Page 48 of Historical Hotties
“I danced with her because I did not want to be rude,” he said. “And also because it has been a very long time since a pretty girl asked me to dance, but I discovered something about Amata.”
She was back to peering at him again. “What is that?”
“She is annoying.”
Dacia’s eyes widened briefly and she began fighting off a smile. “Mayhap a little.”
Cassius grunted. “From what I’ve seen, it is more than just a little,” he said, pleased that he’d at least lightened her mood somewhat. “The fact that she used you as an excuse to come to Edenthorpe because she wanted to see me is an appalling lack of tact and I told her so. I also told her something else.”
“What is that?”
“That no matter how pretty she thinks she is, you are more beautiful than she could ever hope to be.”
Dacia’s head came up and she looked at him full-on, her eyes wide with astonishment. “You told herthat?”
“I did.”
She blinked. “Butwhy?”
“Because it is the truth.”
Dacia stared at him a moment before finally shaking her head. “I… I do not even know what to say.”
He clasped his hands behind his back, bracing his legs apart as he looked at her. “You need not say anything,” he said. “I came up here to tell you not to let your cousin hurt your feelings. I do not have the slightest interest in her and she is quite upset about it. She seems to think that I would die for a taste of her lips.”
Dacia shrugged. “Some men would.”
Cassius shook his head. “Not me,” he said. “In fact, I have come here to ask something of you.”
“What is it?”
His eyes took on that warm glimmer again, something that seemed to happen every time he looked at her.
“I know you like to tend the kitchens and not attend the evening meal,” he said. “But I was hoping, just for this evening, that you might rethink that usual practice and sup with me. I would very much like you to.”
Dacia’s cheeks began to turn that familiar shade of pink. “Me?”
“You.”
Dacia lowered her gaze, as if thinking very hard on his invitation. She’d just convinced herself that every bit of flattery out of his mouth was insincere, but here he was, being kind to her again. He’d thought enough of her to explain her cousin’s comments and his side of things.
Perhaps a man like that deserved better than what she thought of him.
He seemed to be making the extra effort.
“I suppose I could,” she said. “If you’d really like for me to.”
“I would. Very much.”
“Then I shall attend.”
“Will you do something more for me?”
“What is it?”
“Do not wear your veils.”
She looked at him as if he were suggesting something scandalous, but the lure of his sweet invitation took precedence.
