Page 36 of Wickedly Yours
Deliciously tortured by Malden’s presence, Arabella remained still, not willing to have the warmth disappear. She hadn’t realized how cold she’d been before Malden, possibly she’d been freezing for years. Sometimes she thought of herself as a small, starving plant finally receiving the sunlight needed to thrive. That she had become so dependent on him in so short a time alarmed her.
Since his appearance in the garden yesterday, Arabella became determined to summon up some semblance of her former anger and bitterness, seeking the emotions as protection against her growing feelings for Malden. Her outrage remained absent. Instead she felt an unraveling panic over the lie about Corbett and the fear Malden would find out. She could opt out of this betrothal very quickly by confessing everything to her brother.
But I would lose them both.
“You’re frowning again. I’ll admit that Balderez is not the best tenor.” He nodded to the stout man tottering around the stage. “I fear he will do nothing but enhance your distaste for opera.” Fingers stroked slowly across the top of her hand, tracing the hollow between her thumb and forefinger.
A delicious melting sensation slid down to pool low in her belly at his touch and it took Arabella a moment to respond. “My brother likens the opera to the wailing of cats. I’ve only ever attended before because Aunt Maisy declared that I must. I suppose opera is an acquired taste.”
“I don’t particularly care for opera either, but I thought it best we make a public appearance together.” Malden nodded towards his mother. “Has Lady Marsh behaved herself thus far?”
“Yes, my lord. Lord and Lady Marsh have been most welcoming.” It was only a small fib. Malden knew his family would be less than enthusiastic about their union and Arabella didn’t find it necessary to admit to his mother’s obvious dislike. Besides, with Malden beside her, she found the opinion of the Marsh family, at least this evening, irrelevant.
“You’re a poor liar.” He studied her intently for a moment before the fingers of his hand threaded through hers.
I’m actually a very good liar.The truth lay on the tip of her tongue.
As the opera dragged on, Malden said nothing more, but he did not release her hand. He continued to move his leg into her skirts and intermittently stroke the base of her thumb with his. Malden’s subtle attention drew Arabella into a heightened state of awareness. Her body hummed softly, in tune with the masculine presence next to her. She kept staring at the curve of his ear and the tiny bit of his neck she could see above his collar.
Arabella startled as the lights came up to signal intermission. She’d been so focused on Malden she’d quite forgotten the opera. A steady stream of gowned ladies accompanied by gentlemen in their formal wear entered the booth to give their regards to the Earl of Marsh and his family. The small space rapidly filled with the press of bodies.
Her brother’s tall form loomed over everyone in the box. She watched as he wrapped his arm protectively around Jemma and led her to the door. As they passed, she caught sight of Jemma’s face, which had turned a sickly green color.
“Air.” Nick muttered to Arabella as he moved swiftly towards the door. “Possibly a bland biscuit of some sort is required.”
Arabella watched as her brother led Jemma out and she turned to see a distinguished looking gentleman coming towards her. His craggy face and lips hinted of distaste as he approached. The man stopped before Malden. “Malden.”
Malden stood abruptly, the wry, amused look he’d sported for most of the opera disappeared. “Excuse me for a moment, Bella.” He stood to follow the older man who was standing before Lord Marsh.
Without thinking, Arabella clung to his hand, filled with momentary anxiety. Which was ridiculous. She’d managed to navigate thetonwithout Malden for years. She released his hand, ashamed of her sudden weakness.
The hazel eyes softened on her. “I will not leave you to the wolves, though I am more afraid for them rather than you.”
Her lips twisted into a sneer. “You’ve nothing to fear, Malden. I was thinking how bored I will be while you are gone. Your company is better than none, after all.”
One side of his mouth ticked up. “Of course. What was I thinking?” Gently, he brushed the line of her jaw with his knuckles before leaving her.
* * *
The lossof Malden’s presence was akin to a candle being snuffed out, leaving one in complete darkness. Arabella cursed her sudden fragile nature, blaming him. If she didn’t stop this nonsense, she would soon become a wailing, needy milksop of a girl. Exactly the type of young woman she despised. Lifting her chin, she spied a pretty girl with ash-blonde hair speaking to Petra. The pair drew their heads together and shot glances in Arabella’s direction before the girl moved to greet Lady Marsh.
Arabella picked up the playbill Malden left in his seat and leafed through the small booklet. What did she care if no one greeted her or spoke to her?
“Are you enjoying the opera, Lady Arabella?” Petra flounced down next to her, a false smile on her pink lips.
“Yes. Thank you.” Arabella wished she would go away. Petra annoyed her. She was too delicate. Pink-cheeked. Innocent. Petra had attended one of the teas Arabella hosted for the Anchor Society, a charity supporting the widows of sailors. Lady Marsh must have been there as well, but Arabella couldn’t recall. Tea had been held in the gardens. Petra had spent the entire afternoon hiding from Arabella behind a series of flowering bushes. The girl lacked a spine, though she was certainly a great beauty. If Malden were wise, he would marry someone exactly like his sister.
Arabella ignored the slight pain in her chest thinking of Malden with another woman.
“Honestly, Mother and I weren’t certain you would join us this evening.” Petra regarded her with no small amount of curiosity. “Not because you don’t like the opera, but because you don’t likeus.” Her voice lowered as if imparting a confidence. “Though I assure you, the feeling is mutual.”
Arabella stiffened. Apparently, Malden’s twit of a sister had grown some claws since she had played hide and seek at the Anchor Society tea. Perhaps that would make Petra less dull. “Then we are in agreement.” Arabella raised a brow. “I’m certain you didn’t make your way to my side just to tell me of your dislike. Do go on.”
“The current situation is appalling. Lady Gwendolyn is beside herself.”
Lady Gwendolyn White. She suspected Lady Gwendolyn was the ash blonde Petra had been whispering with. It was rumored Malden was about to offer for her when Arabella had ruined everything.
“Lady Gwendolyn’s distress is really none of my concern. Just as I am not your concern.” Where was Malden? Petra deserved a scathing retort and Arabella’s resolution to not be insulting was weakening in the face of the girl’s attitude.
