Page 103 of How Not to Marry a Duke

They were half dressed, under a canopy of trees and a blue sky, and she’d come with him thick and heavy inside her.

She placed a hot kiss on his neck. “Just like last time, I don’t have regrets.”

Christ. The urge to stay buried in the sweetness of her giving body had been overwhelming. Even more frightening, his desire for her hadn’t waned, only grown.

What the hell was going on between them?

He’d taken care of Stan Slade. Adeline was protected. He’d managed to put off his godmother and escape the Season unscathed. Why did he feel as if a fist squeezed his chest every time he thought of leaving her?

She turned his world upside down, and he hadn’t realized how much he’d enjoyed being with her. She was easy to be with and intelligent. She hadn’t gone into hysterics when she’d seen his country workshop, or his London ballroom converted into one. She’d enjoyed meeting with his intellectual friends. He found her mixed heritage fascinating. She was independent, beautiful—her beauty grew more vibrant every time he saw her. Her lips, her breasts, her eyes…

His godmother claimed he was besotted. He’d worked hard to convince her that he was, but somewhere along the way, it had become true.

…

Adeline shifted beneath Warwick and opened her eyes. He was lying on his side, his hand beneath his chin as he looked at her. “I must say this is a very pleasant afternoon.”

Adeline tilted her head to the side and arched an eyebrow. “You must mean the food?”

“The basket lunch was delicious, but the sweet that followed was even more so.” He pressed a hot kiss to her nape.

Adeline giggled. “Do you think Nelson saw us?”

“No. But I wouldn’t care if my entire staff did.”

“Warwick!”

“You’re right. I wouldn’t want anyone to see you naked but me.”

At his teasing tone, her love for him grew even more. Was that possible? She may not have regrets, but still, she would be foolish not to protect herself. She pulled her gown over her shoulders, then turned and offered her back. “Please help me with my fastenings. I have to check on my patient.”

“Henry?”

“Yes, Henry.” She needed to gather her strength and her wits and leave the cocoon of his arms. No matter what had happened beneath the shade of the tree, she had responsibilities. Those duties would save her from a bleak future after he left Chilham.

“When will I see you again?” he asked.

“We are neighbors,” she pointed out.

“For now.”

For now. The simple statement spoke volumes. Adeline claimed she would return to London, but she was no longer certain. Even though there were people who needed her help in Town, she could not survive being close to the Duke of Warwick and not being with him. Adeline had only her profession and her friendship with Hasmik. She knew deep down that a clean break from the compelling duke was for the best. If only it wasn’t so painful. If only she hadn’t fallen in love. A flash of wild grief ripped through her, and a sourness settled in the pit of her stomach.

Once her gown was fastened, Warwick stood and offered her his hand. “I’d like to come by tomorrow and check on your cottage and Henry.” His large hand cradled her cheek. “Meanwhile, if you need anything, anything at all, come to me.”

She swallowed tightly. She couldn’t rely on him. Would not. Yet she found her herself nodding. “Yes, Your Grace.”

…

Later that evening, Warwick was working on the pistons of the engine when he heard his housekeeper’s outcry of delight a second before Nelson opened the door. Warwick glanced out the window to see a coach in the circular drive.

Moments later, a familiar voice sounded from the vestibule. “Hello, Nelson. Where is my godson?”

Warwick set aside a wrench and left his workshop to see Lady Heywood hand Nelson her cloak. Dressed in an elegant traveling gown of emerald adorned with Brussels lace, she brushed imaginary dirt from her skirt.

“Hello, godmother. What an unexpected surprise.”

“I do get out and about, Daniel.”