Chapter 5

"What are you thinking about, Esther?" Harriet asked curiously. Her voice snapped Esther out of her thoughts of the Duke.

Esther blushed and tried to compose herself, hastily schooling her features into a mask of indifference. "Oh, nothing," she replied evasively.

But Harriet was not so easily deterred. "Come now. I know that look. You're thinking about someone, aren't you?"

Esther tried keeping a straight face but couldn't keep the corners of her lips from twitching.

"Perhaps a dashing gentleman from the ball?"

Esther opened her mouth to protest, but Harriet cut her off with a knowing laugh.

"Ugh, not at all!" Esther shook her head.

"I see I've hit the mark!" Harriet exclaimed triumphantly. "Well, don't keep me in suspense. Who is the lucky man?"

"You're incorrigible," Esther huffed. "But I assure you, there's no one of consequence on my mind."

"Come now, you can't hide it from me," Harriet insisted.

Esther groaned softly. "Fine, but it's between us, all right? No other soul should know. Promise me."

"I promise!" Harriet's eyes sparkled with excitement as Esther reluctantly prepared to recount the events of the ball that night, already feeling shame at the memory of her boldness.

"Well, you see, it all started when I found myself in a rather… compromising situation," Esther began tentatively, her voice tinged with nervousness. "I had just tripped over my feet and stumbled straight into the arms of the Duke of Harcourt himself."

"WHAT?" Harriet yelled as she leaned in closer. "Go on."

"And… he was nice about it," Esther added. "Given the situation, he absolutely took no liberties with me, and it was such a nice change. Of course, this doesn't mean that he's a true gentleman, but… I found myself asking him to court me."

Harriet's jaw dropped in astonishment. "You asked him to court you?" she squeaked incredulously. "Esther, I never would have believed it if I hadn't heard it with my own ears!"

Esther couldn't help but laugh at her sister-in-law's reaction.

"It was out of character for me, I must admit," she relented. "But we're both seemingly in the same situation, and it's convenient. If the rumors about him not wanting to marry are true, then it's easier to pretend with each other than conform to societal norms and be miserable with other people who won't understand."

Harriet bombarded Esther with questions about the mysterious Duke—what he looked like, how he had reacted to her proposal, and every detail of their encounter.

"He's even more handsome up close than all the gossip would have you believe," Esther said dreamily. "He's so… so princely and sturdy and…" Her face fell. "He is also rather reserved."

Harriet grinned excitedly as she dropped her chin into her hands. "What else?"

"Well," Esther continued with a smirk, "when I asked him to court me, he looked positively flabbergasted, as if he couldn't quite believe what he was hearing."

"The audacity of you!" Harriet cackled into her palms. "I can just imagine the look on his face! And then what?"

Esther laughed along with her. "I felt like a complete fool! But I guess he understood my situation. Otherwise, he wouldn't have promised to consider my proposal."

Harriet clapped her hands together in delight. "How positively romantic! It sounds like something out of one of those scandalous novels we love to read."

"It's not romantic at all. He's handsome, but that's all there is to him."

"But this is thrilling! What happens next? Will you see him again?"

Esther smiled warily. "Who knows? But one thing's for certain—I'll never forget that night. It may have been bold and impulsive, but I got some respite from Mother's matchmaking attempts."

Harriet nodded in agreement, "Or you could just tell your mother about what happened with Richard and?—"

"Harriet, stop." Esther closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose to soothe a sudden ache behind it. "Mother will never understand. And… and I don't want to think about it. Sometimes I still feel like it was my fault."

Harriet put a comforting hand on Esther's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I just?—"

"Esther, Harriet, come down here at once!" Lavinia's voice cut through their conversation like a sharp blade. Despite sounding so far away, it still carried with it the sternness only a mother could project.

Esther exchanged a worried glance with Harriet before they rushed out of the bedroom and down to the parlor, where her mother sat upright on a chaise lounge.

Lavinia wasted no time in getting straight to the point when they stood before her.

"Esther, I've received word of a new suitor who is interested in meeting you," she announced, looking rather pleased. "He's a viscount with impeccable lineage and a sizable estate. I believe he could be just the match we've been waiting for."

Esther's heart sank like a stone in her chest. She opened her mouth to protest, but her mother raised a hand to silence her.

