Gabriel’s struggle with his emotions was evident as he reluctantly took a few steps back, breaking the kiss. They were both panting, trying to catch their breaths when she noticed his hands reaching towards her, before he quickly pulled them back to his sides.
He didn’t want to pull away.
The Duke eventually composed himself, yet he failed to keep the longing from his voice. “Take the dog and go back inside.”
Evelina, still basking in the aftermath of their kiss, obeyed without a word, her movements quick and automatic as she did as she was told.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“There are a couple of blankets in there, but I believe we need more. Get me some heavy blankets and towels, and hurry, before the lady catches a cold,” Gabriel ordered the housemaid, who was hovering next to them, curiosity etched on her features.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Before she could take off, Gabriel turned to Evelina. “Quickly now, step inside. It’s warmer in here.”
Evelina looked up right in time to see the shock written all over the maid’s face. Upon noticing her stare, the maid curtsied quickly and hurried off.
Evelina drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes.
There’s no need to worry, my reputation is safe. He said I should trust him… I do…
“Miss Balfour? We cannot afford to linger about.” His words pulled her from her thoughts, and she nodded slowly.
The Duke guided her into the library, his hand hovering over the small of her back, his eyes reflecting the intensity of the moment.
The rain outside had set the stage, yet Evelina’s cheeks flushed not from the cold, but from the lingering heat of the kiss they shared moments ago.
From the moment they had stepped back into the house, the memory played vividly in her mind, each recollection setting her body on fire. She wanted to repeat it. Feel the same rush once more.
As Gabriel closed the door behind them, silence enveloped the room. In the quiet of the library, his presence felt both comforting and electrifying.
Standing alone together in a closed room, the air between them crackled with tension. Evelina wished she could ignore it. Gabriel’s eyes flickered with worry and suppressed desire, and she could not look away.
As the fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the room, Evelina finally found her voice. “Your Grace, I?—”
“Take a seat.” He gestured towards one of the chairs by the fireplace before she could finish her sentence.
Her body obeyed without a single word. As soon as she sat, she fell silent right after, her cheeks flaming., while she hoped he couldn’t see the crimson in the dark.
She struggled to keep her gaze averted, holding her breath to try to clear her head.
“Here, this should help keep you warm,” Gabriel murmured as he draped a heavy blanket over her suddenly, allowing her to adjust her arms while still cradling the puppy.
The tenderness in his actions caused her blush to bloom further on her cheeks, her heart fluttering at such a considerate gesture.
Evelina raised her head, and their eyes locked. Her breath hitched in her throat, her pulse quickening as she felt the weight of his gaze. Her legs felt like jelly as the tension crackled between them.
She watched him exhale softly, his eyes slowly drifting down to her lips, and she let out a sigh of delight. Longing was written all over his face.
Do it. Kiss me again, Gabriel…
Just as the tension reached its peak, a soft whine from Whiskers shattered the fragile moment.
Startled, Gabriel drew back abruptly and took more than a couple of steps away from her. Evelina felt her cheeks flush withembarrassment, the sudden shift in the atmosphere leaving her reeling.
Why did you want him to kiss you? What are you thinking, Evelina? This should not be happening!
He cleared his throat, and the mere sound made her flush a deeper shade of red. As he stepped closer to the fireplace, a heavy silence descended upon them again.
