Page 16 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

He lifted a brow at her formality, and she bristled. “Do you need something?”

Damion clenched his jaw. “What is wrong? I don’t like games.”

“Neither do I.”

He stepped closer to her. A hum of excitement filled Cora. She didn’t understand why she felt it with this man. Was it because he was a rake? What else could it be?

Concern appeared on his face. Softly, he said, “You seem bothered.”

She. Was. Not. Cora shook her head. “Not at all. Though I do hope you are planning to teach me more tonight. I find your lessons lacking.”

Damion took another step toward her. They were mere inches away from each other. Even though Cora was taller than most, she still had to look up at him. She tilted her head back. Absurdly and completely not important to their conversation, she wondered if he truly would never marry. It would be such a shame if he never found real love after the ordeal with his wife.

He grasped her chin. “What lesson have I failed to teach you?”

Cora was momentarily speechless. What did she want him to show her? “I want you to instruct me on how to kiss better. I’m confident before the party is over Bellamy will pull me aside.”

He stepped back, releasing his hold on her. A scowl marred his chiseled face. Cora smirked, enjoying aggravating him.

“I’m not sure your brother would approve.”

“Still, I need to know. I don’t want to be a wet fish.”

He snorted. “I’ve kissed you. You don’t need any training. You—”

“Don’t tell me to be myself. I need to know more. There is a spark that ignites before an actual kiss. I felt it with you. I’m requesting you teach me how to create that spark.”

“I’m not sure that can be taught,” he stated.

Cora scrunched up her nose. “Of course it can. I mean you must feel it with everyone. I assume you’ve kissed Lady Clark and Lady Bennett.”

He rolled his eyes. “I have not kissed Lady Bennett.”

She glowered at him. “But you have kissed Lady Clark and there was a spark beforehand?”

“Something similar.”

Why did disappointment flare in her at his agreement? “Show me how to be enticing, Damion.”

He sighed. “Place your hand on my chest and lean in slightly.”

She did as he said and felt the hammering of his heart through his shirt. Gruffly, he said, “Now, ask me to kiss you.”

“Your Grace—”

“No, use my given name. You aren’t asking for a proper kiss. Your touch and closeness indicate you want something far more intimate. Stare up at me as if I’m some type of treat—not something you taste all the time but something you yearn to have one more nibble of.”

Their eyes connected. Her fingers dug into his shirt. Breathlessly, she said, “Damion, will you kiss me?”

He swallowed hard and cupped her chin. “Now part your lips slightly.”

His free arm looped around her waist. "Move slightly closer. Not all the way, but enough that it makes me want to dip my head down further.”

She did as he instructed. Their lips were only a breath apart. Cora should end this but didn’t. No, she wanted Damion to kiss her. She would never admit that aloud, but it was the truth. Still, who wouldn’t enjoy a kiss from a skilled gentleman?

The sound of someone approaching reached them, and Damion quickly released her. They both stepped back. Lady Clark and Lady Bennett appeared on the pathway, giggling. Lady Clark spotted them first, and she tilted her head, studying their interaction. Eventually, she asked, “Did either of you find a gift down here?”

The question snapped Cora out of the haze of desire swirling around her and Damion. She forced herself to smile. “Not so far, but I believe Blythe is going to continue the search. I must return to the house.”