Page 28 of A Night of Forever
He slid out of the shadows and to her side.
She started. “I wish you would not sneak up on me like that.”
Her annoyance made him smile. “Good evening to you too, my darling girl. You look beautiful, as usual.”
She did, and the pink flush invading her cheeks just added to her beauty. Her deep emerald gown hugged her curves. Its bodice was not cut low, but her corset pushed up her bosom for maximum effect. Her dark hair was styled in an elegant chignon, with strands of pearls woven through. The style emphasized her slender neck, and all he wanted was to run his lips up the satin skin from collarbone to behind her ear, whispering in French all the things he’d love to do to her, with her…
“I need a private word with you,” she said in a low voice. “Perhaps some air on the terrace, or a stroll in the garden.”
He stared at her lips as they moved, wanting to kiss her so badly. “That might not be a good idea. I’m not sure I trust myself.”
He was rewarded by her slight shiver.
“I have something I must show you,” she whispered back. “Quickly—Victoria is walking this way. She hasn’t left me alone all evening.”
He flicked a glance to where Victoria was moving toward them through the throng. “We can’t risk a clandestine meeting here. You need your reputation once this is over. Can you slip out and meet me in the stables at the back of your house at four in the morning?”
She nodded. “Of course.” And she smiled innocently as Victoria arrived at her side.
“Of course what?” Victoria asked, acknowledging Arend with a polite nod, as if they didn’t both know she was the woman who had paid for Hadley to be attacked.
“Of course the next dance is mine,” he replied, only just managing to keep his voice and demeanor civil.
With that, he held out his arm and escorted Isobel to the floor.
As the strains of a waltz began, he pulled her in close, loving the feel of her soft curves under his hand. “What do you wish to show me?”
“Be careful, I believe she can read lips.” Isobel had risen on her toes and whispered the words in his ear, causing every pair of eyes in the room to follow the movement.
He waited until they were out of Victoria’s line of sight. “Have you found something?”
She shook her head with a little giggle, trying to make Victoria believe they were merely flirting. “I’ve found a document with your name on it. I’ll tell you more when we meet. Let’s act as if we do not have a care in the world or she will become suspicious.”
She gazed into his eyes. “You look very handsome tonight, my lord. I am the envy of all other women.”
“If Lord Bertram had looked down your cleavage one more time, I was going to remove his eyes.”
She lifted a brow. “That almost sounds like jealousy.”
He was silent a moment. “I don’t share what’s mine.”
“Yours?” Her eyes widened. “There is no need to put on an act when no one can hear.”
Damn. He’d not meant to show his feelings. It would not do for her to think she had any hold over him.
He leaned in. “Victoria was watching. If she reads lips, then we must play the game.”
Isobel blinked, then nodded. “She’s watching me very closely tonight. I think something I did today might have alerted her that I’m not to be trusted.”
His face must have shown his reaction, because she glanced quickly to where Victoria stood chatting with several other women. “Don’t look so worried. I don’t think I’m in any danger.”
He leaned down so only she could hear him. “I’ll be the one to decide if you’re in danger.”
She rewarded his stern rebuke by giving him a warm and open smile. “I do like this possessive streak, my lord,” she teased.
She was being playful, but it irked him that her words rang true. He did think of her as his responsibility. He’d drawn her into this dangerous game.
The idea that she was innocent and living in a house with a madwoman made his gut churn. Victoria was ruthless in her goal of revenge. She’d think nothing of killing a young girl who got in her way.
