Page 87 of Stealing the Duke

Her sister shook her head. “I can’t. Though it would be so much easier, it’s just not done. I will be sure to return this when I’ve discovered what I’m missing.”

Relieved, she walked with Amelia to the entry where her sister donned her cloak. “Tell Mother I will call on Wednesday as usual.”

Amelia nodded and left a much happier artist.

Joanna returned to the library, still confused but pleased she could help. With the book gone for reference, maybe it was time to explore others of its ilk.

As she walked in, James set his book aside and rose. “Does Amelia feel better now?”

“Yes, though I’m not sure how much I helped.” She walked toward him. “I’ve never been able to fully understand Amelia’s creative impulses. She is the creative one, while I’m more comfortable with math and science, but she’s my sister and I adore her.”

James took her hand. “And I adore you.”

“How perfect.” She cocked her head. “Because I adore you as well.”

“Good.” He grinned. “Now where were we? Oh, yes.”

She let out a squeal as he threw her over his shoulder. “What are you doing?”

He laughed. “Whatever, however, wherever I want with you.”

Lightning shot through her limbs at his statement even as he climbed the stairs to the second level. When he reached their favorite spot, the two armchairs across from the large window, he moved the small table away with his foot and set her feet down, her back to the wall. Then before she could move, he pinned her there.

Her pulse started to race, but she looked up into his eyes, playing the innocent. “It might be a bit difficult for me to retrieve that particular pamphlet unless you move.”

He shook his head, a devilish grin forming on his lips. “You already know all you need to know from it.” Capturing her hands, he lifted them over her head and held them with one hand.

Her breaths came fast now, the image of The Prisoner clear in her mind. He planned to bring her to ecstasy, and she couldn’t be happier. “I know that I love you. Was there anything else?”

He tilted her head back further. “Yes. You need to know that I love you and will forever.” His head lowered and his mouth found hers.

Her last logical thought, as his tongue breached her lips, was that she would enjoy forever very much.

The End