accepting.

He’d stayed in the library long after Cora departed the previous evening. Somewhat in shock but also confused about all that transpired with her. He’d never felt so strongly about another woman. Even now, his body craved hers. It wasn’t just a physical thing.

Still, he’d bungled a proposal between them. She seemed upset when he asked. He would do better. Damion wanted to for her. Stanton walked in, taking him away from his thoughts.

“I have failed, my friend. I haven’t found a single lady to court.”

Damion said, “Take your time. You will know when it is right.”

Stanton sighed. “I fear I’m being too picky. Well, at least, my mother will get one marriage out of this party.”

Shock filled him. “Did your sister accept Bellamy’s offer?”

“Almost. They are meeting on the terrace. He intends to propose to her. My mother is beside herself with excitement.”

Why did it feel like Damion’s heart was shattering? He knew why. He wanted Cora for himself, and it wasn’t just desire. His heart wanted her. Damion swallowed hard. He wouldn’t dare think the word love. Not when the lady was preparing to choose another man.

“Will she accept?”

A bark of laughter escaped Stanton. “She has been waiting to wed Bellamy for so long. I was skeptical about the match, but he assured me that he only wants her. Cora has always loved him, so I suppose it has all worked out.”

Selfishly, Damion wanted to tell Stanton he compromised Cora so he could have her. Still, he was a better man than that. He’d already forced one lady to marry him who loved another. He wouldn’t do it again.

Stanton plopped down in his chair behind his desk. “What did you want to speak with me about?”

“I’m leaving. Something came up in London. Can you have your staff return my things to the city?”

His friend frowned. “Can I offer my assistance?”