Page 20 of Courting the Duke (Reimagined Regency #2)

“I agree, I…” Serena trailed off as the door moved once more. It was too dark to see if anyone had actually closed it, or if the momentum of its weight had done the trick. “That was odd. Perchance, is this room haunted?” she asked, turning to look at him with a teasing grin.

Hoxton stared at the closed door, oil lamp still in hand. She recognized the frozen quality of his countenance and the utter rigidity of his frame. “We are trapped.”

“Unless someone locked the door, we are not trapped.” Serena tried to be the voice of reason and went to inspect the door. Her stomach sank, and dread settled in her mind. “There is no handle on this side.”

“Yes. I meant to get it fixed, but… but it’s too late. We’re trapped.” Horror filled his eyes before a glazed look took over his face, leaving him still as a statue.

Compassion tugged at her heartstrings, and she placed a hand on his sleeve. This wasn’t the first time she’d witnessed his adverse reaction to a stressful situation. While she didn’t pity him, she was cognizant of his pain. Speaking in a low voice, she asked, “Hoxton?”

“Trapped.” The harsh word sounded strangled, and he fell to his knees, almost dropping the oil lamp.

Reacting on instinct, she caught the lamp at the last moment, the bowl burning her hand as it tilted dangerously. She righted the lamp before squatting next to him on the cold and damp dirt floor. Fear rode her shoulders, but she couldn’t give in to her emotions. She must help him.

His rigid frame shook uncontrollably. Unseeing eyes stared into nothing. To see such a proud man brought to his knees was unnerving.

“Hoxton, can you hear me?”

When he didn’t respond, she knelt before him and took both of his hands in hers. They were like ice. She brought them to her chest, trying to warm him. He was in shock, and she had a horrible feeling that if she didn’t help him snap out of it, he would only get worse.

“Christian, look at me.” Without his permission, she had no right to use his Christian name; however, the situation warranted it.

Squeezing his fingers, she gave him a slight shake.

After a breathless moment, he turned his gaze to her.

Hope swelled. She kept her voice calm, pleased that none of her own angst showed, “I am here with you. You are not alone.”

The blank glaze left his eyes, and he licked his lips. Moisture dotted his forehead, and his face was waxen. “Serena, Miss Deburgiak…what, um, what happened?”

The relief she’d experienced seconds before stalled. While he answered her question, his voice was slurred and full of confusion. “You had some sort of episode,” she said.

“An episode? Yes, I suppose you can call it that.” Hoxton drew his hands from hers and buried his face in his palms. Where before he had been rigid, his body and spirit seemed broken. “I am sorry you had to witness that.”

She wasn’t sure what to say next without prying into his personal life. Granted, she’d read his letter to Roxanne, which explained his fears after the battle. Did this episode have something to do with that? “You needn’t apologize.”

“Are we still trapped in here?” he asked, visibly shuddering as he voiced the question.

“For now, but you needn’t fear. I am sure the others will rescue us soon.” Serena put on a brave face for his benefit. She wasn’t keen on being trapped there either. “Would you like a brandy to settle your nerves?”

“That sounds just the thing, although I can foresee a big problem…”

“There are no cups,” she said in unison with him.

Relieved laughter cut the air between them. “I will simply pour it into my mouth from the spigot.”

“Considering the spigots are quite large, you will be drenched in brandy.” She joined in his laughter that, after such a shocking turn of events, was contagious.

She couldn’t pinpoint whether it was truly that funny or if she simply needed relief.

With a slowly released breath, she gained control over herself.

How much time had passed, she had no idea. Surely someone would rescue them soon?

Both were still on their knees. She locked gazes with him, their closeness sinking into her consciousness. He leaned in as she swayed in his direction. Time stood still, and she held her breath, waiting for his kiss.

Their mouths connected in a tentative sweep before returning with more pressure.

Her entire body flared to life, and she angled her head, bringing her mouth closer to his seeking one.

With a low moan of hunger, he cupped the back of her neck, drawing her closer to him.

She couldn’t resist if she tried. Kissing him was a dream come true, and she never wanted to wake up.

He played soft kisses over her mouth, each a perfect harmony.

The steady drip of water on the floor, combined with their breathing, broke the heavy silence.

Hoxton pulled her closer still, until she was flush to him, her arms sliding around his neck. The hunger in his kiss matched her growing need, and she longed to stay like this forever. He lifted his head to rest his forehead on hers. “We shouldn’t be doing this.”

“No, we shouldn’t.” Serena tilted her chin, bringing their lips together once more. Her actions belied her words, the world outside a mere memory. He was supposed to marry Roxanne, and while she wanted the match, it was a bittersweet victory.

The door rattled, and muffled voices came through the heavy wood, “Your grace, are you in there?”

Hoxton released her, his chest rising quickly. “Yes, I am,” he called out, his large palm cupping her jaw. He drew his thumb over her bottom lip, desire still bright in his eyes, before he dropped his hand. “Thank you, Serena.”

“You are welcome.” She knew he wasn’t speaking about the kiss, and while she forced a smile, an emptiness settled in Serena’s chest. While Hoxton could merely forget this moment and move on, her life was forever changed.

She no longer had the luxury of second-guessing her future.

Either she find another position or risk a broken heart.