Page 64 of Wedded to the Sinful Duke

Jonathan felt a surge of gratitude for her understanding. “Thank you. This… It means a lot to me. That you… that you appreciate this,” he said, his heart swelling with emotion. “Perhaps I will take it up again, one of these days.”

“It would be such a shame if you did not,” she agreed.

As the moment lingered, Jonathan found himself captivated by Ciara’s presence and the way she absorbed the emotions behind his drawings. An idea sparked in his mind, and he hesitated, feeling a mix of excitement and shyness.

“Would you… would you consider posing for me?” he asked, his voice soft yet hopeful.

Ciara blinked, a flush rising to her cheeks. “Me? Pose?” she echoed, surprise evident in her tone.

“Yes,” he replied, a hint of bashfulness creeping into his demeanor. “I’d love to capture your essence.”

She bit her lip, her heart racing at the thought. “I suppose I could,” she said, a shy smile breaking through. “But I’m not sure how to pose.”

Jonathan chuckled lightly, his nerves easing. “Just be yourself. I want to capture the spirit of who you are.”

After a moment’s contemplation, Ciara nodded, her blush deepening but her smile growing more confident. “All right, I’ll do it. But promise you’ll make me look good,” she teased lightly, her playful nature shining through.

“I won’t have to try hard at all, but I promise nevertheless,” he said with a grin, feeling a flutter of excitement at the prospect of drawing her. “Let’s find a spot where the light is good.”

As they moved to a corner of the study, the sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow. Jonathan set up his materials, heart racing with anticipation.

Ciara settled into a comfortable pose, her expression soft yet thoughtful. Jonathan took a deep breath, focusing on the lines and curves that defined her features, ready to capture the essence of the woman who had brought so much light into his life.

CHAPTER 30

The following days resembled a fairy tale. That morning, the sun streamed through the grand windows of the drawing room as Ciara sat beside Jonathan, both of them enjoying a moment together although Jonathan was reading his newspaper and Ciara was immersed into her book. However, just knowing that he was there, by her side in silence, made all the difference.

Suddenly, he lifted his head to see her watching him. Having been caught off guard, she blushed under his gaze.

“What is it, dear?” he asked, placing his newspaper in his lap, signaling that he was no longer interested in reading. He was interested in her.

“Nothing,” she smiled, blushing even more.

“It is obvious something,” he teased. “You just don’t want to tell me.”

“Well, there’s nothing to tell,” she replied playfully.

“But you are smiling,” he pointed out. “People smile for a reason… women especially.”

“I was just thinking,” she finally said with a little shrug.

“About me?” he asked, truly intrigued by the possible response.

“No,” she laughed melodiously, a laughter that proved to him that her response was a lie.

“It is all right to admit it.” He winked at her. “I am irresistible, after all.”

She laughed again, even louder than before. “And vain.”

“Occasionally,” he nodded, amusedly. “But don’t tell anyone.”

“I think they know,” she was still chuckling. “But I was just thinking how… happy I am here.”

“With me?” he inquired with that same raised eyebrow.

“Well… yes,” she agreed softly, looking away for a moment, only to lock her eyes with his once more.

However, before he could ask more, a knock on the door interrupted their intimate moment together.

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