Windsor paced her private sitting room, her bare feet soundless against the plush rug. Her emerald silk dressing gown clung to her figure, its deep neckl

he door brok

visiting her at this hour. Crossing the room, she hesitated before op

gray eyes calm but unreadable. He was still dressed in his simple servant's

ice steady despite the sudden

oice low and quiet. "But I

way was empty before opening the door fully and stepping aside. He e

roper," she said, t

ng are," James replied

y from her shoulder, revealing more skin than she intended. "You'

Duke looked at you tonight. The way Lord Alexander couldn't keep his distance. And yet.

ght. "You pres

s, searching. "Tell me I'm wro

ound the edges of her gown. "Wh

ant to understand why someone like you, with all the power and grace in

" she said, though

t think

her and the outdoors clung to him, intoxicating and raw. Victoria's breathing quickened

she whispered, her v

u want

ly, hovering near her face as though seeking permission. When she didn't pull awa

he murmured, though

filled with something she couldn't name.

olve sh

waist, pulling her closer as the silk of her gown slid further from her shoulders. The world outside her cha

st hers as they both caught their breath. "Tell me to

r hands clutching the front

holding back. He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her to the chaise

ng her neck, his touch igniting a fire she hadn't felt in years. For once, there was no pretense,

t her, his expression a mixture of desire and restraint. "You are so much more

voice trembling, "are far mo

dn't respond. Instead, he kissed her again,

oticed. Time had no meaning here, in this stolen moment where

that would inevitably come. But for now, in the darkened room filled