Page 86 of The Earl’s Marriage of Convenience

For all that such a thing entailed.

And yet—

As she looked at him, truly looked—

She felt not unease. Not apprehension. But a quiet, unexpected sense of peace.

His gaze dropped once more to her lips.

This time, he did not look away.

He leaned forward—slowly, deliberately, as though giving her every opportunity to withdraw.

He glanced once to her eyes.

A question. She answered without words by closing the distance. The kiss was different.

The first had been unexpected.

The second—uncontrolled.

This one—

Was chosen.

Not calculated.

Not strategic.

But wanted.

She leaned into him, her hand lifting of its own accord, fingers threading into his hair, feeling the softness of it, the warmth of him beneath her touch.

He drew her closer, his arm firm at her waist, until she felt herself lifted—settled against him before she had fully realized the movement.

She felt his smile against her lips, and any remaining hesitation dissolved completely.

The world narrowed again—

To breath, to warmth, to the quiet, shared rhythm between them.

When at last the kiss softened, slowed, he drew back just enough to rest his forehead against hers.

“It is a very good thing we are to be married, Lady Eliza,” he murmured.

She could not immediately form a response. Her heart raced. Her thoughts scattered.

“I share that sentiment … Lord Devon,” she managed at last.

He gave a soft laugh. “I shall have to thank my sister for informing me that you had escaped.”

Eliza drew back slightly, a faint frown touching her expression. “Pere told you I was here?”

“She did.”

A pause.

“Then we have been rather neatly arranged.”