The carriage jolted and shook as it bounced over the cobblestone street. Your heart raced as you suddenly felt his touch. You opened your eyes to find warm lips planted urgently across the length of your neck.

But, before you could fully process this, realization settled in. It was common knowledge that a lady mustn’t be alone with a man outside of wedlock. And here you were, breaking one of the most important rules during your first season.

“We must slow down,” you managed to murmur between labored breaths.

Michael chuckled as he continued to kiss your neck, his left hand gently pulling your hair out of the way to give him easier access to your skin, “Why is that, my dear?” he asked, his voice smooth as silk.

“Well, for starters,” your eyelids fluttered, struggling to stay open as you tried to focus on your words, “my parents are clueless about my disappearance from the ball.”

Michael continued to plant soft kisses on your neck as his left hand tangled in your hair, his touch gentle but possessive.

Michael’s muffled voice was nonchalant as he continued to plant kisses along your neck.

“You were in the garden,” he said, offering an easy excuse.

You paused, struggling to find the words. You took a moment to collect yourself as you looked around the unfamiliar carriage, your eyes lingering on the fabric of the cushions, which you didn't recognize.

"I am unwed and alone with the eldest son of a duke whose name I do not even know," you finally managed to say. "And, I am even more clueless as to whose carriage I am even in- do say it is yours.”

His sighed but lips never left your neck, his tone cocky.

"My lady, it is not.”