Page 72 of Duchess By Accident
“I was simply doing what you asked. Or perhaps I should change?” Her eyes glinted in the candlelight, a challenge in every part of her body.
“You know exactly what you are doing.” He cursed.
“And what is that?” she asked, her voice full of silk and promise.
His heart skittered in his chest, every muscle in his body tensing. “Playing a very dangerous game.”
“It is only dangerous if I lose, and I have no intention of doing that.” Natalie rested a hand against his chest for just the briefest moment and then moved away, towards the door. “Come, if we continue this dilly dallying we shall be frightfully late.”
She walked away from him, a gentle sway to her hips that drew his eyes like a moth to a flame.Perhaps she should have worn the other dress. At least I would not feel so… undone.
He forced himself to follow her, grinding his teeth so hard he thought they might break. He had to get back to control. Get back to what he needed, but how could he do that when his wife looked like that?I am only a man.
He settled across from her and forced himself to look out of the window.Think of the plan. You must focus.His eyes kept going to Natalie, who met his gaze each time with an amused smile.
“Are you going to steal all my dances tonight?” she asked, flicking out her fan and gently fanning herself.
Yes.He bit back the word with difficulty. “Your first and last dance will be with me.”
“And the ones in between?” she leaned against the wall of the carriage.
She knows exactly what she is doing – the effect that minx is having on me.Adrian forced himself not to rise to her bait.
“Let us see where the winds take us.” He gestured around them, his smile full teasing. “I do not make promises I cannot keep.”
“And what is the promise you fear you cannot keep?” She leaned forwards, steepling her fingers together and resting her chin on them.
Her dress shifted, revealing a flash of skin. Adrian turned away, not trusting himself to speak. He drummed his fingertips on his legs, tapping out a rhythm in an attempt to distract himself from his wife.
“Fine. Keep your secrets.” Natalie shifted, moving away from him.
“A man needs his secrets, Little Thief.” Adrian did not look at her.
“So you claim.” There was something in Natalie’s voice, but without seeing her face, Adrian could not know what it was.
He almost turned, but forced himself not to. That would be a recipe for disaster. If his plan was to succeed, he could not afford to be distracted.
How have I not learned this lesson already? I have seen just how much distraction has already cost me.He clenched and unclenched his fist several times, distracting himself as silence settled into the carriage.
It seemed like an enternity until they arrived at the ball. He was barely aware of the world around him. Every once of his focus was on his wife.
“My lady.” Adrian guided Natalie out of the carriage.
“Thank you, sir Fox. I suppose it is time we give them a show.” She stiffened momentarily and then seemed to shake something off. “Let us begin.”
Adrian held out his arm, the feel of her own linked through his felt like a hot poker. He stiffened, but forced himself not to. And then they were being announced, and he was leading her towards the dance floor.
Their eyes met, and he saw an echo of his own hunger in her gaze.It is not real.He did not want it to be real, at least that was what he kept telling himself.But why can I not stop myself looking at her?
“Will it always be like this?” Natalie asked, her eyes darting to the people who were clearly staring at them.
“Will what be?” He canted his head towards her.
“Our life. Will people always watch when we are at balls? Will it feel like I am forever the centre of their attention?” Natalie jerked her head towards the eyes that seemed transfixed to them.
“That depends.” Adrian moved them across the floor, caught up in the music.
“On what?” She narrowed her eyes at him.