"Now, now, Esther, I won't hear any objections," the Countess chided. "This is a wonderful opportunity. He's a very intelligent man with beliefs that suit your… taste for modernity. And he came from France!"

But Esther was not so easily swayed. She squared her shoulders defiantly, her jaw set in determination. "I'm sorry, Mother, but I must refuse," she declared firmly, her voice unwavering. "I have no interest in meeting this viscount, or any other suitor, for that matter."

Lavinia's brow furrowed in frustration as she attempted to reason with her stubborn daughter. "Esther, please, you must consider the consequences of your actions. You cannot afford to be so selective when it comes to matters of marriage. It will affect the entire family!"

But Esther stood her ground, her resolve unshakeable. "I appreciate your concern, Mother, but I simply cannot marry a man I do not love."

Lavinia scoffed, Esther crossed her arms, and Harriet stepped in to defuse the situation rather helplessly.

"Perhaps it would be best if we leave Esther to her own devices for now," Harriet suggested gently, placing a comforting hand on Esther's arm. "I'm sure she will come to see reason in her own time."

The Countess sighed in resignation, realizing that further argument with her daughter would be futile. With a nod of acquiescence, she rose from her chair and walked out of the room, leaving Esther and Harriet alone once more.

Esther breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for Harriet's intervention. She knew that her decision would not be easily accepted by her family, but she was determined to follow her heart, no matter the consequences.

* * *

Another evening, another ball, and Lavinia was quite suspicious to see Esther get ready for it without much resistance this time. Then again, the ball was at Seymour Manor, so Esther wouldn't have much of a choice but to be present and presentable.

The only thing that remained the same was Esther keeping away from anyone who was not family.

She was busy chatting with Harriet when she noticed a familiar figure from the corner of her eye. Her eyes lit up with recognition as she caught sight of him. A smile spread across her face, one that was genuine and also filled with surprise. She didn't expect to see him at the Seymour ball. She was also surprised that he was already watching her, but there was no way she would shed an ounce of her attitude should he come her way. She wanted him to know that she didn't consider his status all that flattering.

The Duke began approaching her with the same reserved look on his face, which took her even more by surprise. Esther excused herself from Harriet and moved towards him, but she was interrupted by her parents appearing before her suddenly. Their faces lit up with delight at the sight of the esteemed Duke in their midst. Her father, in particular, beamed with pride as he welcomed William with open arms.

"We're so honored that you decided to attend, Your Grace," Lord Seymour said.

William nodded in acknowledgment. "My sisters looked forward to it, so it was natural that I accompanied them," he replied politely, though he didn't seem very entertained. "I trust you and your family are enjoying yourselves?"

Lady Seymour's enthusiasm faltered at his emotionless response. "It's been… simply delightful," she replied uncertainly. "A-And to have you grace us with your presence"—she clasped her hands together—"oh, it is truly an honor."

William nodded politely once more, his lips pressed into a thin line. "The honor is mine. Your hospitality is appreciated."

"Goodness…" Lady Seymour whispered anxiously to Esther as she stepped back. "So, this is what he's really like all the time?"

As the Earl of Seymour yapped on unapologetically to fill the awkward silence, Esther caught William stealing glances at her. He replied with perfect poise, as if he was used to this conversation. It was somewhat funny, but she also felt sorry for him because her father couldn't see how uninterested he was. His responses were to the point and somewhat disengaging.

Finally, there was a shift in the conversation, and Lord Seymour turned to Esther. "My dear, let me introduce you to William Barton, the Duke of Harcourt. Your Grace, this is my one and only daughter, Lady Esther."

Esther stepped forward and curtsied, furtively glancing up at William with a concealed smirk. "An honor to meet you, Your Grace."

William cleared his throat, blinking at her almost warningly before addressing her. "Likewise, Lady Esther. I'd like the honor of a dance if you would so please."

The Earl and Countess exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by the Duke's request. The idea of their daughter dancing with the most eligible bachelor in the room, and within moments of meeting, was almost too much to fathom. They struggled to find the words to respond. Esther almost laughed at how shocked they looked.

After a moment of stunned silence, Lord Seymour finally managed to find his voice. "Esther, darling?" he prompted, his tone filled with genuine surprise and gratitude.

"With much due respect, Your Grace," Esther started seriously, "seeing how withdrawn you've been from high society, how can you guarantee the safety of my feet?"

