Page 24 of Dark Angel

Giving a small half-smile, she nods and straightens herself, forgetting about her friends for a moment and following her brother around the ballroom, shaking hands and having hers kissed by dozens of men. She finds it somewhat repulsive that men think kissing her hand will entice her enough to fall madly in love with them. She has to force herself not to roll her eyes each time they say something amorous, especially when her brother is standing right beside her.

After what seems like ages, Kora finds herself in front of Lawrence Blackwell, Matthew and Alice’s father, who already reeks of stale wine and tobacco.

Clarence is busy speaking with Daisy’s parents a few feet away from her, so Kora decides she can handle this on her own. She extends her hand to Lawrence for a formal handshake when he pulls her into an uncomfortable embrace. She feels his wet puffy lips on her cheek, andhe makes a sound which makes her heart thump unpleasantly. “I wish Matthew saw what I see in you, Miss Hamilton.” His voice is slow and drained as he murmurs lowly into her ear.

Kora pulls herself away from him before he has time to say anything else appalling. “I should get back to my brother, Mr Blackwell.”

She turns to leave when his hand catches hers, pulling her to a halt. “I can give you everything you need and want.” His slurring voice draws out.

Kora tugs at her hand, but his grip is surprisingly strong for someone who doesn’t seem to have everything together. “Thank you, but I am fine, Mr Blackwell.” She assures him.

Lawrence gives a small, unusual noise which sends shivers down her back. Her pale skin prickling in fear. She has never felt comfortable around this man, but something about her suddenly being eligible makes him seem even more uneasy.

She can feel her stomach swirling around inside of her like a windmill spinning in a violent storm.

“Come on, Miss Hamilton. You know I could make you a great and honourable husband.”

“I said I am fine,” Kora’s voice is curt this time, “and there is nothing honourable about you.” She tugs her hand out of his grip, rubbing the reddened skin where he was gripping her tightly.

His light green eyes narrow at hers. They are eerily similar to Matthew’s, yet his are harsher and full of lacklustre. “You are coming with me, Miss Hamilton.” Lawrence breathes out, reaching for her once more but missing.

“Please let me go, Mr Blackwell.” Kora insists firmly. She’s trying desperately to hide the shaking in her tone.

“You are eligible now,” he says proudly, “so any man can have you if they wish, and I wish that upon myself-”

“Leave my friend alone.” She hears Matthew’s voice grit out beside her.

She hadn’t noticed him there. Kora was so focused on not being dragged away by his father.

Lawrence just grins at his son, his eyes half opened like he is fighting himself to stay awake. “Matthew, she is eligible now, and so am I,” he points out to his son, who crosses his arms angrily, “and I think I should properly welcome her to this evening’s event, like a gentleman does.”

“Leave her alone,” Matthew repeats in an angry tone, pushing Kora behind him protectively. “And you’re not a gentleman, father. Go home before you make an even bigger fool of yourself.”

Lawrence’s jaw feathers as he slumps closer to his son, whose hand remains on Kora to keep her guarded from him. “What did you just say to me, boy?” he grumbles. Eyes storming over with anger.

“Lawrence, I think you should leave.” Clarence appears on Kora’s other side, stepping slightly in front of her as well.

“Ah, just the man I want to see,” Lawrence slurs every syllable. “I wish to speak to you about courting Miss Hamilton.”

A growl escapes Clarence’s throat, something Kora has never heard from him. She feels his firm hand on her arm, holding onto her tightly like Matthew is. “Over my dead body, Lawrence. You will never be with my sister. She deserves someone who issane. I think you should leave before Robert finds you in this… state.” He almost spits the last word at him as if it’s a crude word.

Silently, Lawrence finishes the rest of his drink before sauntering over to the bar and ordering another.

Clarence and Matthew both turn to her. “Kora, are you all right? I apologise about him. I didn’t know he was coming here this evening.” Matthew rushes out in an embarrassed tone.

She gives Matthew a half comforting smile, touching his arm gently. “It’s not your fault, but perhaps no more introductions.” She suggests to the two of them.

“I think Daisy is waiting for you. Matthew, escort her over. I need to speak with someone quickly.”

Clarence strolls off, leaving Kora in Matthew’s hands. “Are you all right, though? I didn’t know my father was intending on ambushing you tonight.” He says gently. “If I’d have known, I would have made sure he couldn’t leave the manor.”

“Neither did I. But let’s just enjoy our evening and not worry about him anymore.”

Matthew gives a nod of agreement before walking her over to where Daisy and Alice are discussing each other’s gowns for the evening. Daisy lets out a squeal of excitement when her eyes land on Kora’s silver dress. “You look divine.” Delight coating her words as she runs the silk of Kora’s dress through her soft fingertips.

“I think you are speaking about yourself there.” Kora giggles, touching the glossy yellow of Daisy’s gown. The colour reminds Kora of lemons.

Kora turns to Matthew wearing his red suit and black cravat. “Matthew, you are also looking very handsome tonight.”

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