Page 33 of Her Ruse with the Rakish Duke
He looked around for the man that had invited him, but Harry was not in the vicinity. He expected them to leave, following his cutting words but they stayed, attempting to glean tidbits from him. He was amazed that the news had spread this fast.
It had to be the work of her sister, Amelia. On the edge of his patience, Victor asked Daphne if she would like some wine. Daphne nodded quickly, eager to escape the crowd.
After excusing themselves, Victor allowed her to slide her hand through his arm. They walked across the ballroom together. Several eyes turned to watch them. It was fuller than usual since Harry had invited more guests to the ball.
He could feel Daphne’s pulse racing. Her face was almost without color and her body stiffened with tension. He sensed that their little plan had to be the most devious thing Daphne had ever done. It was her idea, but the woman was terrible at this pretense.
“Would you actually like some wine now?” he asked.
“I want to keep my wits about me.”
“Relax, I am with you. Dance with me.”
The slight smile that had appeared quickly dissolved to near-panic. “I am not exactly a good dancer. Perhaps we should find my sister and your friend.”
Victor swept her toward swirling couples and music. “Compared to everything you have done, this is nothing.” He leaned down and whispered, “I will not let you fail. At anything.”
She pushed him back a bit, then lowered her head so he could not see her face. He hooked a finger under her jaw, “Look at me.”
Her eyes shone like the glimmering lights around them. There was a hint of color on her cheeks. Her hands were feather-light on his shoulders.
“This is strange,” she muttered.
“Why, does it feel natural?” He cupped her lower back, held her hand, and spiraled her into the music.
“You like to tease.”
The only person in the room who would attribute that quality to him. Victor laughed. Over her shoulders, he caught sight of his mother’s eyes. She nodded toward the woman in his arms. Victor mouthedlater,to her.
“Is that so?” he asked.
“You excel at charming women.”
“So, youarecharmed.” Victor swung her around so that she would not see the skulking man behind. He glowered at them as though he wanted to stomp over. He could not keep it to himself much longer.
“Were you ever engaged to Percy Farton?”
She stepped on his foot. Victor held her tighter so she would not fall. “Oh, he was… We were friends. Our parents thought it would be natural for us to be wed.”
“You courted, then?”
“For a short time.”
“Why did you reject him?”
“Does it make you uncomfortable?”
“My lovely girl, it takes much more to make me uncomfortable. I am curious. He will not stop staring at you. Look at me.” Victor added hurriedly when she wanted to turn. “Admittedly, I do enjoy watching him suffer for what I have.”
She swatted his shoulder, “You do not have me, and you’re just being nice now.”
“Farton’s face begs to disagree. Tell me, what happened between you? Ah, here he comes,” he said and stopped as Percy approached them.
“I would rather not dance with him! Please,” she said quickly.
Victor cupped her face, concerned at the urgency with which she spoke. “Be calm. This is the first night of our courtship. The only man that dances with you is me.”
“Will you covet her for the entire night, Your Grace?” Percy asked as he finally reached them.
