Page 60 of Claiming his Cursed Duchess

Adam’s gaze locked onto hers, and his words were a low whisper against her ear. “You dance beautifully.”

She swallowed, her heart hammering against her ribs. “As do you, Duke,” she managed, her voice steadier than she felt.

For a moment, they danced in silence, the music filling the space between them. But Adam’s presence was magnetic, and soon his lips brushed her ear as he leaned closer.

“Tell me, Duchess,” he murmured, his voice husky, “what are you afraid of?”

Rosaline froze, caught off guard by the question. She tried to maintain her composure, though she could feel the warmth in her cheeks.

Afraid?

The word sent a jolt of unease through her, and she pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze.

“I am not afraid,” she stammered, though she couldn’t quite hide the tremor in her voice.

Adam’s lips curled into a smile, a slow, dangerous smile. “You tremble, duchess. And your eyes…well, they betray emotion that runs much deeper than mere social anxiety.”

“It isn’t fear, my lord,” she said firmly, her voice a whisper of challenge.

“What is it then?” Adam asked, his eyes darkening, “Did anyone upset you tonight? Tell me and I shall deal with them promptly.”

“No, no. Nobody upset me,” she said hurriedly, wary of how protective the duke could be.

“What is the matter, then?”

The air between them crackled with an electric tension, and Rosaline, her breath catching, met his gaze.

“I…I am merely wary of how close you are, my lord,” she admitted.

“Wary? Do I make you uncomfortable?”

“Not in the way you think, Your Grace.”

Adam tilted his head to the side and a sly smirk formed on his lips.

“It would benefit both of us if you spoke plainly, wife,” he said.

“I am speaking plainly,” Rosaline retorted.

Adam’s smirk widened. Next, he leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered. “Show me the storm within you, Duchess. Let me see the woman beneath the mask.”

She felt a shiver run down her spine, both from fear and exhilaration.

Rosaline steadied herself.

“Very well, Duke,” she whispered, her voice husky, laden with suppressed emotions. “I shall do as you wish.”

The intensity between them grew, and Adam, his eyes dark with desire, pulled her closer still. His lips hovered inches from hers. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, wild and frantic.

This is dangerous,she thought, her mind racing.

But oh, so intoxicating.

Chapter Nineteen

“My, my, Your Grace. May I say you look beyond captivating tonight?” Phineas, his face alight with amusement, approached them mere moments after their dance had ended.

“Lord Northam, you flatter me,” Rosaline replied and glanced toward Adam, standing with a small group of politicians, who had almost clawed him into their circle, and away from her.