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Her climax hit his tongue, and he took it all before slowly lowering her back to the floor of the carriage.

For a few minutes, they sat there together, debauched and disheveled, panting and staring at one another in disbelief.

Finally, Seth pulled himself up, lifting her onto the bench again, and sat opposite her.

“Hm,” he murmured as she fixed her undergarments, “I believe that is the best ball I have ever attended.”

CHAPTER 20

Lord, I hope the servants did not hear me.

Alicia was mortified and exhilarated in equal measure. The pleasure still pulsed through her body.

Seth had barely moved for the remainder of their journey, sitting across from her, a gentle—and smug—smile playing on his lips.

She did not know whether to scold him or die of shame.

When they finally arrived back at the manor, Alicia’s thundering heart had calmed somewhat, but as soon as he reached for her hand, the desire pulsed through her again.

Katie and Bridget will be very disappointed in me. I am weaker than I thought.

But as they alighted from the carriage, his smile faded, and his brow was furrowed as they made their way into the house.

Alicia watched him warily, unsure where this change had come from, and as they made their way up the stairs to their chambers, she pulled back.

Seth turned to her, his eyebrows raised in query.

“What is it?” she asked. “You seem troubled.”

Seth shook his head slowly. “I apologize,” he said, sounding tired. “I should not have done that.”

Alicia frowned. “You regret it?”

Seth’s gaze sharpened as he gave another gentle shake of his head.

“Not for the reasons you think,” he said gently. “It seems when it comes to you, my emotions are…”

He looked up the stairs, the moonlight highlighting his handsome features.

“They are compromised,” he whispered. “I should not have been so bold.”

She did not know how to respond. His answer had all but confirmed his regret.

Should I feel ashamed?

He held out his hand once more, and Alicia had no choice but to take it, even as uncertainty rose inside her.

As they reached her room, Seth lingered beside her, his body close and heated against her skin. His scent surrounded her, and she fought not to inhale greedily.

“Goodnight Duchess,” he muttered slowly. “Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.”

Alicia watched him walk to his room, glancing back at her before he disappeared through the door.

How am I ever going to understand this man? He changes from one minute to the next.

Alicia wondered whether her husband would come to her that night. She lay in her bed, waiting for him, thinking that he was sure to continue what had begun in the carriage.

He did not.