Page 86 of The Duke's Pet

“That’s it. Just relax. I’ve got you.”

She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. The ticking of the clock helped.

After a few minutes of him stroking her hair and making soothing noises, she began to relax; in fact she started to feel heavy and sleepy.

“We have nowhere to be,” he whispered. “Sleep now, in my arms. You’re safe. You’re perfectly and utterly safe.”

And so she did. There was nowhere else in the world she wanted to be but right there, on this sofa in the duke’s arms. Hillcrest had quickly become her world, as had the man who’d claimed her, punished her, and made love to her in all manner of illicit ways.

Chapter Eighteen

The rest of the daywent by in quiet contentment. Jemima deemed it odd that she should feel that way. Perhaps it was because of the sexual pleasure she’d received. Or maybe it was because she was happy to just be with the duke—since the punishment he’d been calmer too, even when giving her another reading task that she’d struggled with.

After high tea they walked the length of the drive. To enjoy the fresh air, he’d said. Jemima spotted a young family of finches. Their presence and antics thrilled the duke. “We should have more bird boxes built, then next spring we will have even more to enjoy.”

Jemima had bitten her bottom lip. Next spring she wouldn’t be at Hillcrest. The truth was she had no idea where she would be.

Dinner consisted of pork and apple broth with candied fruits for dessert. Jemima had never tasted candied fruits and loved them. She even ate the ones the duke passed her way, after saying he’d had his fill.

That night they’d gone to bed at the same time. He’d made love to her gently. Filling her with his seed as they clung to each other, their bodies hot and moving as one in a way that was almost a dance.

It was no wonder Jemima slept well. Even a young tawny owl screeching outside couldn’t completely wake her from her slumber.

But wake she did, in the morning.

The duke was no longer in the bed, and she stretched out her arms and legs, star-like, feeling to see if the sheets were still warm and also knowing she didn’t have many more mornings to wake up in this bed.

That thought made her sad and she sighed.

“Ah, you are awake.”

She turned to the window. The duke stood there, fully dressed in morning coat, cravat and wearing his boots that appeared extra shiny, as though they’d been polished.

“How long have you been up?” She propped onto her elbows, pulling the sheet to cover her breasts. The room was cool despite the early sunshine.

“Some time.”

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