Page 148 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

For a moment neither of them spoke. His eyes lifted. They met hers. She suddenly became acutely aware that she wore only a nightgown beneath her robe.

Something warm flickered behind his eyes before he quietly asked, “May I come in?”

Hector remained in the doorway. Jane’s heart beat a little faster as the silence stretched between them.

It felt like only moments ago the house had been full of guests, servants, conversation, and celebration. Now there was only the quiet crackle of the fire and the faint ticking of the clock upon the mantel.

Emily glanced uncertainly between them. “Your Grace?”

Jane looked toward her maid. “That will be all for this evening, Emily.”

The young woman dipped into a curtsy. “Yes, Your Grace. If you require anything during the night, simply ring.”

“Thank you.”

Emily slipped quietly from the room, closing the door behind her with practiced discretion. The soft click of the latch sounded strangely loud.

Jane turned back toward Hector. He had stepped inside, though not very far. Instead of looking directly at her, his attention wandered across the room.

Jane folded her hands loosely before her. “I believe you’ve inspected every piece of furniture.”

His mouth twitched. “I wished to ensure everything was satisfactory.”

“It is.”

He nodded once. “I’m glad.”

Another silence settled between them. Jane waited. He seemed oddly restless.

She had seen Hector calm while confronting criminals, composed while facing danger, and utterly unshaken in rooms filled with powerful men. Yet standing inside his own house appeared to unsettle him more than any of those things.

She smiled to herself. “I am settled.”

His gaze finally returned to hers. “Good.”

“And...” She stepped a little closer. “...thank you.”

“There is no need.”

“There is.” She looked around the room. “You’ve done far more for me than I can ever properly repay.”

His expression softened. “You are my wife now. It is my duty to care for you.”

Jane’s smile widened. “I know.”

Hector’s eyes darkened. “I intend to fulfill that duty.”

Their eyes met. For a long moment neither of them spoke. Then, slowly...his gaze traveled over her. From the damp curls falling over her shoulders to the pale robe tied loosely at her waist to the delicate nightgown visible beneath the soft fabric… Then back to her face.

Jane felt warmth spread through her entire body. His eyes darkened further with desire. A small gasp escaped her throat.

A quiet laugh escaped him. He exhaled slowly. “I have spent weeks attempting to remain a gentleman.”

“Youarea gentleman.”

“I have done my best.”

She stepped closer. “I should think a gentleman may look at his own wife.”