Page 45 of When the Duke Met His Match

Panting and moaning in unison, nothing else mattered at that moment. She could only think of him and how close she was to breaking beneath him.

Darkness filled her vision as the coil snapped, and Odette buried herself in the bed. Pleasure tore through her, sending her head-first into a dream-like haze. Theophilus’ uncalculated movements urged her beyond the edge, guiding her through that blissful state.

His hips delivered a few more thrusts before reaching that wall and coming undone. His head dropped onto her shoulder as he choked out pleasured sounds, painting her skin with his breath. The hand on her hip clenched around her until he relaxed and went limp above her.

Breathing hard as he collapsed next to her with an arm draped across her chest, Theophilus met her gaze and managed a small smile.

Odette returned it, still clouded by the rush of warmth and contentment. She couldn’t hold back her small laugh, amused by how rumpled they both were in their afterglow. His chuckle sounded like the sweetest symphony she wouldn’t mind hearing until her last breath.

There was no way to describe how fulfilled she felt, entirely and irrevocably enamored with the man willing to risk it all for her.

Chapter Twenty-Five

THEOPHILUS

The earliest tendrils of sunlight rippled across the surface of the sea, glaring back at them as they walked along the dock and found the ship they were meant to board. The day had just begun. A few people were out perusing merchant stands, but the usual noise and bustle hadn’t taken over the streets yet.

Theophilus gazed at the ship in front of him, sturdy and big enough to carry quite a few people to France. As he took in its careful craftsmanship, he thought about not being able to return to England once he stepped foot on its deck.

He could have chosen the passive route and stood by the like others with contempt, relieved to see the traitors being sent back to where they came from. But he wasn’t like the others. He was prepared to board this ship and be carried far away, into a new life with the woman who held his heart in the palm of her hand. He was taking the biggest risk by giving up all that was familiar to him and living the life of a runaway, but it was too late to turn back.

He wouldn’t change it for the world, even if the thought brought a sense of uncertainty and reminiscence over him.

Even if the future looked unclear, and he didn't know how everything would unfold, he knew it was the right choice.

Odette brushed against him lightly and smiled at him. Remnants of sleep lingered within her eyes. “Are you ready?”

“As ready as one can be,” he replied, trying to remain as collected as possible.

He wanted to stay strong for her, even if he suddenly felt the weight of his reality all at once. After everything Odette had been through, he could only imagine how difficult it was to try and have faith in a positive outcome. He didn’t want his worries and fears to bring her down even more.

Surprisingly, she seemed to have a better grasp of her conviction as she slid her hand into his, eyes brimming with resolve.

It was all the reassurance he needed, and he released a deep breath.

Hand in hand, they moved toward the line of others waiting to board and had no choice but to watch as water lapped against the dock and sent the occasional spray of salt water into the air.

As Theophilus waited, he glanced at Odette and noticed as she looked toward the growing crowd of people in the street not far from the boats. She couldn’t take her eyes away from them, her foot anxiously tapping. Her arms were folded tightly over her chest.

“It’s alright,” he murmured to her, discreetly letting his hand trail up and down her spine. “Just relax.”

But the longer she looked off in the distance, the stiffer she became. She seemed unaffected by his touch, though he was sure it would help calm her.

The tension straightened her spine then, and a look of recognition spread across her face. Her mouth parted in disbelief.

“This can’t be…” she whispered, her gaze distant as if seeing a ghost.

Afraid she had seen a group of soldiers coming their way or anyone who may have recognized them, he leaned closer to look in the same direction.

Before he could ask, Odette tore away from him and bolted toward the crowded market.

Breath catching in his throat, Theophilus was caught off guard for a blink before running after her, afraid they might draw too much attention.

Pushing through the small crowd of people around them, he charged after her with his heart in his throat.

Her name was on the tip of his tongue, but he refrained from calling after her. It wasn’t safe to be shouting the very name people were now familiar with due to the bounty.

Not letting her out of sight, he dodged civilians and carts alike until he noticed Odette had stopped before she could fully cross the street and disappear into the sea of bodies.