Lady Seymour's jaw dropped, Lord Seymour gasped, and Hariett smacked her shoulder from behind.

The Duke seemed taken aback, and Esther did her best to keep from snorting in the most unladylike fashion.

"I…" He exhaled exasperatedly. "I assure you that I haven't fallen behind in that department. Your feet are safe with me."

"My word, Esther!" Lady Seymour hissed, squeezing her daughter's wrist. "Have some respect for His Grace!"

"It's quite all right, Lady Seymour," William replied begrudgingly. "Her concern is valid, and… I'm not opposed to being considerate of such requests, however strange they may be."

Is he trying to tell me something?The wording was quite odd.

Esther hummed. "Consideration is the highest form of regard anyone can be given," she replied almost tenderly. "Your Grace, I would be honored to dance with a man so kind."

"Oh?" Lady Seymour whispered, pleasantly surprised as she finally let go of her daughter's wrist.

The Duke held his hand out, and Esther slid her fingers over his palm. It was a warm and sturdy hand that held hers confidently, and it made her heart jump. Their eyes met, and the intensity of his gaze on her made her inhale sharply.

The world fell away, and there was no one in the ballroom but them. Well, Esther was acutely aware of the jealous mamas and young debutantes glaring daggers at her, but she ignored them.

The rush of warmth from his touch made her pull away instinctively, but he held on, a stern look in his eyes as he pulled her forward and towards the center of the dance floor. Her body remembered it all with each step, the way his strong frame pressed against her, his warm breath fanning the swell of her breasts, and his guttural voice in her ear.

Her skin buzzed with arousal in ways that yearned for more of his touch.

William's brow furrowed as he stood before her on the dance floor, hand in hand. "Are you all right?"

"Does the Duke worry for the lowly subjects?" Esther whispered teasingly.

Though she was the daughter of an earl, she'd heard rumors about the Duke and his family. He concerned himself with no one below his status, they said.

Although she wanted it to come off a little lighthearted, it made him frown, his hand gripping hers a little more tightly.

"You assume so unkindly of me?" he asked, his tone more subdued than it usually was. She knew she'd upset him.

Esther met his gaze with an ounce of regret. "I wouldn't dare. Lead the way, Your Grace. Just try not to step on my toes."

William grunted, though not intimidatingly. "Only if you cooperate."

Esther raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Me? Cooperate? My, you haven't learned a thing from our last encounter."

He sighed and pulled her in closer, his free hand purposely pressing onto the small of her back. Though the intent may have been to punish her, the effect was quite the opposite.

It brought her pleasure.

She gasped softly, looking up at him, almost scandalized, only to find his gaze darting to her lips. A shaky breath left her at the way he stared down at her, his fingers curiously drumming against her spine. He gulped subtly, but she knew she hadn't imagined it.

As the music filled the air, William and Esther found themselves swept away in its enchanting melody. His touch was gentle yet firm as he guided her in the dance. Esther, in turn, placed her hand delicately on his shoulder, her fingers tingling with anticipation as she felt the warmth of his skin beneath the fabric.

As they began to sway to the rhythm of the music, their movements synchronized perfectly, as if they had been dancing together for years. The ballroom seemed to fade away around them, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment.

Esther couldn't focus on her feet as she felt his hand creep up her back slowly, the tips of his fingers drawing tantalizing lines on her spine as he scanned her face. She grew more and more flustered, grabbing onto his strong bicep for stability.

He pulled away to twirl her and then pulled her back against his chest, spinning to the music that had grown more intense. Esther wasn't breathless from the dancing, but from the way he held her so closely by the waist, with absolutely no fear of onlookers and what they would make of it.

"Your Grace…" she whispered as they slowed down to step back and forth, her face close to his shoulder. "I… um, I don't understand?—"

"Don't understand what?" he muttered as he leaned in, his breath fanning her ear. "Must I spell it out loud, Lady Esther?"

As the final notes of the music echoed through the ballroom, they pulled away from each other. She gave him a lingering look as she tried to read his stern, guarded expression. And then his eyes softened.

She needed him to speak out loud.

Esther finally came to her senses when he bowed to signal the end of the dance, and she couldn't help but notice the whispers and stares from the other guests. The weight of their scrutiny hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their dance.

She tried to regain her usual composure, one that was unserious, uncaring, and teasing.

