Page 26 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
With a smooth transition, he was soon twirling Vivienne around the dance floor as if they had been dancing together all of their lives.
***
Vivienne smiled as she and the duke took to the dance floor. This was proceeding at an entirely acceptable pace in her humble opinion.
Gabriel was a marvelous dancer. He was both attentive and sure footed. Not stepping on her toes once and making small talk with her as they danced. These were definite points in his favor.
Every once in a while, Vivienne’s eyes would drift toward her mother, and each time she was met with an unnerving sight. Her mother’s gaze fixed darkly on Lady Gemma Whitmore who was standing to the side drinking punch with a short man.
A chill crept up Vivienne’s spine and she forced her attention back to Gabriel whose gaze had followed hers to Gemma before he shook his head and made eye contact with Vivienne.
Vivienne plastered a bright and practiced smile on her face. At all costs, she must hide her uncomfortable observation of her mother looking so menacingly at Lady Gemma.
“You are a gifted dancer,” Vivienne said, trying to distract herself as she watched her mother through her peripheral vision.
Her mother had taken a few steps toward Gemma, her eyes becoming narrow and distant. Vivienne did not like that look one bit. Her stomach turned slightly.
A wave of unease washed over her seeing the cold glare of her mother aimed at Gemma, who was blissfully unaware of any animosity aimed in her direction.
Why was she glaring at Gemma? What could possibly be going on between them?
These questions rattled Vivienne’s mind to such a degree, she missed Gabriel’s question. “Pardon me?”
“Are you well?” Gabriel asked.
“Sorry, I got lost in the music,” Vivienne lied through her perfectly straight teeth.
“That is good to hear, would you like to take a break?”
Vivienne nodded, and Gabriel walked her back toward her mother.
“You two were fabulous dance partners,” the Earl boasted from his wife’s side.
“Thank you, Lord Sagewood,” Gabriel said. “Your daughter is quite a skilled dancer herself.”
“She has many talents, you should hear her sing,” the countess bragged.
Vivienne blushed at the praise, but she could see Gabriel’s gaze wandering toward Gemma.
What was with everyone and Lady Gemma? She drew the attention of nearly everyone. It was quite infuriating if she was to be completely honest. And what was with her mother? She gets in her moods, but always practiced social etiquette. Anyone looking at her as Vivienne had, would have noticed the disturbing look on her mother’s face. She said a silent prayer that she was the only witness to tonight's visage.
Chapter 13
The music changed to the telltale notes of the waltz—Gabriel’s favorite dance, and he knew it was also Gemma’s. Where had she gone off to?” He wondered.
Gabriel’s eyes sought out Gemma and saw her conversing with Alastair near the punch bowl.
Overcome with jealousy, Gabriel approached the pair. This attraction had now officially become a nuisance. The night was only half over. If he had to endure the two of them for one more minute, he would explode.
“Lady Gemma, I do believe that this next dance should be with me?” Gabriel wasted no time in voicing his request. Alastair wrinkled his face in disapproval, but there was simply nothing that he could do.
Gemma’s eyes widened but she accepted the hand that Gabriel was extending to her, and they turned towards the dance floor.
As Gemma and Gabriel made it to the dance floor, the waltz officially started.
Gabriel took one of Gemma’s hands in his own as he sat his other hand on her waist.
They twirled around the dance floor with the comfort of a couple who had known each other forever. It was truly no surprise that many eyes were on them.
