Page 35 of Never Doubt a Duke's Desire

He did not seem to believe her, and the emotion showed on his face; Louisa realized that his face, always stoic and staid, showed more emotion than she had believed, if only she looked in the right places. Duke Westwood stood, rounded the table to stride to the window, stuck his hands in his pockets, and stared out.

Again, he looked so alone, and while he stood, Louisa wondered why he was giving her glimpses into his vulnerability, something she never had, ever thought she, or anyone, would see.

He turned from it.“Thank you, Miss Stone. You may go back to your duties.”

On her feet, Louisa curtsied.“My pleasure, Your Grace.”

She left the room, feeling the weight of his eyes resting heavily upon the back of her neck. When she turned to close the door behind her—there was something more to his gaze, something that made a soft shiver run under her skin, and made her breath catch.

“Good evening. Your Grace,” she said.

“As to you Lou—Miss. Stone,” he said.

Pretending not to hear his slip, she closed the door, but her legs were a bit unsteady under her as she walked away. Her name on his lips was strange—but deep inside, she wished she would hear it more.

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