With a nod, he steered her towards the dance floor.
Genevieve felt the world melt away as they glided across the dance floor. Wilhelm’s hand rested on her waist, and his gaze never left hers.
“You know I am yours, Genevieve,” he murmured against her ear, and she felt the weight of a thousand eyes vanish at his words. “Yours.Only.”
The intensity of his words washed over her, and memories of their intimate moments flashed through her mind.
God, I want him to take me right on this dance floor.
“Can I interest you in a drink, my sweet?” Wilhelm inquired.
Genevieve suddenly became aware of a dryness in her throat that she had not noticed until he made his offer.
She nodded gratefully. “I would love one, thank you,” she replied.
Wilhelm excused himself, disappearing into the crowd to fetch her drink. He returned moments later, holding a crystal glass filled with golden wine.
“Here you are, Duchess,” he said, offering her the glass with a gentle smile. “And now,” he continued, “I believe we have some unfinished business to address.”
Genevieve’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Unfinished business?” she echoed, her curiosity piqued.
Wilhelm’s lips curled into a mischievous grin.
“Indeed,” he confirmed, his gaze twinkling with a playful light. “I will wait for you in the drawing room on the second floor. Please do not keep me waiting.”
With a wink and a gentle squeeze of her hand, he vanished into the crowd, leaving her giddy with anticipation.
She downed the glass in a single gulp, the room tilting slightly as the wine took effect, before lifting the hem of her skirt and ascending the grand staircase.
Genevieve paused, her heart pounding in her chest as she pushed open the door.
Wilhelm stood by the fireplace, his back to her, his tall frame silhouetted against the flickering flames. He turned as she entered, his gaze sweeping over her with a passion that made her stomach drop.
Without uttering a word, he pushed her against the wall, his right hand pressing the door shut.
“You follow orders very well, Duchess. I knew you would be a good girl for me,” he said.
Before Genevieve could respond, their lips met in a feverish kiss as their bodies pressed together. Her fingers tugged on his hair as she surrendered to him, the sound of mingled voices downstairs fading into nothingness.
Wilhelm’s hands roamed over her body, exploring with a zeal that left her breathless. One of his hands held her hair back while the other gripped her hip, synchronizing their movements with the rhythm of their tongues.
Genevieve moaned softly, her body arching into his touch, her chest pressing against his as though she could dissolve the layers that separated them through sheer willpower alone.
Without a warning, Wilhelm pulled away and exhaled.
“All right. I have had enough of this farce. We are going home,” he murmured huskily.
Chapter Seventeen
“To Ravenshire!” Wilhelm’s voice rang out from the back of the carriage. His burning gaze locked onto Genevieve before he barked, “And make haste!”
The carriage lurched forward, its wheels rattling loudly against the uneven cobblestones as the driver snapped the reins, urging the horses into a swift gallop.
Inside the carriage, the air crackled like an impending storm, charged with the attraction between them.
He reached for her, his hand cupping her cheek as he drew her face so close to his that their breaths mingled.
“I cannot wait to have you all to myself, Genevieve,” he said in a low voice.
