Page 38 of His Grace, the Duke (Second Sons #2)

Rosalie

As if Rosalie wasn’t already at the edge of sanity, Renley’s words pushed her over. Heat flooded her entire body, and she knew if he touched her once she’d likely come apart.

Renley loved her. Perhaps he hadn’t said it yet, which was probably her fault, but she knew it with a surety that ran marrow deep. He loved her, and she loved him. Heavens, she wanted to tell him. Could she say the words now?

She looked up at him and her breath caught. His beautiful blue eyes were warm with longing. His calming scent filled her senses—sunshine and sea salt on a warm summer’s day. Renley was her safety, her comfort, her friend. He may not like the word, but it was true. She could tell him anything and he’d understand. She never wanted to feel herself standing outside the warmth of his friendship.

But now he needed something else from her. He didn’t want to be Renley the friend. He wanted to be Tom, the man who held a piece of her heart, the lover who set her soul on fire. She was his caged phoenix, and he wanted her unleashed.

Something about submitting to this man made her feel powerful. His passion made her bold. She slipped her dressing gown and chemise from her shoulders, letting them fall to the floor. Tom’s eyes flashed with hunger as he took in her nakedness.

Behind her, Burke groaned. But he’d have to wait his turn.

Holding Tom’s gaze, she smiled and dropped to her knees.