Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen

A nthony was lost in thought when a knock on the door pulled him back to the present. He looked up, his brow furrowing slightly. "Enter."

The door opened to reveal his friend, Christopher, who strolled in with his usual air of casual confidence.

"Good evening, Anthony," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "I hope I am not interrupting anything too important."

Anthony sat at his desk in the study, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of the candles scattered around. His desk was covered in ledgers and account books.

He leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile playing on his lips from reviewing the latest figures.

For the first time in months, Anthony felt a sense of relief. His father's legacy and the future of Redfern seemed soon to be secure. However, with Christopher's arrival, Anthony sighed inwardly. Christopher's timing was impeccable as always, but he had little time for distractions tonight.

"Good evening, Christopher. What brings you here at this hour?"

Christopher shrugged, dropping into a chair opposite Anthony's desk. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I would stop by. You know, see how things are going. Besides, I have some interesting news."

Anthony raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious despite his need to get back to work. "Oh? And what news might that be?"

Christopher leaned in, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "There is a new gaming club opening in town, very exclusive. I thought we might pay it a visit one of these evenings."

Anthony shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. "You and your clubs, Christopher. I do not have the time for such diversions right now. I have a lot on my plate."

Christopher glanced at the ledgers on the desk, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Speaking of which, how are things going with the estate? You have been working tirelessly these past few months."

Anthony nodded, glancing down at the figures once more. "Better than expected, actually. The new farming techniques are starting to show results, and our profits are increasing. It's been a lot of hard work, but it is paying off."

Christopher leaned back in his chair, his grin returning. "That is excellent news. You have a knack for this, Anthony. I am not sure how you do it."

Anthony shrugged, feeling a swell of pride. "A lot of planning and a bit of luck, I suppose."

Christopher's gaze flickered to the clock on the mantelpiece, and Anthony followed his friend's glance.

He felt a pang of urgency. Eliza was due to arrive soon, and he did not want Christopher lingering when she did.

"Christopher," he said, trying to keep his tone light, "as much as I enjoy our conversations, I do have a lot of work to do. Perhaps we can discuss this new club another time?"

Christopher looked slightly taken aback but then nodded, standing up.

"Of course, my friend. I did not mean to overstay my welcome. Really, I just wanted to see how you were doing on this particular day."

Anthony stood as well, moving around the desk to escort his friend to the door.

He had not forgotten that it was the anniversary of Charles' death. He could never forget.

While he appreciated Christopher checking in, it was a bad time.

"I appreciate your understanding," Anthony said, trying not to sound impatient.

Christopher clapped him on the shoulder as they headed toward the door. "Fair enough. You will know where to find me, then, if you decide you need company."

Just as Anthony opened the door to see Christopher out, the butler appeared.

The look on the butler's face said that Eliza had arrived.

"I shall see you soon, my friend. Do try to avoid any grand escapades in my absence," Anthony said.

"Ah, you know I cannot make any such promises. Goodnight old chap!" Christopher called out, and he disappeared into the corridor.

Anthony had not seen Eliza since the masquerade, and the memory of their intimate moment still lingered in his mind.

He headed to the drawing room, his heart quickening in anticipation.

"Eliza," he said when he entered the room, his voice warm and inviting despite the turmoil inside him. "You look stunning, as always."

Eliza smiled, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "Thank you, Anthony."

Anthony crossed the room to take her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Come, sit with me."

He led her to the settee by the fire, the room cozy and intimate, the perfect setting for a night of whispered confessions and stolen kisses.

Pouring her a glass of wine, he handed it to her and watched as she took a sip, her eyes sparkling in the firelight. But he could not shake the grim thoughts that weighed on his mind.

"Is something the matter?" Eliza asked, her voice filled with concern.

Anthony hesitated, then forced a smile. "No," he said quickly, so quickly that it felt false even to him.

He sighed and tried again. "I do not wish to burden you."

"You can tell me anything," she said, reaching out to take his hand and guide him to the couch.

Anthony sat beside her, his gaze lingering on her face.

He sighed one more time, feeling the weight of his emotions. "It is the anniversary of something… something from my past."

He saw the curiosity in her eyes, mixed with concern. She had sensed there was more to him than he let on, and he felt a need to be honest with her.

"It's about a friend of mine. Charles, he was called. He… he took his own life several years ago."

Eliza placed a comforting hand on his arm. "I am so sorry, Anthony. That must have been incredibly difficult for you."

"He was in love with a woman. But… She betrayed him. Ran off with another man a week before their wedding. Despite my efforts to help him… He could not see a way out."

Her thumb grazed over his arm softly. It was a subtle movement, yet so comforting.

He looked into her eyes, finding solace in her compassion. "When he stopped meeting with me or responding to my correspondence, I knew something was terribly wrong."

He paused, the memory of that fateful day still vivid.

"I saw him," he said finally, his voice rough with emotion. "It is not a sight I will ever forget."

He cleared his throat, trying to shift the focus away from his confession as he pulled away from her. "You must think me weak, dwelling on the past like this."

Eliza shook her head, her gaze unwavering. "Not at all. It shows that you care deeply, that you have a heart. There is nothing weak about that."

Anthony looked away, his jaw tightening. He did not want to be seen as weak or vulnerable. He was a duke, a man of power and control. Yet, Eliza had a way of making him feel exposed and raw, and it scared him.

Desperate to regain some control, he leaned in and kissed her deeply, his hands cupping her face. Eliza responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck as she melted into him. The intensity of his kiss sent shivers down her spine, and she felt herself getting lost in the sensation of his lips on hers. His hands roamed over her body, his touch both possessive and tender.

"I have been yearning to have a taste of you again," he murmured against her skin.

