Page 10 of A Virgin for the Forbidden Duke

The title alone sent a shiver down her spine, but she tried to maintain her composure. She found herself curious about this man who had so boldly confronted her mother. There was something intriguing about him that she couldn’t quite place, but she knew she wanted to find out more.

Agnes attempted to rise to her feet, but her legs betrayed her, and she stumbled back down. A soft, involuntary laugh escaped her lips, a mix of embarrassment and amusement. The charming stranger who had revealed himself as Matthew Fitzroy, the Duke of Huntington, couldn’t help but chuckle at her predicament.

She couldn’t believe her misfortune, and a blush crept up her cheeks as her cheeks warmed with embarrassment.

Matthew let out a hearty chuckle. “Are you all right down there, Miss Agnes?” He extended a strong arm, his hand reaching out to her once again. “Allow me, Miss.”

Agnes hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in his. She was pleasantly surprised by his strength as he effortlessly helped her back onto her feet. His touch was firm and reassuring, and as she felt the muscles of his arm beneath his clothing, she found herself briefly distracted by the sensation.

Her momentary delay didn’t go unnoticed. Matthew released her hand, and a playful glint danced in his eyes. “I must say, Miss Agnes, you certainly know how to make an entrance.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she cleared her throat, shifting her gaze away from his. “It wasn’t my intention, I assure you.”

Matthew’s laughter was warm and inviting. “No need for apologies. I must admit, this is the most interesting encounter I’ve had at a ball in a while.”

Agnes couldn’t help but smile, her embarrassment slowly dissipating. She realized that this man was unlike anyone she’d met in the ton, and the intrigue he held for her only grew.

Agnes’s cheeks were still flushed as she finally rose to her feet, her gaze drawn irresistibly to Matthew’s captivating features. He stood tall and well-built, his brown hair lending a touch of rugged charm, and his brown eyes bored into hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.

Broad shoulders accentuated his masculine presence, and she couldn’t help but admire the man who had not only defied her mother but also extended a helping hand when she fell. Her heart swelled, and she found herself feeling an attraction she hadn’t anticipated.

As their eyes locked, an unspoken connection seemed to form, and a warm smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She mumbled her thanks for his chivalry, her voice laced with a hint of affection.

But as Agnes gazed up at Matthew, she noticed the sudden intensity in his expression, and her heart skipped a beat. She had never felt quite like this before, her emotions tangled and unfamiliar.

He cleared his throat, his tone gruff as he spoke, “Miss Agnes, I must ask you to stop looking at me like that.”

His commanding words brought her back to reality, and she blinked in surprise. Her cheeks burned even hotter, and she quickly glanced away, her newfound fascination with the enigmatic Duke of Huntington intensifying.

Matthew’s words puzzled her, and she couldn’t resist asking, “What did you mean by that?” She closed the gap between them, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Matthew didn’t step away, but he also didn’t encroach on her personal space. He responded by saying, “I meant that you should stop looking at me like you’ve never seen a man before.” The tone of his voice was gruff but enticing.

Agnes didn’t back down. She needed to understand this enigmatic man better. She moved even closer, searching for an answer.

As Agnes moved closer, she noticed a change in Matthew’s eyes, a dark intensity that intrigued her further.

His low growl of her name sent shivers down her spine. Before she knew it, his strong hands slipped around her waist, pulling her close, and a gasp escaped her lips. Without hesitation, their lips met, and the world around them vanished, consumed by the heat of the daring kiss.

Matthew pulled away slightly, just enough to look at her face, and whispered, “You’re so beautiful.” He then leaned in for another kiss, and, this time, he let his tongue slip between her parted lips.

Agnes moaned softly, and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer.

Matthew’s hand slid up her back and cupped her cheek, gently stroking her skin. Her body was on fire with desire, and she could feel all sorts of ways she had never felt.

Alice found herself surrendering to pleasure for the first time, the flames of passion consuming every thought of propriety that had governed her life until now.

CHAPTER4

Agnes sat in her room, the memories of the night she spent with Matthew still fresh in her mind. She couldn’t help but recall how his lips had tasted, how his touch had sent shivers down her spine. It was a moment of pure passion, a fleeting escape from the rigid expectations that bound her.

Her reverie was interrupted by the sudden entrance of her lady’s maid, who breezed into the room with all the grace and excitement she could muster. Her face was aglow with delight, and her words tumbled out in a rush.

“Miss Agnes, you won’t believe what is happening! I know the last few days have been positively buzzing with all the gentlemen calling on you, but today is just a whole new level. I’ve never seen so many handsome faces in one place!” Peggy gushed.

Agnes couldn’t help but be amused by Peggy’s enthusiasm. “Calm down, Peggy. Who is here now?”

Peggy’s expression shifted, and she shook her head. “Well, first, there is Lord Ashington, followed by Sir Edward and his cousin, the Viscount of Thornfield. Then the maids are talking about the Earl of Egerton.” She looked around and leaned toward Agnes, whispering, “They say he is going to pay you a visit. He couldn’t stop asking about you!”

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