Page 32 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

She opened her mouth to deny her suspicions but was prevented by a loud crash coming from the study. Cora and her mother rushed down the stairs and into the study. Damion and Jeremy were swinging punches at each other.

“Enough!” her mother snapped.

Both men froze. Cora stared at them in disbelief. Her mother, much more collected, asked, “What has caused this?”

Jeremy reluctantly stepped back. “My close friend, the man who was supposed to help me find a wife, has somehow placed Cora in a scandalous position, and it will be posted in all the papers tomorrow.”

“I’m here to do the right thing,” Damion bit out.

No! She didn’t want that. Jeremy spat, “And you will.”

Cora shook her head. “I won’t marry the Duke of Blythe.”

Everyone turned to Cora, shocked. Jeremy frowned at her. “You are ruined.”

How could this have happened? Sensing her confusion, Damion explained, “I saw Bellamy at a club becoming friendly with a server, and I became angry because I assumed he was betrothed to you.”

“I refused his proposal.”

Their eyes connected, and a zing of emotion swirled between them. How she wanted to run into his arms and tell him she was happy he’d come. Yet, she didn’t. Cora couldn’t marry him or anyone because it was the honorable thing to do. She deserved more. No, she wouldn’t be an obligation foisted upon someone.

“Be my wife, Cora.”

“She will,” Jeremy bit out.

Cora closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Someone told me once that I deserved love. I won’t marry you because we have a scandal hanging over our heads.”

Damion took a step closer to her, and Jeremy let out a low growl. Her mother sighed, “Come along, Jeremy. We should let these two talk.”

Cora’s brother stared at her incredulously.

“Leave them alone. Scandal will be here whether they are alone for a few minutes or not.”

He scowled but walked toward the door with her mother. Jeremy shot Damion a menacing glare. “Touch her, and you will die.”

Damion nodded. The room fell into silence as they both stood there staring at one another. “Cora, I want you to marry me.”

“I don’t want you to do this because you think I’m ruined. I will be fine.”

He stepped closer to her. “That isn’t why. “

“How will I ever not wonder if that is the truth? You said the same thing after our moment in the library. You asked because you thought you compromised me.”

“I was a damn fool, and I am now. I’m sorry I have bungled this.”

She smiled sadly. “I can’t be the second marriage you regret. My answer is no.”

He looked disappointed. “Would you at least give me the chance to prove to you it is more than that?”

She nodded, because deep down she wanted Damion and always would, but it couldn’t be this way.

“I will make you understand that I choose you tonight, tomorrow, and forever.”

Her eyes watered, and she was tempted to throw her arms around him, but stopped herself. They both needed to know this marriage wasn’t about necessity but love. She walked to the door and said, “I look forward to seeing you again, Your Grace.”

Their eyes connected, and Damion said, “I love you, Cora.”

She smiled at him. “I want that to be true.”