Page 29 of Her Heartless Duke
She wanted him.Fiercely. The desire of it, forhim, was even more palpable than the fear of death itself.
“We should stop,” he told her, holding himself away from her. She could see the tension in his shoulders. She knew that he was doing his very best to rein in his desires. “Y-you are not truly well yet.”
Olivia let out a soft sound in protest. Oh, she desired him all right—never mind that it was wrong on so many levels, but she wanted him. Wanted to feel his touch on her bare skin.
Wanted to know what it felt like to behis.
But she knew he was right. She had collapsed on the dance floor not even an hour ago. Now, her blood was rushing hot and fast in her veins until she felt that she might be dizzy again.
“Are you all right, Lady Olivia?” he asked her, frowning when he saw the almost dazed look in her eyes.
She nearly wanted to pummel him when he called her that.Lady Olivia—so detached and so formal. As if he had not just laid his lips on hers a few moments ago.
As if he had not just touched her so intimately, his hands roving her curves so possessively.
If anyone had walked in on them at that moment, her reputation would be in tatters. Daniel would demand that Isaac marry her and if he refused—
She closed her eyes and nearly groaned in misery. Good lord, if they had carried on as they did, her own brother might have ended up killing the Duke of Langley in a duel. Or it could well be the other way around.
Either way, none of it would do any of them any good.
“I am perfectly fine, Your Grace,” she managed a wan smile. “Perhaps… it was just all the excitement and, ah… getting caught up in the moment.”
Any more caught up and I would have had to deal with blood on my hands!
The thought terrified Olivia.
“Well, it is getting rather late,” she muttered. “Perhaps… perhaps I ought to head back to Bennet House before anyone notices anything amiss.”
She stood up and wobbled slightly on her feet. Good grief, if she was to join the dance competition, then she could not be allowing Isaac to affect her like this or she would lose all chances of ever winning.
“Will you at least allow me to take you home?” he offered her with a worried look.
“I assure you that I am perfectly capable of finding my way back home, Your Grace,” she told him with what she hoped was a jaunty smile. “Besides, it would not do well for us to be seen together this late.”
He nodded and finally relented—on the condition that she be allowed to use his carriage. Olivia was ready to wage another argument, but he would hear none of it.
“I shall have you accompanied by Mrs. Wilson, our housekeeper,” he told her. “She should serve as a deterrent for rumors well enough. And that,” he added with a sense of finality, “is that.”
Olivia sighed and pursed her lips. She had always known when to pick her battles and this was one she was not going to win. In any case, since he had already thought of everything, it would be more prudent to go with his suggestion.
She just hoped that no one would notice her late return.
Or the state of her hair and dress.
“I have to be assured that you will get back home safely, Lady Olivia,” he told her firmly.
She blinked at him. “Why? Because you are afraid of my brother?”
Danielcouldbe intimidating at times, although she had her doubts if her brother could actually pressure Isaac into doing anything.
“Lancashire?” he scoffed. “Not likely. No, I just want to make sure that you will be able to return for your next dance lesson.”
Olivia felt relief flood her body and she smiled at him, “So, you would continue to teach me to dance, Your Grace?”
He regarded her with a raised eyebrow as he stalked towards her. “I did not say that I was already done with you, Lady Olivia.” His voice dropped an octave lower. “You still have very much to learn.”
“That… I do,” she agreed, biting down on her lower lip. She saw his eyes darken, his nostrils flaring a little, wondering if she had done something to displease him.