Page 27 of A Royal Arrangement
“Care to dance?”
Rosalie knew it would be rude to say no, so she nodded her head, biting back a gag at the strong scent of alcohol she smelled as he led her to the dance floor.
She did her best to withhold a grimace when his clammy hand landed on her bare back. The man tried to converse with her throughout the song, but she simply gave him a meek smile in return, wanting to avoid any further interaction with him.
When the song finally ended, Rosalie attempted to politely back away, but the man’s grip on her held firm. She looked down at his hand, unsure what to say to rid herself of him. But before she had a chance to say anything, Rosalie watched Colin storm across the dance floor directly toward them.
His gaze was murderous as he looked at the older man. “I would suggest you remove your hands from my wife.”
My wife.
Rosalie’s heart raced, and she felt heat rise to her cheeks. The smallest sliver of hope welled up within her at his words.
It was official. Her husband was totally jealous.
Chapter Nine
Colin
Colin was definitelynotjealous.
He was merely going into protective mode. Not that Rosalie needed protecting…he just didn’t like how long Lord Marston—the oldest member on the Royal Board—had been hovering around Rosalie and holding her close during a dance. Colin could tell she was getting uncomfortable from the rigid stance she held and the forced smile on her face.
It was natural for any man to step in and assist when they could see someone was in distress. That was the only reason his protective instincts were kicking in—at least, that was what he kept telling himself.
“I’m sorry, what was that, Your Majesty?” Lord Marston always needed things repeated nowadays as his hearing had worsened with age.
“I said, I would suggest you remove your hands from my wife.” Colin didn’t know it was possible to feel so much anger that his blood literally felt like it might boil. Deep down, he knew Marston was harmless. He was just an old man with clammy hands and a need for an audience to share his life story with. But no matter how much he reminded himself of that, it didn’t reduce the anger rising in him or the need to ensure Rosalie was safe.
“Ah, sorry. Thanks for the dance, Your Majesty.” Lord Marston completed a clumsy bow to Rosalie before leaving them.
Colin leaned down so his mouth was near Rosalie’s ear. “Are you all right?”
He could’ve sworn he felt her shiver. She nodded, pulling back to look him in the eyes. “I’m fine.”
“Good. Marston is harmless, but he doesn’t really understand personal space.”
“That much was obvious.” Rosalie huffed out a laugh.
The current song came to an end, and Wes, with perfect timing as usual, walked by and clapped him on the shoulder. “If you don’t ask her to dance, I will,” he muttered in a hushed tone.
Colin wasn’t sure if Rosalie heard what his friend said. He wasn’t even sure if Wes was serious, but he didn’t want to risk it, so he begrudgingly extended a hand to Rosalie.
“Care to dance?”
“As long as you don’t have sweaty hands,” she teased, placing her soft, delicate hand in his and following him to the middle of the dance floor.
“No promises.”
“Colin, did you just make a joke?”
He paused.Did I?
“No,” he gruffly replied, even though his tone lacked confidence.
“Mmhm, sure.” She winked at him, resting her free hand on his shoulder as they prepared for the dance to begin.
Colin swallowed hard, trying to ignore the feeling of her hand in his and the light pressure of her other hand on his shoulder. He shouldn’t be feeling like this around her. He shouldn’t be feeling like thisat all.
