Page 16 of Her Seven Nights with the Duke

Nora held her breath and raised her hand to knock on the door, wincing when the sound was amplified by the quietness of everything else. The doors opened before she could think much further on it, and she looked up to see Samuel staring down at her in amusement.

She shut off her expression, maintaining a stoic mask to hide the irritation she felt.

Why are you always so amused when you see me?

He made her feel like a silly schoolgirl as opposed to the lady of three-and-twenty that she was, long gone from the schoolrooms and the guidance of an overprotective mama.

“I had begun to wonder how long you planned to stand out here,” he said with a grin.

Nora blushed, partly in embarrassment and partly in awe. It was the first time she had seen anything other than his half-smile, and he was beautiful. His perfectly square jawline softened, and his cheekbones lifted, softening the harsh lines of his face that made him so scary. For once, she was standing before a man much her equal.

“How did you know I was there?” she asked.

She thought she had been quiet as she stood there. The butler had certainly been quiet, and he hadn’t knocked on the door, choosing instead to let her do so.

“The torch.” Samuel stood up and picked up a candle that sat on one of the tables, moving closer to her. Her breath caught in her throat as he stood in front of her.

Is it time for that already?

She steeled herself, although a part of her screamed at her to run. Nora was curious. She wanted to know what he tasted like. To feel what the woman felt as he touched her. To know what other places he would touch her, other than underneath her skirts.

Her eyes widened at the direction of her thoughts, and she stepped back, causing him to chuckle.

“You need not back away from me. I have—” He paused, staring at her outfit.

Nora stared at him in shock as he laughed, his body shaking from the force of it. She frowned, looking around the room and down at herself.

“Would you mind telling me what it is you find so amusing, Your Grace?”

He pointed at her, his hand gesturing up and down.

She stared down at herself in confusion. “I do apologize, Your Grace, but I simply cannot see what is so funny.”

“Your attire, Lady Nora. One would think you were a spy if they saw you,” he said when his laughter died down.he had finally calmed himself.

Nora rolled her eyes at him. She had expected something else, and yet here he was, laughing like a child.

“I suppose I cannot expect you to understand why I need to dress this way,” she said, still irritated.

“I apologize, Lady Nora. I was merely jesting. I assure you that I understand the risks on your end. To be honest, I was surprised to see that you were not deterred and managed to make it here,” he said.

“Should I thank you?” she asked him, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Samuel laughed in amusement, and she glared at him.

“Please, allow me to take your cloak,” he said, helping her remove it.

Her breath caught in her throat as he closed the distance between them. She bit her lip, relieved when he finally moved away, her cloak in his hand.

“You have a beautiful home,” she said as she looked around his dimly lit halls.

Samuel had taken her around. She had never seen a garden that rivaled his. It was lovely how a man who was known to be so cold and cruel could cultivate a garden so beautiful and inviting. They were the perfect contrast. The Duke was a very wealthy man and clearly wanted for nothing, as his home indicated.

“I believe the table must have been prepared for us. I certainly hope you have the appetite. It is your first time here, after all,” he said, offering her his hand.

Nora placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her towards the room. She bit her lip as her heart pounded heavily in her chest and her neck tingled. thrummed.

Can he hear my heart beating?

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