Page 9 of How to Charm an Earl
Roman wanted to ask questions, but he held them back. He didn’t think Thornridge would discuss what had happened. He clearly had feelings for Athena’s sister, but he didn’t know how deep they went. Had Isla broken his heart or was it much worse than that… Had Thornridge been his own undoing and ensured he would forever have a hole in his life because he’d done what he should instead of what he desired. Roman would not follow that path. He’d been the dutiful son and went down the expected path already. That had not gotten him anything but pain. He wanted happiness, and that meant claiming the only woman he had ever wanted in his life.
“You’re wrong,” Roman said. “Some things are worth every risk. She is important to me. If that is too much for you, then perhaps you and Pemberton should go to a brothel and leave me here.”
The duke shook his head. “This is where we will be. You may need us.”
“Then keep your opinions to yourself. Some things are better left unsaid.” Roman frowned. “And do try to enjoy yourself. It is a ball. They’re supposed to be amusing.”
“Blasphemy,” Pemberton mumbled. “Societal events are never as entertaining as the wicked variety.” His green eyes twinkled with mischief. “Though I suppose with the right lady, a ball could be more wicked than even the most decadent house of sin. I’ll see what I can manage at this one.”
Roman closed his eyes and prayed. Pemberton would do whatever he pleased. He always did. “Do try to be discreet,” he told the viscount.
“I’m always the very picture of discretion,” Pemberton scoffed. “Ladies love me. They cannot help themselves.”
“You should,” Thornridge said. “I do not understand how you have not been trapped into marriage yet.”
“Because of that very discretion I mentioned before,” Pemberton said. “That and I do not bed innocents. That’s a sure way to end up with a knot tying me to one woman for the rest of my days.” He shuddered. “That’s a fate I’d like to avoid for as long as possible.”
The carriage came to a stop at the entrance finally. It seemed as though the carriage ride would never end. They each stepped out of the carriage and headed up the steps leading to the townhouse. It didn’t take that long to reach the ballroom. They were each announced, but no one truly paid any attention. At least not that he noticed… There were far too many guests attending for anyone to be observant of the room as a whole.
Roman wanted to see one woman. He tried to find her but was failing.
“Is this the ball of the season?” Pemberton asked. “I didn’t know the debut of two young ladies would be such a draw.”
“It’s not simply two young ladies,” Thornridge said. “It’s these specific young ladies, and the identity of their mother or more specifically the family she derived from.”
“What do you mean?” Roman frowned. Thornridge had not been forthcoming with information. He had just warned him to stay away, but gave no real reason for the censure. “What family?
The duke opened his mouth, but then closed it and shook his head. It seemed as if Roman would not get the answers he craved. “Have it your way,” Roman told him. “I’ll find out either way.”
He left Thornridge and Pemberton together and went in search of the woman he’d come to the ball for, and it didn’t take too long for him to find her. She was on the edge of the ballroom, surrounded by gentlemen. Her dark green dress was exquisite and made her a beacon in a sea of dresses. Roman moved toward her and when he reached the circle surrounding her, she glanced up. Her smile sent warmth through him. That’s what he had been missing. Her. Only Her.
Roman held out his hand. “Dance with me,” he said. It should have been a question, but he it hadn’t come out that way. He should have asked to see her dance card. What if someone else was supposed to lead her on to the floor?
She grinned and placed her hand in his. “I saved this one just for you.”
He didn’t know if that was true, and he scarcely cared. He led her to the floor and almost laughed when he realized what music was being played. It was a waltz. Thank God. Something was finally going right in his life.
Roman ignored the pain in his leg. It was worth it to have her in his arms. She fit in his arms as if she was made for him alone. “You’re beautiful,” he told her. “I missed you.”
Perhaps he was saying all the wrong things. He shouldn’t rush forward as if she was already his, even though in his mind she had always belonged to him. She had a choice, and he had to respect it.
“I missed you too,” she said. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She was perfect, and to him, she always would be. His future lay with her. He twirled her around the floor, and as the strands of the waltz floated over them, everyone else disappeared. For those moments, it seemed as if the world disappeared and left them alone, with nothing standing in their way. “Can I call on you?”
“Always,” she answered immediately. “You must meet my sisters.”
“I would like that,” he said in a reverent tone. He wanted to. Roman wanted to know everything about her. “I’m sure they’re as lovely as you are.”
Athena grinned, and that dimple in her left cheek drew his eyes. He wanted to kiss her there, and then give all of his attention to her lips. Later, once she agreed to be his wife, he’d kiss far more than that. Roman wanted to taste every inch of her and love her completely. He could wait, but he hoped he wouldn’t have to keep his desires restrained for too long.
“Well,” she began. “My twin does mostly look like me. I would understand if you think she’s as beautiful as I am.”
He frowned. “How can your twin not look completely like you?” Roman would know Athena anywhere. He hadn’t even noticed another woman that might resemble her and could not imagine two of her.
“Our dimples are the only difference,” she admitted. “If you’re ever uncertain, our smiles will tell the truth every time.”
“Your dimple.” He glanced at her left cheek. “Is adorable. How is hers not like yours?”
