Page 54 of The Duchess' Replacement

His heavy lidded eyes looked up into hers as he ripped the collar of her dress exposing her breasts to him. Instead of embarrassment at being partially naked in front of a man Sarah felt emboldened.

It was not only his words that encouraged her, but the way he looked at her. As if she were the only one in the world that mattered. Being a middle child, that was a feeling that alluded her many times. In this moment with Charles, she felt like she was the middle point from which everything came.

Even when they fought, he challenged her to be quicker, smarter, better. It was frustrating, it was exhausting, but she had to admit, it was also exhilarating.

His hot mouth twirled against one of her peaked nipples and she sighed into him. His lower body pushed and swirled in small circles against her. Her legs tightened against him, needing him closer.

Charles shifted his weight so he could move his arm that was holding him up. He reached below and started pushing her skirts out of the way.

She wiggled in anticipation. His actions became more aggressive and needy. Sarah’s core was molten magma looking for a vein to erupt.

Charles’s hand found her center and she cried out in ecstasy.

A knock sounded from the door and Charles’s hand froze.

“What do you want?” He barked.

Sarah bit her lip to stop from moaning. Even with the disruption Charles’s fingers still played with her. She couldn’t hear who was answering him and she didn’t care as long as he never stopped his movements.

Her hips pushed against his hand and her body began to climb the hill she’d come to love.

But his movement stopped.

Sarah’s eyes flew open.

Please don’t say my punishment is delayed gratification again!

Instead of playful, and lustful eyes she was just looking into before ecstasy took over, Sarah found dark and dangerous eyes looking down at her.

“What is it?” She whispered.

“Who did you say is here?” He demanded from the disembodied voice.

There was a pause. “Miss Honora is here to see you, Your Grace.”

Sarah’s heart dropped.

A woman?

“Who is Honora?” Her voice cracked. Her mind was racing with thoughts of scorned women coming to demand his time.

Charles cursed and pushed himself up off of Sarah. He stood up, adjusting his trousers.

She took a pillow and covered her bare chest. She was thankful whomever was on the other side of the door, most likely Samuels, didn’t come in to deliver their news.

Tears prickled her eyes and she blinked quickly in hopes they’d stay put.

Charles stormed to the study door and opened it enough for him to look through the crack.

He spoke in hushed murmurs but she could tell that he was not happy with the news. Sarah sat up and tried her best to put her collar to rights but the Duke had ripped it enough that it was thoroughly ruined.

She stood up, brushing her skirts down with one hand, while her other hand held her shirt together at her neck.

Her heart sank at the idea of walking out of the study in a disarray in front of the staff. The tears she tried to stave off began to fall as embarrassment fell like a heavy blanket over her.

The click of the door had her looking up at Charles. She quickly wiped her tears, hoping to keep her embarrassment to a minimum.

“Is everything all right?” Sarah’s voice was thick.

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