Page 85 of How Not to Marry a Duke

She’d relived how his kisses and skilled fingers had made her feel, how easily she’d abandoned herself to the wild whirl of passion in his arms. It was incredible and freeing. Their charade had turned into more than she’d expected and a part of her, a frightening part, feared its ending.

Was she ready to part ways without experiencing more of the man?

Chapter Fifteen

Watching Adeline talk to other men, dance with them, smile at any of them, made Warwick’s gut clench and a muscle tic by his eye. A roaring possessiveness coursed through him, and he knew he had no right to feel the way he did.

But he did.

Dammit. I do.

He was aware of his godmother’s approach. “May I ask Lady Kirkland to announce your engagement to Adeline tonight, Your Grace?”

“No.” He didn’t miss the flash of suspicion in her gaze or the challenge in her voice. He looked away.

“What is going on between you two?”

“The same thing that goes on between any courting couple.”

She accepted a flute of champagne from a liveried servant and took a sip. “She is right for you, Daniel. I see it now more than ever. Do not let her slip away.”

Another man walked up to Adeline and engaged her in conversation. He very obviously peered down at the swell of her breasts above her bodice as she danced with him. Frustration boiled in Warwick’s chest. He’d buried his face in the lushness of her flesh, tasted her. Rather than satiate his need, it had heightened it.

“Be careful, Daniel. You look like you’re ready to challenge the chap she’s dancing with to a duel. Or worse, a boxing match.”

A bare-fisted match sounded like a good idea. “Will you do something for me?” Warwick asked.

“Anything.”

He leaned down to whisper his request in her ear. The dance had ended, and his feet moved of their own volition. He tapped the shoulder of the man engaged with Adeline.

“I believe the lady promised me this next dance,” Warwick said.

Two pairs of eyes turned to him.

Before either could respond, Warwick took Adeline’s arm and led her away.

Brilliant blue eyes blinked up at him. “That was quite abrupt, Your Grace.”

“Was it?”

“Quite.”

“Have I done something to upset you?” she asked.

“No. Dance with me.”

“I suppose people will watch.”

“It’s what we want, isn’t it?”

The truth was he couldn’t care about causing gossip at the moment. All he cared about was holding Adeline in his arms. He led her farther onto the dance floor just as the orchestra began the first strains of a waltz. He was vaguely aware of ladies gasping and tittering at the newest, scandalous dance being played at the ball. He’d have to thank his godmother later.

Adeline tugged on his sleeve. “Warwick! Are you sure about this—”

“Yes.” He placed a hand by her waist and waited.

She allowed a long moment to pass before slipping a gloved hand in his and placing the other on his shoulder. A flicker of panic reflected in the blue depth of her eyes. “I haven’t waltzed since last season.”