Eliza's heart raced at his words, her body trembling with desire. "Anthony…"

He deepened the kiss, his hands moving to undress her. She stilled his hands but did not pull away.

Anthony's lips trailed down her neck, his breath hot against her skin. "I want you, Eliza. More than anything."

Eliza's breath hitched, her own desire mirrored in his gaze. "I want you too… but…"

His lips captured hers in a searing kiss as his hands moved to explore her body. Eliza moaned softly, the sound muffled by their kiss.

"You still will not come to bed with me?" he asked, his voice a soft whisper.

She gently shook her head. "Anthony, I want to, you know that. But… I cannot."

He sighed. They'd had this conversation plenty of times before, and he was in no mood to argue with anyone, least of all her.

"All right. Just… sit with me."

"I shall stay as long as you want," she promised.

Anthony looked into her eyes, seeing the sincerity in them.

He nodded, accepting her terms. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as he kissed her again, softer this time, savoring the moment. He slid his hands down her back, feeling the warmth of her body against his.

Eliza responded eagerly, her hands exploring his chest, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt. She leaned in to kiss his neck, her lips lingering below his jaw. Anthony groaned softly, the sensation of her lips on his skin sending shivers down his spine.

He gently cupped her face, lifting her head to meet his gaze.

"You drive me mad, Eliza," he whispered, his voice filled with longing. "I need you."

"Tell me how I can please you," she breathed, her eyes wide in the dim light.

"You would do that?" he asked, his breath hitching as he felt his desire growing.

She nodded eagerly, "Show me," she encouraged.

He took her delicate hand and placed it on his hardness, groaning as her hand moved over him. He unbuttoned his trousers, desperate to feel her soft fingers around him.

Guiding her hand, he pressed her fingers around him and moved her wrist up and down, her hand gently stroking him. Anthony's breath caught, his body responding instantly to her touch. She leaned in to kiss him, her hand continuing its gentle, teasing movements.

Anthony caressed and squeezed on her curves, his touch both possessive and tender. He slipped the sleeves of her dress off her shoulders, revealing more of her soft, creamy skin. He kissed her exposed shoulder, his lips trailing down to the curve of her neck.

Eliza tilted her head back, giving him better access.

"Eliza," he breathed, his voice filled with need. "You are amazing."

She stroked him slowly, her movements deliberate and sensual, watching his reactions both in fascination and desire.

His hands gripped her hips, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. He could feel himself teetering on the edge, her touch driving him to the brink.

"Eliza, I…" he started, but the words caught in his throat as she quickened her pace, her touch firm and unrelenting.

He kissed her fiercely, his body trembling with the intensity of his arousal. "I cannot hold on," he whispered against her lips, his voice desperate.

"Then do not. Come for me Anthony," she murmured, her eyes locked onto his.

With a final stroke, he found his release, his body shuddering in her arms. He buried his face in her neck, his breath hot against her skin as he rode out the waves of pleasure.

Eliza held him close, her own breath soft and steady, gently caressing his hair with her other hand.

As the intensity of the moment faded, Anthony pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes.

"God," he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

Eliza smiled, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "If you say I am amazing one more time, I shall stop believing you."

He laughed then kissed her gently, savoring the sweetness of her lips. "I cannot stop saying it because it is true."

The warmth from the fire wrapped around them; Anthony could feel the steady rise and fall of Eliza's chest against his own, her heartbeat slowing down to match the calmness that now enveloped them. He lifted a hand to gently trace the outline of her face, his fingers brushing against her flushed skin.

"Thank you for that," he breathed.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Well, if you are going to thank me, you might as well do it properly."

She arched an eyebrow suggestively, her lips curving into a playful smile.

Anthony laughed again, a deep, genuine sound that echoed through the room.

"Oh, I intend to, my dear." He leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss that quickly deepened into something more passionate.

Eliza responded eagerly, her hands sliding up to rest on his shoulders as she pulled him closer. He savored the feel of her plump hips beneath his fingers. He marveled at how perfectly she fit against him.

Breaking the kiss, he trailed his lips down her neck, nipping and sucking at the delicate skin. Eliza moaned softly, her body arching into his touch.

"Anthony…"

His name on her lips sent a jolt of desire through him, and he could not help but smile against her skin. She gasped, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he teased her nipples through the thin material.

"Anthony, please…"

Her plea was like music to his ears, and he could not resist giving her what she wanted.

"Let me show you just how amazing you are," he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

Eliza blushed under his scrutiny, but there was a spark of confidence in her eyes. "And you, Anthony, are impossible."

"Impossible?" he echoed, a playful glint in his eyes. "How so?"

"Impossible to resist," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

A slow smile spread across his lips. "Good. Because I never want you to resist me ever again."

He leaned in, his mouth descending on hers once more as his hands explored every inch of her body. His hands moved lower, caressing her thighs and parting them gently.

He looked into her eyes, "May I?" he asked softly, his voice barely more than a breath.

Eliza nodded, "Yes," she whispered. "Please."

He smiled, his eyes dark with promise.

"Good girl." With that, he lowered himself between her legs, his mouth finding her most sensitive spot once more.

Eliza cried out, her hips bucking. Anthony's hands gripped her hips, holding her steady as he worked his magic.

"Anthony," she gasped, her fingers tangling in his hair. "I cannot… it's too much…"

"Let go," he murmured against her skin. "Let me take you there."

She did as he asked, surrendering completely to the sensations washing over her. And soon enough, she moaned out his name, her body shaking with the force of her release.

Anthony continued his gentle ministrations, drawing out her pleasure until she was a trembling, boneless heap.

"That was… incredible," she exhaled.

He chuckled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her lips. "What can I say? I aim to please."