You're joking, right?" she asked, shaking her head with a slight smile. "I'd like to fulfill my first event as the Duchess of Everwyn without a hitch." Her determination was clear, and she wanted to prove herself capable.
"Okay. Then, I'll fully concentrate on my work that day," he conceded, his hand softly stroking her shoulder. His touch was a silent promise of support.
Her head naturally turned, and she leaned against his taut chest. "But, just let me take over until then."
"D-Duke?" she stammered, taken aback by his sudden intimacy.
"Are you really calling me that when we're alone right now?" he teased, his voice low and intimate. The use of his title felt distant in their private moments.
"Not that, Raven… umm," she began, but her words were cut off as he captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. His tongue swept her lips open, tasting the sweetness that lingered there.
