Page 36 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

They made their way back into the ballroom, and Damion studied Cora. She was stunning in a lavender-and-silver gown. Her blonde hair was tied up in an elegant bun that he itched to unwind. A moment of worry filled him. What if she said no?

Then her eyes connected with his, and he knew what her answer would be. She stood with her mother and friends. They all sensed that something was about to happen because they stepped back as he approached, giving him and Cora space.

She smiled at him. “Your Grace.”

He lifted her hand to his lips. Sighs broke out across the room. Everyone watched them.

“Lady Cora, you have captured my heart. I can honestly say that I want to spend every day of the rest of my life with you. I want to travel, raise children, and quarrel over nonsense with you.”

The last bit made several people laugh. She shook her head at him. He stepped closer to her. “Will you make me the happiest man and become my wife?”

“Yes. I choose you, Damion.”

He pressed his lips to hers, and everyone applauded. The act was somewhat scandalous, but he didn’t give a damn; this was the woman he loved. Pulling her close, he whispered, “You are mine, and I’m yours.”

“Forever.”

Chapter 15

Cora waited for Damion in her guest bed chamber. After his proposal, the night became a whirlwind of congratulations. It was lovely, but in truth all she wanted was to spend time with him.

The door clicked open quietly, and she turned. He stood there in just his shirt, pants, and shoes. The man took her breath away. His broad shoulders and muscular thighs made her think wanton thoughts constantly. His brown hair looked as if he’d been running his fingers through it.

“You are here,” she said.

“I am.”

She poured them both a glass of wine, wanting them to talk. Though Cora was mightily tempted to throw her arms around Damion and get lost in her need for him. Yet, he must have sensed a discussion was necessary as well because he accepted the drink from her and sat in one of the two wingback chairs in the room. She took the other one. “Why did you leave the country estate party?”

“I met with your brother to ask to court you, and he informed me Bellamy was about to propose. I saw the two of you on the terrace, and you seemed happy. I didn’t want to stand in the way of what you wanted, but I couldn’t bear to watch you become betrothed.”

“I told him I needed to think about it because I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

He took her hand in his and squeezed it. “I didn’t realize that at the time. I knew I’d fallen for you by the time I left.”

“But you departed with Lady Bennett.”

Damion frowned at her. “No, I didn’t. I left on my horse. I didn’t even pack my things.”

She stood and leaned forward, placing a kiss on his mouth. “I thought you’d gone off to be a rogue.”

He tugged her onto his lap. “The only lady I wanted to do anything with was you. You consumed all my thoughts and, truth be told, I think you always will.”

Her heart warmed at his declaration. Damion added, “The moment I met you in the library the first night, I knew it was special.”

Cora laughed. “No, you didn’t.”

He brushed another kiss across her lips. “I did, and it terrified me.”

“You were not a very good instructor.”

Damion snorted. “I was the best.”

He pressed his mouth to hers and slid his tongue along the seam of her lips. “Open for me, my love.”

She did as he asked. The ache already throbbing in her lower half. Her arms wrapped around his neck as her bottom rocked along his hard shaft. The memory of his member pressed against her most feminine area in the library pulsated through her. The kiss broke, and she looked up at him. “Damion, will you make me yours?”

“There is nothing I want more, but I’ve already done everything wrong.”