“What? Do I have something on my face?” Isla asked when he too couldn’t look away.
“I’m afraid so,” he admitted. Her eyes widened before he went on to say, “A delightful button nose, two lovely eyes, and a very pretty mouth. I fear someone will try tossing you into the treasure chest and carting you away.”
“Ronan!” She squealed, a flush creeping up her face. “Your compliments are absolutely outrageous.”
“Then perhaps you should attempt to stop outdoing even the gold, yes? I don’t like everyone staring at you like this,” he managed to admit while smiling.
She beamed, stepping even closer so he could smell her intoxicating scent. “Then it’s a good thing I’m on your arm this evening, isn’t it? A beautiful lady deserves a handsome gentleman, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to let go of you.”
“I wouldn’t let you if you tried.”
“Really? What would you?”
“I’d steal you away into the night, of course.” He did his best to devour Isla with his eyes, trying to ensure he would never forget the way she blossomed this evening. Part of him was tempted to leave at once so they wouldn’t have to entertain anyone else. What fun was there talking to anyone else now that he had her on his arm? He’d rather steal away to have time with just her.
There is never enough time for the two of us.
It was a growing hunger within him that was growing harder to ignore, the need to feast himself on Isla. Just looking at her helped. Talking to her. Listening to her. He couldn’t get enough of their time together.
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder. “I thought that was you! Come this way to the others. Lady Isla, a pleasure,” Sebastian added before nodding his head to the nearby corner.
Most of his friends had made it after all. Ronan pushed aside any annoyance to nod, guiding them over to the corner where everyone exchanged pleasant greetings. He braced himself forthem to discuss his appearance there, but fortunately, it was ignored. Almost like nothing was out of the ordinary. Everyone talked cheerfully like… like it was normal.
They were even making plans. He agreed to host a picnic on his estate soon, and Isla was preparing to make flower arrangements with the ladies. There was a future for them to enjoy, one that didn’t leave Ronan fearful or hesitant.
Who was he becoming? He hardly knew.
Ronan began to enjoy himself before he knew what was happening. He even left Isla’s side momentarily to retrieve drinks for them, letting the evening wind on cheerfully.
But those cads will not have a moment of her time if I can help it.
He glared at two young men eyeing Isla curiously before turning to his wife. Ignoring everyone else, he gazed at her. “Have I told you yet that you’re the most dazzling woman here tonight?” He asked her, eyeing the warm smile on her lips.
“You flatter me,” Isla murmured, glancing around at the others in their party who were most likely looking. Not that he cared. “You shouldn’t speak thus when anyone can hear you.”
He grunted in annoyance. “You’re right. Dance with me.”
Isla blinked quickly, glancing about before looking back at him. She squinted. “Are you certain?”
Even his friends were watching them. Sebastian raised an eyebrow but then nodded like he was giving his approval. Which Ronan didn’t need.
But I suppose it is rather nice to have. Better than being a grouch again.
“Am I ever not?”
“No, but… You said you didn’t dance before others. I think you even forswore it,” she added emphatically. With her insistence came a thoughtful look of concern that amused him. “Are you evening listening to yourself?”
“I am, and I must admit that I think I am rather clever for keeping you in my arms and away from the other gentlemen. Including one headed for us now,” Ronan noted.
She started to turn around to look, but he wasn’t interested in letting her get away. Tonight was for them. He was finally at peace after nearly losing Isla, and they deserved to enjoy themselves. Around the next group he steered them before taking her to the edge of the dance floor just as the music was about to pick up once again for a new dance.
“This is your last chance to refuse this,” Isla murmured.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would think you wish to leave early,” he noted in amusement. “It’s so we can finish that book, isn’t it?”
A wry smile graced her lips. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Too ridiculous to dance with you?”
