Page 17 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

Cora needed some air or space away from Damion. Suddenly, being near him seemed like all too much. She glanced at him, and his eyes darkened with something needy.

“Excuse me,” she said and walked to the terrace.

Once she made it inside the empty drawing room, she stopped and leaned against the door. Cora needed to relax. It was simply a lesson. She was affected by it because it was a good one. Yes, Damion finally provided her with some guidance she could use. That was all it was.

***

Damion stood in the library, wondering if Cora would show. They’d avoided each other for most of the day. He’d desperately wanted to kiss her in the garden today. Hell, he still wanted to. Yet, it confirmed something for him.

Desire was something that could be felt with anyone, but he suspected she didn’t feel it at all for Bellamy. While it may grow over time, he believed it was unwise for her to assume it would automatically. He needed to explain that to her.

He didn’t want Cora to make the same mistake he made when he was young, assuming attraction and desire would eventually show up. Damion had spent countless days wondering why Lily stiffened at his touch, only to find out too late she was in love with another.

He took a sip of the brandy while he allowed himself to embrace the pain that always came when he thought of his marriage. Damion needed to make Cora understand that similarities or proximity weren’t the ultimate qualities when choosing a spouse. She should want someone who enjoyed her hobbies, knew her dreams, and craved her as much as she craved him.

Tonight, he would make her understand. The click of the door opening made him turn. She entered, dressed only in her nightgown and wrap. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun. He swallowed as his gaze roamed hungrily over her. Trepidation filled him that what he felt for Lady Cora Stanton might be more than attraction. No, it wasn’t.

She smiled at him. “I was afraid you wouldn’t show.”

He walked to the table and poured her a glass of wine. Once complete, Damion handed it to her and guided her to the sofa. Her brows drew together in confusion. “The lesson tonight is the art of conversation.”

“Oh, I thought we would focus more on kissing. I think I can become adept at that.”

Damion took another sip of his drink. The lady was already good. Still, he didn’t say that. No, what he wanted Cora to understand was that she should want someone who was interested in her—who intentionally chose to focus on her. She deserved that.

She took a sip of her wine and ran her hands over the front of her wrap. “Shall I ask you about your hobbies?”

He shook his head. “No, I want you to tell me about yours.”

“I’m not sure it will be of interest.”

“Let me decide that,” Damion insisted.

She nodded. “We’ve talked about this before. I enjoy maps, both old and new, but I suppose I fell in love with them because I love studying people. The fall and rise of different civilizations fascinate me.”

Her face glowed with excitement, and Damion found himself leaning forward as she spoke.

“For instance, the Roman Empire was once considered the most amazing civilization in the world and the beginning of so many advances, yet it collapsed. I think I’ve visited all the exhibits available in London about it.”

“You should travel. Your hobbies are perfect for it,” Damion suggested.

She frowned. “Maybe. I’m not sure Christopher is so enamored with the idea of another trip.”

“He doesn’t have to be, but he needs to be enamored with you.”

Damion stopped himself from declaring Bellamy was all wrong for her, but barely. Cora needed to realize it herself and then find someone more suitable.

“What are your interests, besides ladies?” she asked.

He smirked at her. “You really have a bad view of me.”

Cora shook her head. “You are a rake, but so are many others. I imagine being a duke makes ladies want you more, and then there is the gossip about you.”

He cringed, and she bit her lip. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’m the one that revealed the truth of my marriage to you. Regarding my interests, I enjoy traveling and investing in new ventures. My portfolio includes funding businesses in England and abroad,” he explained.

Truthfully, he’d discovered his love of investing while traveling. Damion was the primary importer of several overseas goods that were now popular in London.