Dukes of War (Books 1-4) Boxed Set by Erica Ridley

Author:Erica Ridley [Ridley, Erica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency England, Regency Romance, Regency
Publisher: Erica Ridley
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Jane couldn’t breathe.

She’d lost all control of her lungs—and her wobbly legs—the moment Captain Grey pulled her to him. The moment Xavier welcomed her into his embrace.

He wanted to dance. How could they dance? There was no music. She couldn’t even feel her knees. Not with her hand in his and his other arm about her waist, holding her close. She closed her eyes. He smelled of sandalwood and citrus. Everything about him was rock hard and hot to the touch.

“Know any danceable melodies?” he murmured into her ear.

She shook her head, disappointed. Their dance was over before it began. “I’m afraid my savant abilities are limited to literature.”

To her surprise, he began to hum and guided her in time with the rhythm.

She tilted her head to the side and followed his lead. Why was the song so familiar? She was certain she’d heard the melody before. From a violin, perhaps. It almost sounded like… Her breath caught as she recognized the tune.

“It’s from Antigona.” She gazed up at him shyly. “The opera we saw together.”

He smiled. “I wanted to dance with you then, too.”

Her throat dried. Could it be true? Doubtful. Her gaze fell. It didn’t matter. He was being nice. All they would share was this moment. She didn’t realize how badly she would long for more.

The muscles beneath his coat tightened as he led her in smooth, graceful circles. She didn’t need music to feel like she was floating. The soft firelight made the room all the more romantic. She could almost believe herself the belle of a ball.

Except, fairy tales didn’t happen to her. Her fingers grew cold. He was right. Love affairs—even stolen kisses—weren’t as carefree as she’d believed. Once the snow was gone, he would forget her just like all the others. And this time, it would break her heart.

“Jane. Look at me.” He slipped a knuckle beneath her chin and raised her gaze to his. “I notice you. I see you. I have you in my arms.”

Her lips parted and her eyes stung. Until he’d spoken the words, she hadn’t realized that she’d been waiting for them her entire life.

With nothing more than a soft murmur, he’d carved open her soul and left a part of himself inside. She would never be the same. Her heart clattered at an alarming rate, but she could not look away. Nor did she wish to.

His gorgeous blue eyes shone from beneath inky lashes. The intensity of his gaze was thrilling and frightening and filled her with wonder.

He saw her. Plump, boring Jane. And yet he still wanted her in his arms.

When they completed their circuit about the room, he paused before the fireplace—but did not immediately release her.

She hoped he never would. The evening had been magical. He was magical. She would be happy to stay right here, wrapped in his arms, forever. But all she had was this moment.

He lowered his head to hers. His lips grazed her cheekbone, her earlobe, the pulse point just beneath the line of her jaw.

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