Erika.
She was breathtaking in a silk confection which hugged every single one of her curves. Her gown was a dark silver, matched perfectly by the silver and sapphire tiara which she wore. Not a wisp of her fine blonde hair was out of place. She was every inch the elegant noblewoman.
No. She looks just like a princess. Something she should become.
He swallowed deeply, forcing down dark, sinful desires. His fingers itched to touch the soft, light fabric of her dress. To luxuriate in the tactile magnificence of silk on soft, feminine skin.
The gown was so fine that her peaked nipples were evident. Christian couldn’t fault the modiste’s skillful work. Any undergarments would break the smooth lines and spoil the effect. And it most certainly was having an effect on him.
She smiled at him, her countenance all innocence and grave purpose. His cock twitched, ready to come to attention if he continued to indulge in his lustful thoughts.
Erika, my love, if he had any idea what I would like to do to you right now, your father would shoot me dead.
That mental warning finally pulled him away from heading farther down the road of desire.
Stop standing here like a dumbstruck fool. Think of something to say. Call yourself a diplomat?
“I see you are wearing your mother’s tiara—it suits you perfectly,” he said.
Well done. Now try and breathe.
Erika turned and smiled at her father. “That is exactly what Pappa said. I hope to do my mother proud tonight.”
“I am sure you will. Now I must leave and make my way over to the baron’s home,” replied Magnus.
“Aren’t you coming with us to Carlton House?” asked Erika.
“No, this is your night. People want to see the happy couple be presented together; not craggy old men like me. I will arrive with the von Rehausens.”
Count Jansson kissed his daughter on the cheek and headed for the front door.
Christian picked up Erika’s woolen cloak and draped it over her shoulders. He let his hands linger for a moment, then whispered, “If tonight is a success, it will all be down to you. No man will be able to resist you, least of all me.”
She flashed him a wary glance and moved away.
They arrived at Pall Mall and stopped out the front of Carlton House. Tonight, there would be no discreet arrival through the private entrance into the Prince Regent’s official residence. This was the moment for Christian and Erika to shine.
From the long line of carriages in the street, it was clear that London’s elite were not ones to refuse an invitation from the future king. A beaming Baron and Baroness von Rehausen, along with Count Jansson, met them inside the entrance hall. The place was a crush of people.
The Baroness brushed a soft kiss on Erika’s cheek and whispered, “You look divine, my dear. I am so proud of you for winning the favor of His Highness. This engagement ball is such a coup.”
A soft touch on her shoulder had Erika turning. Christian held out his hand to her and she took it. For the first time this evening, she truly felt his presence. His quiet and silent support calmed her nervous mind.
She met Christian’s gaze, and while everyone still milled around them, the rest of the world fell away. Everything went quiet. It was as if she and Christian were standing alone in the eye of a storm. The noise and helter-skelter of the crowd would eventually return, but for one brief moment it was just the two of them. No one else.
He leaned in and whispered, “Stay by my side tonight, Erika. I need you.”
She nodded, wishing with all her heart that those words meant more than just him asking for her help. What she yearned for was to be by his side, to lay in his arms. To have his lips on her heated skin. For this to be more than pretend.
“The prince is at the top of the stairs,” said Magnus.
The moment of idyllic bliss was gone, replaced by the soft murmurings of several hundred people as they quietened and waited for the arrival of their host.
Christian led Erika away from the others and into the center of the room. They were to be the first to greet the Prince Regent.
Voices fell silent. Heads were lowered. As the women in the room all dipped into a collective curtsey, a shush of skirts echoed in the quiet.
Then came the clip of steps on the tiled floor as the Prince Regent approached. Erika touched a hand to her breast. Her heart pounded with excitement.
