The Marquess let out a hearty laugh. “A nuisance, am I, Your Grace? Well, I do strive to live up to my reputation. Unlike some dukes I know, who are far too serious for their own good. One has to have a bit of fun, do you not agree?” He leaned slightly closer to Elspeth, his voice dropping to a loud whisper. “Tell me, Lady Inverhall, does he ever crack a smile around you? Or is it all grim pronouncements and ducal decrees, as one would expect?”
Elspeth glanced at the Duke. His gaze was fixed on his friend, yet there was a dangerous glint in his blue eyes. The irritation was evident; Elspeth could feel the subtle tension radiating from him. His shoulders were drawn tight, his jaw a hard line as he rubbed his beard with his hand.
Aha,this is it.
“Oh, surely he has his moments,” Elspeth said, her voice dripping with fake sweetness, as she leaned heavily into the Marquess’s flirtation. “Though I dare say, they are as rare as a warm day in January in the Highlands. One may as well find afairy in the cupboard,” she joked as she met his gaze. “Perhaps, Me Lord, ye might be able to teach him a thing or two about levity? Ye are so diverting.”
The Marquess chuckled, reaching out to lightly touch her arm. “It would be my pleasure, My Lady. Your wish is my command. But enough of this dour business. Perhaps we could begin turning your evening around with a dance? It sounds like the quartet is about to pick up again.”
“I would be ever so delighted,” Elspeth replied, her voice a little louder than strictly necessary, her eyes fixed on the Duke.
She saw a muscle tick in his jaw, the sudden clenching of his fists at his sides.
The mask is slipping…
Before the Marquess could offer his arm, the Duke moved swiftly. He grabbed Elspeth’s wrist, his grip firm yet not too tight, and pulled her away from Lord Sarford with a swift, decisive motion.
“If you will excuse us, old boy,” he said, his voice low and dangerously calm. “Lady Inverhall has already promised me this dance.”
Elspeth barely had time to register Lord Sarford’s surprised expression before the Duke escorted her to the polished floor,through the throng of dancers. The orchestra struck up a waltz, its melody sweeping and grand.
She felt overcome by the gesture.
The Duke’s hand settled on her waist, drawing her close, while his other hand clasped hers, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. A delicious shiver ran up her spine at his touch.
The contact was electric, a stark contrast to his earlier detachment. She was not surprised that he did not speak. Instead, his eyes remained locked on hers.
“What was that about, Yer Grace?” Elspeth whispered, her heart hammering against her ribs. “Ye’re as confusin’ as tryin’ to sail a ship with no compass.”
“You wereflirtingwith him,” the Duke growled, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her.
“And ye were ignorin’ me,” she shot back, a defiant glint in her green eyes. “What did ye expect? Ye parade me around to the most insufferable lot ofsuitors. I was most thankful when the Marquess?—”
“Are you fond of the Marquess? Are his dandy, roguish ways more to your liking, Elspeth?” he whispered, his deep voice lowering on her name.
She shivered again.
“Are ye jealous, Hugo?” She narrowed her eyes at him and caught a flicker of surprise as she addressed him as intimately as he had.
Good. He deserves a bit of riling up.
He pulled her closer until the fine layers of silk and wool between them seemed laughably insufficient. His warmth wrapped around her like a velvet snare, seeping through every thread of her gown, every breath she drew. The ballroom faded away—the music, the glittering gowns, the false laughter—until it was nothing but a ghostly murmur at the edge of her senses.
There was only him now.
His gaze, searing and unreadable.
His body, all leashed power and dangerous restraint.
And the maddening awareness of just how little distance remained between them.
“Ye are a good dancer,” Elspeth offered, after he had chosen not to respond to her last question, at least verbally.
“And you, My Lady,” he whispered in her ear, his lips nearly brushing her lobe, “are an adequate partner.”
“Adequate? That is high praise comin’ from ye?—”
“You, Elspeth,” he said, his mouth close enough to brush her skin, “are far more dangerous than I thought.”
