Page 21 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

“And I’m sorry you are married to a fool. You deserve more.”

She sighed. “He and I are both fools. Long ago, I thought we might work, but not anymore. Damion, stop avoiding the topic! Pursue her.”

Damion shook his head. He’d decided long ago that one marriage was sufficient for him. Plus, Cora was focused on Bellamy. He would never fall for someone who loved another again. Why was he even thinking of any of this?

He was the roguish Duke of Blythe. No one expected much from him when it came to marrying. All the mothers in London society, years ago, ceased trying to set him up with their daughters, labeling him a lost cause. “I made my decision long ago. Plus, Lady Cora wants Bellamy.”

Meredith looped her arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked toward the entryway of the gallery. “Why do we as humans make things so difficult?”

“We don’t—”

He didn’t finish his words because Cora rushed into the room, almost crashing into them. Her cheeks were flushed. Her gaze narrowed on him and Meredith. “I’m sorry, Your Grace and Lady Clark. I didn’t realize anyone was in here.”

“It is fine,” Meredith said.

Cora’s gaze darted to where she held on to Damion’s arm. Her eyes flashed with surprise and something else.

“Excuse me,” she said and spun around, departing from the room.

Damion said, “I need to check on her.”

Meredith laughed. “But there is nothing between the two of you.”

Damion didn’t respond. He ignored his friend’s laughter as he went after Cora. He reached her as she neared a small alcove. He tugged her into the space. “Did Bellamy hurt you?”

Concern and anger sizzled in him. He would tear every limb from Bellamy’s body if he did something to Cora. She stared at him, confused, and glanced at his hand that still held her arm. Yanking away from him, she said, “Christopher did nothing to me. He’s been wonderful and kissed me. The moment contained everything I hoped for.”

His eyes narrowed. “It was that good?”

“Exceptional.”

Anger wafted between them. He’d been worried about Bellamy, but now all he could think about was the man touching Cora. Had he been wrong about the attraction between them?

“Cora,” the Dowager Duchess of Stanton called out from somewhere in the hallway.

They both stiffened. Footsteps passed them, and then Meredith said, “I think I saw her on the terrace, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Lady Clark.”

Both their footsteps continued toward the ballroom. Cora turned to leave, and he gently pulled her back. She said, “I must go. I’m sure Bellamy is looking for me. I imagine you and Lady Clark will find another private setting. Sorry for the interruption.”

His brows shot up. “What is going on with you? Meet me in the library tonight.”

“Your lessons have been a smashing success. I no longer need your services.”

Annoyance surged in him. She was dismissing him. Through gritted teeth, he said, “Tonight, an hour after everyone goes to bed, meet me.”

Damion released her and walked down the hallway. He was fucking furious. Shockingly, it wasn’t at Bellamy or Cora but at himself. He didn’t want to feel anything. Damion took a deep breath. He would not allow himself to.

He and Cora would have it out, and he’d be done with watching someone he cared for fall for a man unworthy of her. Care for her? His thoughts disconcerted him. Still, he justified that he could care for Cora without falling for her. He shoved the thoughts away as he entered the ballroom, refusing to delve into them.

Chapter 9

Cora paced back and forth in the library, furious that Damion wasn’t there yet. How dare he order her to meet him and then be late? The blasted man was driving her mad. She pressed her lips together, remembering seeing him with Lady Clark.

Truthfully, it didn’t matter. Christopher was going to ask for her. Cora wanted that and had her entire life. It frustrated her that even with her goal being so close, her mind was on Damion. The lessons were the cause of all of her confusion.

The door clicked open, and she turned. He entered dressed only in his shirt, pants, and boots. He’d discard his cravat at some point. His informality in her presence should have outraged her, but it felt normal. No. No. No. She would not fall for Damion.