Page 5 of A Scarred Wallflower for the Duke
Standing in the doorway was the most breathtaking man she had ever seen. His thick, black hair was neatly trimmed, his sharp jaw clean-shaven. In his fine-tailed coat and silver cravat, she could tell he was a fellow guest at the ball.
His blue eyes glittered as he took her in. He took a step toward her, and Georgina found herself rooted in place. The man towered over her.
“Forgive me,” she mumbled. “I was just leaving.”
“Please do not leave on account of me.” His voice was warm. “I did not realize this room was occupied.”
“Yes…I…well…”
Good Lord, Georgina! If this is the kind of dithering mess a handsome man turns you into, it is a damn good thing you shall never be a wife!
“Are you running away from something too?” the man asked, gliding smoothly past her blabbering.
Georgina swallowed. Took a breath to steady herself. “Yes, in fact, I am. However did you guess?”
The man chuckled. “These events have a knack of making one want to do that.” He sank onto the chaise lounge and looked up at Georgina with a smile. “I am Vincent.”
She let out a short laugh. “No surname? No title? Am I truly to address you in such a manner?”
Vincent shrugged. “I hardly think our situation calls for propriety, do you?”
Though his words were spoken innocently enough, Georgina felt a frisson of excitement flicker through her at the implication. She hurriedly pushed it aside. Chided herself for her foolishness. “No,” she said anyway. “I do not suppose it does.”
This is wrong. I should not be here. Not alone with a man like this. Especially not a man likethis.
Whoever this Vincent was, he clearly had little regard for decency.
She swallowed heavily and got to her feet. Made her way toward the door. As she passed Vincent, she caught a waft of his masculine scent and it made something flutter in her belly.Get out of here. Quickly. Before you do something foolish.
She flashed him a quick smile. “A pleasure to meet you... Vincent.” It felt damnably wrong to address a man in such a way, but it was oddly thrilling. “I wish you a pleasant evening.”
She grabbed the door handle. Turned. And nothing happened.
She whirled around to face him. “You locked us in?”
Vincent frowned. “No, of course not.” He crossed the room in two strides and stood over Georgina, testing the handle. In spite of herself, her stomach fluttered at his nearness. She darted out from under his arm, forcing herself to put space between them.
She planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “You locked us in!” she said again.
Why would he do such a thing? Is he seeking to take advantage of me?
The thought made her body blaze inexplicably, but she forced herself to focus on her anger.How dare he behave in such a way!
Vincent chuckled. “I promise you, I did no such thing.” He leaned casually against the door. “Believe me, I have no need to lock young ladies in a room with me. Usually, they are just lining up to be in my company.”
“Ugh.” Georgina shook her head. “With an arrogant mouth like that? I am afraid I find that hard to believe.”
Vincent grinned, showing a row of brilliant white teeth. “I like you. Most ladies in the ton would never dare speak in such a manner.”
“Well.” Georgina marched back to the door, ignoring the way her body betrayed her when she drew nearer to Vincent. “I am not most ladies in the ton.”
“Yes.” His voice suddenly took on a more serious tone. “I can see that.” He tilted his head, taking her in. “What is your name?”
Georgina shot him a glare. “I amnotgoing to tell you that.” She began to pound on the door with her fists. “Is anyone there? Let me out! Help!”
Vincent grabbed her suddenly, wrapping his broad arms around her and pressing a hand over her mouth.
“Hush,” he hissed. “We do not want anyone to catch us here. Imagine what they would think.”
