KATHERINE

"Oh, for heaven’s sake, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry!" I pulled out the handkerchief from the inner pocket of my dress and leaned forward slightly, bracing one hand between his spread legs.

I started blotting the stains on his shirt, my fingers working their way down the buttons, trailing lower along his abdomen.

"I think you should change. Damn it, I’m so clumsy…"

"It’s fine, Rossella, it doesn’t matter…"

"No, no, at least let me dry it," I insisted, continuing downward. The wine had trickled lower.

I was flustered, too distracted to realize my mistake—until my hand brushed against something hard.

My eyes widened as I became fully aware that I had nearly polished the Duke’s crotch, where a growing erection was forming.

"I…" I looked up.

We were so close, practically on top of each other. His breathing was deep, heavy—as if he were scenting me.

His eyes, those wild and breathtakingly beautiful eyes, locked onto mine with a predatory intensity.

I swallowed hard, my gaze driftin