Page 155 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke
“I’ve tried.”
She squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”
“It is my privilege.”
That afternoon, Hector led her toward one of the outbuildings behind the house. Jane glanced around curiously.
“I’ve been wondering what this building was.”
“You’ve been investigating my estate?”
“I’ve been exploring.”
“There is a difference?”
“A very important one.”
He chuckled as he opened the door. Inside was a spacious practice room with padded flooring, wooden staffs, blunted practice swords, and enough open space for movement.
Jane looked around with interest. “So this is where you learned to throw enormous men across the room.” She smiled. “I should like another lesson.”
He removed his coat and placed it neatly over a nearby bench. “I thought you might.”
Jane stepped onto the padded floor. “What am I learning today?”
“Balance.”
She frowned. “I thought we already practiced balance.”
“We practiced survival.” He motioned for her to stand opposite him. “Today we refine it.”
She obeyed.
“Wider stance,” he instructed. She shifted her feet. “A little farther.”
She adjusted again. He walked behind her. His hands settled lightly against her waist as he corrected her position.
“There.”
The warmth of his touch seeped through the fabric of her dress. She hoped he could not feel how suddenly her pulse had quickened.
“You seem remarkably certain.”
“I know exactly where your center of balance should be.”
She swallowed. His lips curved ever so slightly.
“I’m speaking of your footing.”
“Naturally.”
He stepped beside her again. “When someone seizes your wrist...” “...don’t oppose strength with strength.”
He demonstrated the movement once. Then released her. “Now you.”
Jane repeated it.
He shook his head. “Again.”