"I hope you don't mind being seen dancing with someone who's known in the ton for being a bit improper," she whispered with a curtsy, but it came out rather breathless.

The Duke's eyes darkened, simmering with purpose. "Not at all, Lady Esther," he replied darkly. "I've never been one to pay much attention to what others think. We're both similar in that manner, are we not?"

Another tune began to play, and he didn't walk away. Instead, he stepped towards her once more, and her heart fluttered in her chest. She silently accepted his hand and allowed him to lead her.

"Lady Esther, I know a flustered expression when I see one," William remarked quietly, which sounded rather sensual to her ears. "You can't fool me with that composed act of yours."

Esther rolled her eyes, still breathless as more heat rose to her cheeks at his observation. She shifted a little uncomfortably when his hand trailed over her waist to spin her, but she swallowed her discomfort.

"Oh, please," she replied with mock indignation. "I'll have you know, Your Grace, that I am the epitome of composure."

Her back met his chest as his hand landed on her hip, his face beside hers as his voice dropped a few octaves. "Yet, I seem to have made you at a loss of witty remarks to throw my way," he whispered. "I believe I have the upper hand this time."

Esther shuddered as his thumb discreetly caressed her waist. She knew that if he wasn't touching her like that, she'd have her act together.

"I'm navigating uncharted waters, Your Grace," she retorted regrettably. "Dancing with a man of your unpracticed vigor hardly allows for intelligent thought."

He squeezed her hand and scoffed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

In sync with the music and the other dancers, he twirled her back around to make her face him.

"All I'm saying is that I'm treading on unfamiliar territory," she grumbled. "Dancing with men is not something I have much experience with."

"Well, fear not, Lady Esther," he replied curtly. "I promise to tread lightly and not ruffle any more feathers. Especially not of a little bird like yourself."

"It seems like you've been trying to ruffle my feathers, Your Grace," she challenged as he stepped back and pulled her close again for the choreography.

This time, Esther's delicate fingers landed near his neck, brushing against his skin and eliciting a soft exhale. She felt his chest shudder against hers, and her mouth went dry.

She didn't know that such a small touch could have that effect on him.

William, slightly taken aback, scanned her face. "Why, you…"

She chuckled softly in response, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Finally, she wasn't the only one so flustered.

"Lady Esther," he said in a way that sounded deflecting, "I've thought long and hard about your proposal from our last encounter."

Esther's eyes widened in surprise at his words, her heart skipping a beat as she processed his confession. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could form a coherent thought, William continued, his tone growing more serious.

"I will pretend to court you, Lady Esther. But only because I have my own condition."

Esther felt a rush of emotions wash over her at his words—surprise, relief, and a hint of apprehension. She blinked, momentarily at a loss for words, before a nervous laugh bubbled up her throat.

"Your Grace," she replied, her voice tinged with disbelief as she attempted to hide her nerves with another witty remark. "Though it was my proposal, surely getting yourself involved with a scandalous hoyden like me means inviting gossip. Are you su?—"

But as she met William's gaze, she saw no trace of jest in his eyes—only complete seriousness. Her nervous laugh faltered, replaced by a dawning realization that perhaps he truly meant what he said.

William reached out, firmly taking her hand in his, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through her veins that made her almost jump away from him. "I'm aware of your concerns, Lady Esther," he whispered as he leaned in closer. "Let us meet in the garden after the dance and discuss our agreement further."

Esther's heart fluttered at his words, but it didn't feel good this time. Instead, she felt unsure and uncomfortable, but she did her best not to let it show. His suggestion sounded very similar to a certain situation she was trying to erase from her memory.

"Very well, Your Grace," she said bravely, remembering that William was a different man altogether.

The music faded away, and William led her back to where her parents stood, the air between them thick with anticipation and unspoken emotions. Lady Seymour watched them with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, her lips pressed into a thin line as she exchanged a glance with her husband.

Esther sensed her mother's calculating gaze. She knew that her mother had always dreamed of seeing her married to a respectable gentleman, and the sudden prospect of a courtship with the Duke seemed to make her happy.

"Thank you for the dance, Lady Esther," William said politely as he released her hand. "Until we meet again."

Esther offered him a small smile in return, her gaze lingering on his retreating figure as he made his way towards the doors opening into the garden. Her body still buzzed from his touches, and her mother said something about how his interest in her felt too good to be true.

