Chapter 27

Rose stood in the library, a feather duster in hand, carefully cleaning the shelves lined with ancient tomes. The sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the rich woodwork and filling the room with a serene ambiance. She hummed softly to herself, lost in the rhythm of her work.

It had been a few days since the dreadful events, and yet, she felt as if they had happened several years ago. She consciously decided not to dwell on the negative past, and instead, focus on the positive future. Still, she could see that there were so many things that William needed to take care of beforehand, and she didn't want to pressure him with things that could wait.

Well, wait… a little, she thought to herself. For she truly wished to discuss things with him, and see where their future might take them. She had so many hopes and dreams, and she wanted to think that William shared those same hopes and dreams with her.

The door creaked open behind her, bringing her back to the present moment, and she turned to see William entering the room. He closed the door quietly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he approached her.

"Hard at work, I see," he said, his voice low and teasing.

Rose smiled, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "Someone has to keep this place in order."

William stepped closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And you do such an excellent job of it. But perhaps you could use a break?"

She tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "A break? And what do you suggest I do during this break, Your Grace?"

He reached out, gently taking the duster from her hand and setting it aside. "I can think of a few things," he murmured, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper.

Her heart quickened as he leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Such as?" she asked, her voice barely more than a breath.

William's hand traced a line down her arm, sending shivers through her. "Such as allowing me the pleasure of your company," he said, his lips hovering just above hers.

Rose felt herself drawn to him, their closeness making her pulse race. "And what would this company entail?" she asked, her eyes locked on his.

He grinned, his hand moving to cup her cheek. "Perhaps a conversation, perhaps something more," he said, his lips finally meeting hers in a soft, lingering kiss.

She melted into him, the library and her duties forgotten as she lost herself at the moment. The kiss deepened, their passion igniting like a flame. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their foreheads touching.

It was a raw moment, filled with vulnerability, but neither of them seemed to mind. On the contrary, they had become familiar with each other, comfortable in each other's presence, although they had never taken their relationship to a fully physical, intimate level.

"I think I could get used to this kind of break," Rose whispered, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Every time he kissed her, it was a completely new experience, one she relished, enjoyed every moment of.

"Oh, but this is not even the half of it, my dear," he said playfully, whisking her up into his arms as her legs dangled over his strong arms.

"William! What on earth are you doing?" she giggled through the words.

"Why, I am taking you to my study, of course," he replied, his eyes glinting with playful intent. "I believe we can continue our… conversation there."

She raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Oh? And what makes your study so special?"

William smirked. "You'll see."

They reached his study, a room filled with rich mahogany furniture and walls lined with books and maps. The sunlight streamed in through large windows, casting a warm glow over the room. William kicked the door shut behind them, not breaking his stride as he carried her to a chaise lounge.

"Comfortable?" he asked, gently setting her down.

Rose settled into the chaise lounge, looking up at him with a coy smile. "Very. Though I must admit, I was quite comfortable in your arms as well."

William chuckled, sitting on the edge of his desk. "I'm glad to hear it. Now, where were we?"

She reached out, getting up and tugging at his cravat. "I believe we were discussing... conversations."

He leaned in, his eyes darkening with desire. "Yes, important matters."

Rose's fingers worked deftly, loosening his cravat. "I find these discussions quite enlightening," she murmured, her voice low and seductive.

William's hand slid into her hair, tilting her head back slightly. "As do I," he whispered, his lips brushing against hers.

Their kiss deepened, filled with the promise of more to come. William's hands roamed, caressing her with a tenderness that made her heart race. She pulled him closer, her fingers threading through his hair, losing herself in the intoxicating sensation of being so near to him.

Without breaking their kiss, William effortlessly lifted Rose once more, carrying her across the room. The study was filled with an almost tangible tension, the air thick with the promise of what was to come. He gently set her down on the large wooden table, the polished surface cool against her legs.

Rose's hands clung to his shoulders, pulling him closer as their lips met again, more urgently this time. Her fingers traced the contours of his back, feeling the strength of his muscles beneath the fabric of his coat. William's hands roamed freely, caressing her sides and settling at her waist, his touch sending shivers down her spine.

He pulled back slightly, his breath hot against her lips. "You're driving me mad," he murmured, his voice husky with desire.

