Page 52 of Deviant Duchess
A small touch, but in the moment it felt more intimate than the tightest hug. He met her eyes and found a kindness in her green pools that nearly undid him.
He cleared his throat, suddenly finding himself far more emotional than he ever intended to be, and forced a grin.
“That is what I know, sweet Adeline,” he said in his normal deep timbre. “I am sorry I do not have more.”
Adeline said nothing as she swiped a few tears from her cheeks and nuzzled into Deborah’s embrace.
“I for one think that is plenty,” Deborah said softly, and Adeline nodded in agreement.
“Yes,” Adeline sniffled, sitting up straight, “Thank you, Uncle.”
She offered him a small, sad smile, and he returned it along with a nod.
“You are most welcome,” he replied earnestly, “And thankyoufor allowing me to be a part of your day.”
Adeline’s smile brightened and widened at the reminder, and she hopped down from the couch.
“I think I am going to have some of the maids help me carry some of the flowers to my room. I want to sleep in my own field of color tonight.”
Deborah and Cedric both chuckled.
“I think that is a splendid idea,” Cedric replied.
“And if you like, tomorrow we can arrange them all together and make ourselves some lovely bouquets. Maybe take a few to Grace and Frances,” Deborah added.
Adeline readily agreed, turning to Deborah and giving her a kiss on the cheek. Deborah murmured her goodnights as Adeline began to walk toward the parlor door, but after a few steps, she turned around and hurried back to Cedric.
“Yes, dear?” He asked, but as he turned his head to look at her, her little lips brushed a kiss against his cheek as well, and as his mouth drew agape with shock at the display of affection, Adeline grinned and blushed before hurrying away again.
Cedric clamped his mouth shut as he touched the spot on his cheek, in disbelief that Adeline, who not very long ago would have thrown things at him if he attempted to speak with her, was now giving him a kiss goodnight.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Did you see that?” He asked, looking to Deborah.
Her answering smile was kind and affectionate.
“I did,” she agreed, moving from the opposite sofa to sit by his side. “It seems you two are making good progress.”
“So it seems indeed,” he murmured, still in awe of what had just happened.
Deborah scooted into the corner of the sofa, reclining a little into the space as he too shifted back and let his back sink into the cushioned high back. Without giving it much thought, he reached for her feet and placed them in his lap, as if it were something he had always done. Deborah, in turn, seemed to allow the intimate gesture, for she simply let him begin removing her stylish walking-heeled boots.
“How are you feeling, Cedric?” Deborah asked as he started to flick the many buttons through their loops.
“I am ecstatic over Adeline’s and my progress,” he replied, readily. “You are doing incredible work with her.”
Deborah laughed softly as she shook her head.
“Thank you, but that is not what I was referring to. I am asking how you feel after talking about your sister,” Deborah clarified, her tone gentle.
Cedric’s hands paused for a moment as his heart and mind gave off a small throb of anguish. A few seconds later, he resumed his work, ridding Deborah’s stockinged feet of the heels with haste as if it would somehow lessen his feelings.
It did not.
“I am fine,” he said, his tone light.
Deborah kicked her foot lightly, and he seethed in a breath as she accidentally brushed against his groin. He closed his eyes, caught in a tormented place between heartache and arousal. He captured the assaulting appendage at once and smoothed the heel of his palm into her arch. Deborah wriggled slightly as a soft breath escaped her, but did not stop him.