With a quick glance back at her parents discussing their suspicions, she silently slipped away from them to follow him.

"Esther!" Harriet whispered as she caught her by the shoulder near the door. "Wherever are you going?"

Esther turned around and smiled sheepishly. "The Duke of Harcourt has asked me to step out with him."

Harriet's eyes widened. "Are… are you sure you want to do that?"

Truth be told, Esther wasn't entirely keen on following through with the Duke's request. Her body buzzed in alarm, signaling that something was very wrong. Flashbacks from her first Season haunted her once more, but she was getting sick of the fear holding her back.

"Maybe it can be different this time…" she said, before squeezing Harriet's hand and running off.

As she stepped into the moonlit garden, she found William waiting for her beneath the canopy of stars, his expression unreadable yet tinged with a quiet intensity.

Her pulse quickened at the sight of him, her nerves fluttering like the wings of a trapped bird as she approached him.

"Your Grace," she greeted softly as she came to stand before him.

She could feel his gaze resting heavily on her, and it made her nervous.

"Thank you for joining me," he said.

Esther offered him a tentative smile, though she was rattled with anxiety. "Asking an innocent young maiden to see you alone in the garden? How scandalous of you, Your Grace."

William nodded with no shame to spare. Perhaps he'd abandoned it, given her personality. "Yet, here you are. You had every choice to ignore my request."

Esther shrugged nonchalantly. "I suppose… but even I wouldn't go this far on purpose. Do you think you can walk away unscathed just because you're a duke?"

"You're barely six heads tall," William said pointedly, which made her blink in surprise. Then she frowned.

She put her hands on her hips and huffed. "I… I can fight! I'm quite nimble!"

"So can I…" William leaned closer, his eyes gleaming with a playful wickedness. "Do you want to give it a try?"

His advancing form did not scare her but instead elicited a tingling, sensual shiver from deep within her abdomen as she backed away towards a wall. Esther opened her mouth to retort, but no words came out.

William advanced on her, caging her against the rocky wall carpeted with vines and tiny blooming buds. Her mouth went dry at his audacity, her heart pounding in her chest as she looked up at him.

"So easy to fluster," William whispered as he leaned in, his breath fanning her face. "Where's your twittering now, little bird?"

Esther's cheeks flushed. She didn't want to make it look like she was easy to get to, but his voice did something to her. Some part of her was nervous because this was all too familiar. But she also didn't want to go back inside.

"We're out here… alone, and I…"

"Is that a bother?" William raised an eyebrow as a hint of concern flickered in his eyes.

Esther shook her head. "I was just wondering why you had to speak with me in the garden for this?"

"I worried that whispering too much to each other on the dance floor might draw suspicion," he admitted. "I didn't want us to seem too familiar in front of others. But are you all right, Lady Esther?"

She nodded quietly.

"Well then, I must warn you," he continued softly, "I am not in a position to entertain thoughts of marriage at this time. Maybe ever. My priorities lie with my sisters—I must see to their happiness and well-being before considering my own. I would suggest you keep your options open at all times."

Esther's brow furrowed slightly as she processed his words, turning to look at him and gasping lightly as their noses brushed. She didn't expect him to be so close to her.

"So, you're saying…" she trailed off, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

William sighed solemnly. "I'm saying that while I'm prepared to court you, it would be under the understanding that our relationship will remain contractual. To save you from a painful marriage, and to save me from my mother's tiring endeavors."

She knew this was what she had proposed, but hearing him say it felt a lot different. She didn't understand why. It hurt a little bit for reasons unexplained and undiscovered.

"I know," she replied quietly. "I would not have suggested that had I not already known. I accept that, Your Grace."

"William," he murmured. "William is fine."

Silence fell between them for a moment, the weight of their agreement hanging heavy in the air. They would both finally be free from the barrage of endless suitors.

The garden seemed to hold its breath, and Esther's hands cautiously came to rest on his chest, trying to push him away from her so she could breathe a little bit.

"Should I call you by your Christian name even in front of the others?" she asked, unable to look at him. "I suppose that would make our courtship look more natural."

"Of course."

"And… what about our mothers?"

He carefully placed a hand on her wrists to keep her hands pressed to his chest. "Their animosity towards each other is not your responsibility. Perhaps our fluke may even soften their hearts towards each other."

