A Moment of Passion (The Ladies Book of Pleasures) by Jess Michaels

he had seen and understood what she held when he entered the room. “Of course,” he said, his tone not revealing what she feared she knew. “I will wait for you as long as you require.” “Thank you,” she said, her voice weak as she slipped from the room. The moment he was gone, she covered her face. “He knew! He saw!” Grace shook her head. “No. I do not think so, Jacinda.” Isabel wrapped an arm around her. “Truly, I doubt a man like him even thought of what we were doing.” Jacinda nodded at their reassurances, but she didn’t believe them. There was no doubt in her mind that the powerful duke had seen her scandalous book. Worse, there would likely be consequences for it. She smoothed her skirts. “It seems I have no choice but to return to the fray. Thank you again for the lovely gifts. I do appreciate them.” As she exited the room, she could sense Isabel and Grace’s hesitation about her emotions, but she refused to discuss it further. By even looking at the book, she had opened herself up to feelings and whispers she had fought so long to avoid. And that was why she could never look at it again.