Page 50 of Her Seven Nights with the Duke

Nora’s eyes flashed to his for a moment, shocked. She knew he spoke those words only so they would not attract any suspiciousglances. However, that did not stop her heart from beating so fast.

All of this will be over when I arrive.

She tried to console herself, but the thought of him leaving her only filled her heart with more longing. He had burrowed himself into her heart like a rabbit digging a hole into the garden, too stubborn to leave and causing the gardener a heartache.

“And perhaps we can have some food brought up to the room and some hot water,” he added.

“Certainly, My Lord,” the innkeeper said, signaling for a younger man. “My son will show you up to your room, and food and water will be brought up in a moment.”

Samuel nodded and took Nora’s hand in his, leading her up the stairs as they followed after the young man.

“Here is your room, My Lord,” he said, opening the door for them.

Nora thanked him and walked in, looking around the small space. There was only one bed, a wooden chair and table, and a wash basin at the corner. She gulped as her eyes landed on the small bed. It was barely enough to fit one person, and they would both need to be pressed against each other if they were to sleep in it.

“Why didn’t you ask for two rooms?” she asked, looking away from the small bed.

“Hmm?” Samuel asked absentmindedly. He looked away from the open window and glanced at her. “What kind of married couple would we be if we asked for two separate beds?”

She shrugged, looking away as her cheeks flushed a bright red. A knock sounded at the door, filling her with relief. She sat on the bed as Samuel went to answer it.

He returned with the innkeeper’s son and two others they hadn’t seen earlier as they carried in buckets of steaming hot water and a tray of food.

“I’m sure you wish to wash off the grime from our journey. I’ll go down to look around while you do what you have to,” Samuel said, closing the door behind him on his way out.

Nora sat with her eyes fixed on the door for a moment before she got up to clean up, hurrying through the process before he could return. She washed her hair and skin, drying off in a matter of minutes, and changed into a much simpler dress.

Samuel returned a few minutes later, and they sat down for dinner. Nora ate without tasting anything. She doubted she would ever truly allow herself to relax until she was in the safety of her aunt’s home, free from whatever plans the Viscount had for her.

She sat in the single chair as Samuel dropped the dishes outside. She yawned as exhaustion hit her. Much like her inability to eat all day, she also hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep from the moment she sent the letter, putting her plans in motion.

Her eyes closed for a moment as she slowly blinked away the sleep.

“You should go to bed,” Samuel said suddenly, jolting her back into consciousness.

She stared at him and then at the bed, her cheeks pinkening once more. “But there is only one bed.”

Samuel rubbed his chin in contemplation. “It will not be the first time we lay in bed together. I’m certain we can both sleep on the bed.”

She glared at him, hiding how much his words affected her. “I do not think that is proper, Your Grace.”

“Neither was it when it happened the last time,” he teased, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

She shuddered, frowning slightly. “Now that our deal is over, I cannot allow it. I will be sleeping on the floor, and you can have the bed.”

Samuel laughed, the sound filling her with anger. “Of course, My Lady. I suppose if that will make you comfortable, then you can sleep on the floor.”

Nora snatched up a pillow, utterly irritated.

How can he be so irritating? Surely, he cannot be comfortable with me sleeping on the floor?

Still, as she walked the short distance to the fireplace, the Duke did nothing to stop her. Instead, he sat on the bed, watching her.

Annoyed, she tossed the pillow on the floor with a plop and lay down, resting her head on the pillow.

At least I have a fire to keep me warm.

The Duke laughed once again.

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