"Or make their disdain worse, should they find out," she countered, beginning to panic at the possibility. "Oh, maybe this isn't a good idea."

He tugged on her wrists to make her look at him. "Do you not trust me to handle this?"

The reassurance in his voice eased her anxiety. She looked at him with surrender in her eyes and immediately found herself breathless at the way his eyes softened as soon as their gazes met.

"All you have to do is act like you care about me. Genuinely," he said. "It's all my mother wants me to have."

"Then you must do the same with me," she pointed out softly. "My mother knows that's all I want."

As he drew nearer, she couldn't help but notice the way his eyes roamed over her, his gaze lingering on her face before trailing down the length of her body. A shiver ran down her spine at the intensity of his scrutiny, her skin tingling with anticipation.

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she fought to maintain her composure. The situation reminded her too much of the past, and she was close to bolting from him.

"Esther," he said, and the way her name came out in such a soft whisper made her heart melt. "Are you all right?"

She nodded.

"Nothing will happen against your will," he said reassuringly. "You take the lead. I'll follow."

She tried to steel herself against the rising tide of emotion that came with his consideration, she couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, something powerful and undeniable.

"How would we convince them of it?" Esther asked. "That we like each other? I don't want them to suspect it because of how uncomfortable we might look around each other."

A thoughtful look crossed his features. "We could get comfortable now. Maybe try something simple," he suggested a little nervously. "A hug, perhaps?"

Esther's gulped, her heart pounding furiously in her chest. She felt nervous, uncertain even, but there was an undeniable thrill coursing through her veins as well—a rush of adrenaline that left her feeling exhilarated.

His grip on her wrists loosened, and she allowed her hands to slide up his shoulders and envelop him in a warm embrace. The very air in her lungs shuddered, and she couldn't help but revel in the electrifying sensation of his arms wrapping around her waist in return, holding her so firmly yet so gently. She felt so small. His scent immediately filled her nostrils—sandalwood mixed with jasmine.

His arms were warm and strong, making her practically burrow into his chest to hide away. Her eyes closed as she felt his steady heartbeat against her chest. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they lingered in each other's embrace, the world around them fading into nothingness. And as Esther pulled away, she found that her head was reeling.

But he didn't let her pull away from him. A charged energy crackled in the air between them as she stared at him in confusion, their noses almost brushing.

"William?" she whispered. "We must head back inside…"

Esther gasped, her pulse quickening as his hand slid up her waist and under her jaw tenderly. She felt the heat of his breath on her skin, his proximity sending shivers down her spine.

Their eyes locked in a silent exchange, a silent dialogue of longing and yearning that spoke volumes. William's gaze held hers with an intensity that sent her senses astray, his hazel eyes reflecting the flickering flames of desire that burned within her. She found herself unable to tear her gaze away as he leaned in closer, his lips hovering just inches away from hers.

Esther's breath caught in her throat as she felt the heat of his body against her, their closeness igniting a firestorm of passion that threatened to consume them both. The pull between their mouths grew so unbearably strong that she could hardly breathe.

William's voice was a gentle whisper, barely audible amidst the pounding of their hearts. "Esther," he murmured as his fingers dug into her waist, "stop me now."

She didn't stop him. She couldn't. She wanted it, too.

Pushing herself forward, their lips met in a tender kiss, and the moans they both let out made her feel so embarrassed. William's hand delved into her locks, his tongue probing at her lips curiously before gliding past them and into her mouth.

Esther moaned at the way it felt, the reality of it being so much better than she'd ever imagined. Their kiss deepened, igniting a fiery inferno of desire that blazed between them. With her body humming with a heady rush of sensation, Esther melted into his arms. With each caress of his fingers, each brush of their lips, she felt herself falling deeper and deeper under his spell.

As their passion intensified, their hands explored needily and curiously the curves and softness of each other's bodies, as if they'd been waiting for too long. At that moment, there was no past, no future—only the intoxicating present, alive with the pulsating rhythm of their desire. Her hand relished his soft hair, and his fingers traced her delicate neck.

And as they finally broke apart, their breaths mingled between them and refused to let any outside air into their embrace.

"I'll call on you tomorrow," William said breathlessly, swiping his thumb across her cheekbones.

Esther could only nod in response as he pulled away, taking with him his warmth and leaving her in the pleasant chill of the evening.