KATHERINE

His hand moved up, brushing against my parted lips, tracing their outline while his eyes devoured me, brimming with promises and desire.

“What… what modest services in your chamber? Do you need me to clean?” I asked, feigning innocence.

Remembering the last intimate services I had provided—ones he hadn’t even paid me for.

“Pft, I think you know exactly what I want from you. I’ve given you pleasure tonight, and you’ve left me hanging several times,” he murmured seductively, leaning in closer.

“I doubt you’ll have any trouble earning those checks, my Duchess.”

And with that indecent proposition, he grabbed my hand and led us through the forest back to the mansion.

I followed in silence, my mind spinning from all the veiled hints and where they were leading.

We were both an absolute mess, and as we stepped into the garden grounds, the people we passed gave us odd looks. But Elliot didn’t stop to explain himself.

The music from the ballroom had quieted; the guests were already r