Page 59 of How to Capture a Duke

Christ. She must never know how strongly he reacted to her.

Thankfully, the curtain rose, and he took his seat.

Moments later, her attention was riveted on the theatrical scene. “I’ve heard the backdrop was inspired by Joshua Reynolds and other artists from the Royal Academy of Rome. It’s quite breathtaking.”

Breathtaking. It was an apt description for her tonight. He wanted to tell her so, but then the actors stepped on stage and drew her interest. Meanwhile, he watched her. Her facial bones were delicately carved, her cheeks a dusty rose. Her generously curved parted lips captured his attention every time he looked at her mouth. She was made to be kissed, and he imagined her licking and teasing a path on his naked chest. Lower, even. His skin grew warm and tight. He shifted in his seat to ease his hardened cock.

He’d ended up in this blasted position, not because she’d won at hoops. She hadn’t. But because the Soldiers Bill would never have progressed without her help.

He wasn’t completely unaware of her reasons for asking him to the theater. They would be amidst society, but he would not have to speak to anyone should he not desire to do so. He knew her machinations.

And he was grateful.

Until now, he hadn’t realized just how much he’d begun to enjoy her presence. She was easy to be with—easy to converse with. She wasn’t like other society women. She’d never looked at him in disgust or pity when he’d made a mistake and tripped over his words.

He understood that his past had made him wary of trusting anyone. His own mother had destroyed the hopes of a young boy, and his experiences at school had reaffirmed this belief. It was best to protect himself from disappointment.

But maybe Olivia was worth the risk.

Antonia seemed to think so.

The singing on stage reached a fevered pitch as Caesar was repeatedly stabbed by his senate then Brutus. Olivia reached out to clutch Tristan’s hand on the balustrade. “Oh, Tristan. Isn’t the performance exceptional?”

His eyes dropped to where she touched him. Her satin glove appeared stark white in the dim theater. It felt right, her touching him, holding him, and he turned his palm to squeeze her hand.

“Wonderful, indeed.”

…

“I enjoyed our evening,” Tristan said.

“So did I. Thank you for taking me even though I lost our game of hoops and you had no obligation to do so.”

They had returned to Keswick Hall, and Gordon had taken her opera cloak and Tristan’s hat and coat.

They stood awkwardly, looking around the marble vestibule, at the priceless George Stubbs paintings on the wall, a gilded mirror, and a vase resting on an end table nestled in the corner. Anywhere but in each other’s eyes.

What else could she say to keep him engaged? She had enjoyed the play, and she’d been right to pick the theater. No one had barged into their private box or bothered the duke with unwanted questions. The evening had been a success.

She hadn’t been ignorant of his attentions. She’d watched the play. He’d spent much of the time watching her. She’d been secretly thrilled.

Had they come to an understanding? Had he realized they could have much more than a marriage in name only?

“Shall we?” He offered his arm to escort her up the stairs. Her heart slammed against her rib cage. Did he intend to join her in her bedchamber or invite her to his? To finally consummate their marriage? The thought took hold and sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine.

They climbed the winding staircase side-by-side then walked down the hall. All the while, her mind raced and her limbs heated. Halting outside her bedchamber door, she turned to meet his gaze. Would he come inside?

“Thank you again for aiding with Lord Ware.”

“I wanted to help.”

“You did. And it means much. I could not have swayed his opinion and held influence over others. There is a strong likelihood the bill will pass now.”

“I’m happy to hear this. I know you care about the matter.”

He reached for her hand. Turning back the silk glove, he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

Her skin tingled from the kiss, and her lips parted. Raising his eyes, he held her gaze.