Rose smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Good," she whispered, pulling him back for another kiss.

Their mouths moved together with a fervor that spoke of long-suppressed feelings finally breaking free. William's hands slid up her back, tangling in her hair, while Rose's fingers fumbled with the buttons of his waistcoat, eager to feel the warmth of his skin.

The table creaked under their weight as they moved, lost in the heat of their passion. William's lips traveled down her neck, planting a trail of kisses that left her breathless. Rose arched into him, her hands exploring the broad expanse of his chest now that his waistcoat was undone.

Her insides ached. They yearned for his touch, for him to finally make her his. There was nothing she wanted more, nothing that was left for her to become. Although she knew that they had not discussed marriage yet, she was absolutely certain of their love and she knew that she could trust him with her mind, her heart and her body. She wanted all of those things to belong to him.

Feeling her own desire, his hands trailed down her gown between the tender and exposed flesh of her inner thighs. She moaned softly as she felt his touch. A million little goosebumps ran down her back, leaving her breathless. He kissed her neck tenderly, reverently, as his hand slowly slid deeper and deeper, towards her most intimate flesh that had never been exposed to anyone.

Nearer and nearer, she could feel him almost there, her insides on fire, her mind a blank. Just as his fingers were about to graze her swollen, throbbing bud of desire, a knock on the door interrupted them. He pulled away, breathing heavily, his eyes locking onto hers with a mischievous smile.

"Should we just stay quiet?" he whispered, much to her amusement.

"We can't," she whispered back. "What if it is Mr. Hancock?"

"I am certain it is him," he said more silently than before.

"Answer," she ordered playfully, kissing the tip of his nose.

"Just a moment," he said, stepping away from her and helping her down the table. He watched her as she adjusted her gown as well as her hair. Once he was certain that she looked presentable, he called out again. "Come in, Mr. Hancock."

The loyal steward entered only after a few more moments had passed, almost as if he sensed that he had interrupted something important. However, it was his duty to interrupt if there was a reason for it.

"I, uhm… I apologize for the intrusion," Mr. Hancock spoke apologetically, glancing from William to Rose, then back at William again. "But the workers would like to speak to you. They have finished the stables."

"They have?" William exclaimed, exchanging a meaningful glance with Rose.

He was obviously very happy about that, and she knew why. The destruction of the stables was a devastating blow to William. It was his favorite place to go and think, to have a moment to himself. It was also the home of his horses, his friends who were always there for him, who had never betrayed him. And she knew that he felt as if he could not protect them when they needed him the most. He had never said that in those exact words, but she could read him well now, almost like an open book. And she could see when something was hurting him, when something was bothering him.

"Why, that is splendid news!" he added. "Do tell them I shall be there shortly."

"Yes, Your Grace," Mr. Hancock replied, bowing before William, then closing the door behind him.

William turned to Rose, caressing her cheek and staring deeply into her eyes. "I'm sorry for the interruption. And also, for getting so carried away, Rose. I… I cannot keep my hands to myself with you. You are irresistible." There it was, that smile she couldn't resist, that smile she would do anything for.

She pouted mischievously. "I do not mind one bit. I think that much is obvious."

"I am certainly glad it is so," he nodded, still with that playful glint in his eyes. Then he sighed. "As for the interruptions… that is becoming an annoying habit."

"You are the duke," she reminded him of something he knew well. "You are needed everywhere, not only by me."

"But you are the most important person to me," he told her tenderly.

"I know," she gushed. "And nothing makes me happier than to be that, but you need to tend to other people."

"I know," he said, with a smile. "How would you like to meet me in the garden, just after I'm done setting things with the workers?"

"In the garden?" she smiled back.

"Yes," he wrapped her arms around her waist, gently swaying them to the noiseless sounds of the music only the two of them could hear. "We could go for a nice, long walk, without any interruptions. How does that sound?"

She knew what he had in mind, some time alone.

"That sounds delightful, Your Grace," she teased.

"You know how I love it when you say that," he murmured against her lips, gently nipping her lower lip before bestowing a tender kiss on the exact same spot. The act inflamed her more than she was willing to admit. When he released her from his grip, she mourned the touch of his hands on her waist, the feel of his lips on hers.

"In the garden then, don't be late, my dear," she heard him say one more time as he lingered in the doorway, closing the door behind him as he left.