Page 58 of Honeythorn
Milan expected an immediate ‘no’, but Raphael paused instead. “I haven’t, for a while. But I can’t say I dislike dancing with my husband.”
Milan smiled into his glass, pleasantly surprised by the response. “Me neither,” he said just loud enough for Raphael to hear. Milan shot him a look, finding Raphael’s eyes already on him. Milan felt another thrill go through him.
“Do you mind if we find Katerina again?” Milan asked after they finished their drinks.
Raphael shook his head. “Not at all.”
Of course, they found Katerina with Edwin. What they could possibly have to say to each other, Milan had no idea. In fact, he was quite sure she was simply trying to rile Raphael up.
Milan didn’t even have a chance to try smoothing the situation over before Edwin spotted him, a sneer already on his face.
“I didn’t know they were still inviting these types to balls,” he drawled. Raphael immediately stepped from behind Milan to stand at his side.
“And what sort are ‘these’?” Raphael asked coldly. It had been a long time since Milan had heard that tone of voice, and he was simply glad it was not directed at him.
Edwin, apart from being a snob, was obviously not very smart as well. “Is this your Omega, Lord Ledford?” he asked, although Milan knew full well he was already aware of the answer.
“My husband and bonded, yes. I must say, Edwin, is it? I do not appreciate your tone.”
“Well,” Edwin blustered, “if you don’t like my tone, it is because you did not hear the way he spoke to me when we first met. You should keep your Omega on a tighter leash.”
Milan’s and Katerina’s expressions darkened, whilst Raphael’s didn’t move an inch.
Slowly, Raphael turned to look at Milan. “Were you quite rude to him?” he asked. He sensed Katerina stiffen beside him but somehow knew what Raphael was up to.
“Yes. Quite.”
“I’m glad,” Raphael said, and Milan almost laughed at the way Edwin gaped.
“Did you strike him?” Raphael continued.
“No, although it was a close thing.”
“How unfortunate. He obviously needs some sense beaten into him.” Raphael turned back to look at Edwin, who was spluttering incoherently. “Listen to me very closely,Edwin. Milan is more than capable of defending himself. But, as his husband, I will tell you now that if I ever hear you speak to him this way again, or even look at him askance, I will ruin your every prospect and reputation so severely, you would never recover, even if you went to the other side of the continent. Do I make myself quite clear?”
Now it was Milan’s turn to looked shocked. Edwin, his face bright red, scoffed and made to move away after a stunned moment. Before he could, however, Raphael grabbed his arm in what looked to be a bruising grip.
“Do I make myself quite clear?” he repeated.
“Yes,” Edwin gritted out after a moment, pride obviously in pieces.
Raphael let go of his arm. “Good. You can go now.”
Edwin didn’t need to be told twice.
After a shocked few seconds, Katerina cleared her throat. “Well. That was quite the speech,” she said, sounding grudgingly impressed.
Raphael didn’t respond, looking at Milan. “I hope I didn’t overstep?”
Milan laughed incredulously. “No. You didn’t. I do believe I need another drink, however. And, perhaps later, another dance?”
Raphael smiled. “Of course.” He turned to Katerina. “Will you accompany us, Miss Rosewood?”
Katerina looked between him and Milan. “No,” she said finally. “I have a few more people I must mingle with.”
“We’ll see you later. And tea next week,” Milan said even though he had sought her company a moment earlier. He had just realised he was not averse to spending more time with only his husband.
Katerina smiled at him. “All right. Have fun, then.”
