Page 73 of Duchess By Accident
“On whether or not you continue to be the most stunning woman in the world.” The words tumbled from his mouth with more earnestness than he had intended; he had been aiming for teasing, but fallen far short. “There is not a person with eyes to see who would not be drawn to you. No doubt any man alive would prostrate himself before you, just to receive the merest hint of your smile.”
“You say the most wonderful things when you are playing a part.” Natalie was breathless.
“What makes you think I am playing a part?” Adrian found himself asking.I am playing a part. I must be playing a part.“Is it so hard to believe that I think you are that beautiful.”
“When you look at me like that, no.” Natalie gave him a wistful smile. “But you have not prostrated yourself before me – so I have to believe you do not consider me as fetching as you claim.”
“Are you asking me to throw myself at your feet?” Adrian asked, his heart hammering against his ribs.
He felt as though he were walking on a knife’s edge. Natalie did not smile.
“No. I know you do not kneel, Fox.” She shook her head, her voice soft and sad. “Not for anyone.”
He wanted to reach for her, to tilt her head towards him.I want her to ask me to kneel.The realisation hit him like a bullet. He almost stumbled. Something within him screamed at him to comfort her.
“Natalie, I-” he began but she cut him off.
“Do not tell me more lies, Adrian. I do not think I can bear it. No matter how sweet they are.”
“If you wish.”They are not lies, curse me! How does she do this to me?He wished his voice did not sound so hoarse.
The feel of her hand in his sent tingles through his skin. They swept across the dancefloor, the world fading into meaningless noise as he danced with her.
He led, and she followed. They moved as one. Every movement brought their closeness into sharp relief. Her eyes never left his face.
The music ended and they broke apart. Adrian released her hand, stepping away and bowing. He did not know how much longer he could resist her, but he had to. There was too much at stake to indulge in whatever this was.
“I cannot do this.” He tore himself away from her gaze. “You should greet Lady Winchester.”
He turned and left, not waiting for a response. He needed to get as far away from whatever madness she brought out in him. He needed a clear head.
He walked back into the entrance hall, his breath ragged. He felt as though he had run a mile. “Control, Adrian. This is not who you are.”
As he tried to bring himself back to centre, he heard a commotion nearby.
“Watch where you are going or I will make you regret it.” A venomous voice spat.
Adrian turned around and saw Marquess Bolton glaring at a small boy with red hair. The boy appeared to have bumped into him and was trembling as Lord Bolton raised a hand towards him.
“I-I-I am sorry my Lord. I did not mean-” the boy cowered.
“I do not care what you meant. I will teach you to be more mindful of your surroundings.” Lord Bolton brought his hand towards the boy.
“Touch him and it will be the last thing you do.” Adrian caught Lord Bolton’s hand in his own.
“Let go of me.” Lord Bolton sneered. “This is no business of yours.”
“Your cruelty cannot be allowed.” Adrian replied coolly.
Rage banished whatever Natalie had brought out in him. Instead it was replaced by a cool, detached sense of purpose. He looked down at Lord Bolton and then the child.
“Leave us.” He jerked his head towards the exit.
The boy nodded and sprinted away. Adrian was released Lord Bolton’s hand, stepping between the man and the retreating boy.
“I am glad to have found you, Lord Bolton. I wished to speak to you.” Adrian adjusted the lapels of his coat, towering above the other man.
“I have no wish to speak to you.”
