Page 45 of A Duke for Hire

Seraphina let out a shuddering breath, a sound that chilled him to the bone, and she shook her head.

“Nothing,” she whispered, shaking her head, “He didn’t do anything.”

“Don’t you dare lie to me,” he warned, “You look as if you barely stay on your feet!”

“I just feel ill, is all,” she protested.

He watched as Seraphina moved to put a hand to her stomach, but as if realizing that was where Martin’s hand had just been, she yanked it away viciously, and rubbed her palm against her skirts.

Unable to take it, he moved toward her, and a great wave of relief swept through him as she sank into his arms.

“I’m all right,” she said aloud, burrowing into his chest.

Hugo was not sure if she was saying it more toward herself or for him, but either way, it did nothing to stay his concern. He let her sink further into him, her hold growing tighter as if she were trying to crawl into his very skin.

“You’re trembling,” he murmured, gently cupping the back of head.

“I just need a minute,” she insisted, clutching him. “I don’t know how, but I always seem to feel a bit better when you’re around.”

Because you are safe with me,he thought. He kept quiet though, softly stroking the back of her neck and shoulders until her trembling subsided and her body relaxed.

“You know I am referred to as a beast,” he pointed out, “But the more I am in London, the more I question who the real beasts are.”

To his relief Seraphina let out an exhausted laugh and she pulled away.

“You are not a beast,” she replied, smoothing a hand down his jacket.

“You are the only one that seems to think so,” he replied, grinning down at her.

He reached down and gently lifted her chin with his fingertips so that their eyes could meet. A soft smile touched her lips as their gazes locked and then, to his surprise, Seraphina rose to the tips of her toes and kissed him.

Startled by her own brazenness, Seraphina pulled herself away from the kiss she had initiated. She hadn’t meant to. It just happened. His embrace had relaxed her entire body and mind, and for the first time that evening, she had felt safe. Secure.

“I am so sorry, Your Grace,” she apologized, trying to untangle herself.

Hugo’s grip on her remained steadfast, however, and she felt great relief when he in fact did not let her go.

“Don’t apologize,” he answered quickly, his voice thick with desire, capturing her cheek with his palm so she would look at him. In his eyes she saw the same growing need she felt within herself, and a sudden heat encompassed her.

“We do not have to stop if you do not want to,” he breathed, caressing his thumb over her face.

From beyond the corridor, Seraphina heard the murmur of approaching voices, and froze. Hugo took her hand and led her around the corner. She followed him the servant’s staircase to the second floor. Upon reaching the landing, they heard more voices approaching, and Hugo suddenly pulled her into a guest room that was no doubt his. They both pressed their ears to the shut door, listening until they heard the voices fade.

She glanced up at him, feeling a swell of relief as his eyes met hers.

“Thank you,” she whispered, “I needed a moment away more than I realized.”

Hugo nodded, and took a step back.

“Of course. We do not have to do anything. You can just stay here until you catch your breath, then return to the party.”

Seraphina grimaced at the thought. She didn’t want to return to the party. She wanted to go home. Though, she supposed itdidn’t matter where she went. Her future was bearing down on her from everywhere.

“Seraphina, are you all right?” Hugo asked, “You’re looking pale again.”

“I don’t want to do this,” she sighed, pinching the bridge of her news.

Hugo looked hurt for a moment before he said, “Like I said, we do not have to do anything.”

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