Why he was off limits. Yes, he was a duke, but he’d always been her better. More socially skilled, with a bigger heart, and generally, much nicer than she was. And, if he were fool enough to kiss her, then she would be doubly idiotic to refuse. So she was done with saying no. They were standing so close, but now, he touched her, and her skin crackled under his touch. A lifetime of defenses shattering? she wondered. “Yes,” she whispered. Then she felt him jolt, and his eyes narrowed in frustration. He was turning away from her. So tense was his reaction, she thought he was protecting her from a threat. But then, a moment later, she began to doubt. What danger came from three well-dressed young ladies as they rushed forward? “Your grace! Your grace!” cried one auburn-haired beauty. “Do you remember me? Miss Grace Robin. We met this morning. You had been at the solicitor’s office with Lord Crowle and were walking my way.”
