Page 77 of A Dilemma for the Duke

“I didn’t expect you to join us this evening.” Rockford put his hands in his pocket.

Lora turned her gaze from the flames to him, not hiding the softening around her eyes. “I realized that allowing Hastings to divide us only serves his purpose.” She moved to the terrace window to get away from the heat. She wasn’t certain if it was from the fireplace or her nearness to Rockford.

He exhaled, steadying himself before speaking. “Lora, after everything… you still came.” His voice was low, almost reverent. “That gives me hope.”

She faced him fully, her eyes reflecting pain and hope. “Trust isn’t easily rebuilt, Your Grace. Especially not now.”

He nodded. “I understand your hesitation. But, I believe we can rebuild that trust. Not just in our fight against Hastings and the Order, but for ourselves.”

Lora studied him for a long moment, then gave a slight nod. “Perhaps. We should go over the plan. I have a feeling these next two days will go quickly.”

Rockford’s expression shifted, a flicker of regret passing through his eyes as he offered her a tight smile, but he didn’t move. “Our primary responsibilities are to greet and mingle with our guests. Be open to having discussions so we can resolve any questions they may have.” Rockford paused for a moment. “We’ll come from a position of strength. There is no need to apologize to anyone for anything unless you’ve done something wrong. And we have not; therefore, if necessary, we merely explain. Do you agree?”

“Yes. I do. I assume we use the same tactic with Hastings? He prefers to separate you from others and intimidate you into submission.” She crossed her arms, her brows furrowed in concern.

“We won’t let that happen.” His gaze was unwavering. “We should keep all conversations focused on the clinic. That is why everyone is there. We still want our project to succeed.”

“I agree with you.” Lora sighed softly. “I think we will be the entertainment for the evening no matter how hard we try otherwise.” A wry smile played on her lips.

“You are probably correct, but we control the conversation. We direct the energy. The rest they can put together on their own. If they see how—”

“Enraptured, we are with each other.” Lora stood with her back resting against the window casing, staring into his eyes.

A silence settled between them, filled with unspoken understanding. Rockford’s breath hitched, and his body reacted to her words and soft tone. The realization of their meaning overpowered and humbled him.

He took a deep breath, his voice softening. “Enraptured with each other?” He echoed her words. He braced his hand on the wall behind her, then leaned forward, closing the distance, creating a private space just for them. His eyes darkened with emotion. “I’ve never been more captivated in my life, Lora. Every moment with you is a gift.”

Her whispered words, “I’ve missed you, too. More than words can say,” trembled with emotion. Even now, the remnants of everything that had passed between them lingered, but in this moment, it wasn’t the past she clung to, it was him.

Rockford caressed her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. “I’ve missed you too.”

His smile. She let out a deep sigh. It was the smile that curled toes. She feared never seeing it again.

He observed her closely, noticing how she shivered in delight and the tension between them melting away. The vulnerability in her eyes tugged at his heart. Gently, he pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a protective embrace, feeling her softness against his chest. “More than words could ever say.”

His other hand found its way to her waist, drawing her closer until their bodies were nearly touching. He leaned in, hisforehead resting against hers. “Nothing must ever come between us again,” he murmured, his breath mingling with hers. He pulled away slightly, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her heart race. “Nothing.”

“Nothing.” Her voice was a whisper, her desire for him intoxicating. Nervously, she wet her lips. His chest rumbled with a deep groan. Breathlessly, she waited for his kiss.

With a bent finger, he raised her chin, his lips hovering just a breath away from hers. “I would do anything for you,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. His lips met hers in a tender kiss, a soft moan escaping her as he deepened the kiss, pouring all his love and longing into it.

The barriers between them fell away, leaving them bare, with only their genuine connection binding them together.

The touch of his mouth on hers sent a tremor through her entire body. He tempted her with his tongue and teased her mouth open. He swooped in, and she let him claim her mouth. She quivered at the sweet tenderness of his kiss. It was nothing like any of the kisses he had given her before.

He hadn’t stopped kissing her. With a slow, steady hand, he began his possession. He kissed the hollow at her throat and then down the gentle slope of her chest where he freed her of her bodice and honored her with kisses.

Every part of her screamed for him. She teetered on the edge, torn between restraint and surrender, until restraint no longer mattered.

He took her hand and encouraged her to explore his body. She touched him in forbidden places and was rewarded with a guttural growl that made her heart hammer and her pulse pound. She was on fire with a liquid heat concentrated between her thighs and gasped at the sweet agony.

He whispered words in her ear that were only for her. They sent a shiver through her, not just of pleasure, but of somethingdeeper. A promise. A vow she wanted to believe. As his hands explored her body, her skin tingled and throbbed as an all-consuming feeling came over her and intensified into small waves.

She reached up and whispered in his ear. His answer was a deep, soft chuckle that made her smile.

He held her closer, kissed her deeper. The small waves became larger and kept building, pounding until an unimaginable need to release swept over her. Wave after wave crashed then slowly began to ease.

He held her, gently stroking her hair and whispering soothing words. As her heartbeat returned to normal, Rockford’s warmth comforted her. She slowly opened her eyes, and when their gazes met, she fully realized the profound depth of their connection—the unspoken bond that held them together.

---