Free The Reluctant Duke (Love's Pride Book 1) by G.L. Snodgrass Page B

hug.
    “Thank God you are safe, I was so worried,” he whispered into her hair.
    Gwen melted into him. She didn’t think about it, her body reacted, letting him hold her. She savored the feeling as those strong, secure arms folded around her and knew that all was right with the world again.
    The months and months of stress leaked away, and all that remained was a contentment that filled her. The terror of her memories, the fright of Isabel being hurt, all of it disappeared.
    She put her arms around him and squeezed back, trying to make him feel as good as she felt. He smelt of smoke, and brandy, and all man. It was a scent she would never forget. Leaning back a little, she looked up and saw The Duke stare down at her, his intense silver eyes boring into her soul.
    As she watched, he leaned forward and kissed her, his lips taking control of hers. Surprised at first, her body reacted without thought by sinking into the kiss. Her knees began to wobble as she held on tight to stop herself from falling.
    He towered over her, making her feel small and feminine, everything about him made her feel good about herself. A weak moan escaped as her lips instinctively parted to let his tongue enter, exploring her mouth, setting her on fire.
    She could feel herself slipping away; every part of her soul was lost in feeling what he did to her.
    Then, just as quickly as it had started, it ended. She felt him pulling back, letting out a sad sound of wanting. His lips left hers as he stepped back and looked down. His eyes searched hers, trying to read her reaction. It wasn’t fair, his eyes hid his feeling to well, making him impossible to read. Sighing to herself, she hid her face in his chest.
    He continued to hold onto her and looked down, shaking his head.
    “Oh Gwen, what are we going to do,” he said, pulling her into an embrace, holding her head to his chest.
    Gwen didn’t know what to do. She wanted to stay there forever, to never let go. Please god, she prayed, don’t let this end. But it couldn’t last; The Duke, Thomas, couldn’t afford to be seen like this. Someone might walk in, his sister, a staff member. Obviously it had to end.
    She stepped away, a shaft of pain piercing her heart. Glancing up, she saw a look of agony cross his eyes, making her feel a little better. She shouldn’t be the only one this miserable. Please, please, don’t apologize she thought. Don’t make it less than it was.
    “I am sorry Miss Harding,” he said, standing up straight, his hands at his sides like he was at attention on the parade ground. “Please forgive me; you deserve to be treated so much better. I assure you, it will not happen again.”
    No longer Gwen, now it was Miss Harding. The words were like a sword thrust into her heart. She stood there in shock that he could dismiss it so easily, it didn’t seem right, she’d seen that look of pain on his face. Her knees began to shake, not out of embarrassment but out of anger. Gathering the pieces of her heart, she took a deep breath and turned to the door. Trying to get out of the room before anything more could hurt her.
    Reaching the doorknob, she turned and looked at The Duke, no Thomas, she thought. In her heart, he would always be Thomas. He still stood there at attention. God, he was so handsome, so powerful.
    “Your Grace,” she said. “The only thing you need to be sorry for is the apology; I could have gone the rest of my life not knowing you regretted that kiss. For me, it was the high point of my life. Or was until you said you were sorry.”
    She saw her words strike home as his eyes winced. For her, it was the first step back to what might be normal again.
                 

Chapter Eight
     
    Thomas walked into the parlor to retrieve a book and noticed Isabel, by the large French windows staring off into the distance. Wondering about the lost look on her face, he approached and looked through the window. Mr. Moore appeared to be leaving down the path