Gabriel guided her through another turn with effortless precision, his expression remaining maddeningly composed.
“You are dancing,” he pointed out, as though stating an undeniable fact.
Amelia resisted the urge to laugh. “I can perform duties while dancing,” she said, fighting a smile as she met his gaze.
One dark eyebrow lifted. “I fear that sounds dangerous,” Gabriel said solemnly.
She smiled despite herself. There was something absurdly entertaining about the way he delivered such ridiculous remarks with complete seriousness.
“Everything sounds dangerous when you say it.”
A flicker of amusement appeared in his eyes. “An unfortunate burden I carry,” he replied, pressing a hand dramatically against his chest.
The gesture was so unexpected that Amelia nearly missed a step. Amelia rolled her eyes. “You truly are impossible,” she informed him.
“So I’ve been told,” he said with a slight inclination of his head.
The orchestra swelled around them as they continued across the floor, moving in perfect time with the music. For a brief moment, Amelia forgot to be self-conscious. She forgot the crowded ballroom, the watching guests, and the countless reasons she ought to maintain a sensible distance from the Duke.
Unfortunately, the realization returned almost immediately.
And with it came the uncomfortable awareness that she was enjoying herself far more than she should have.
His gaze lingered on her face longer than it should have, long enough for her pulse to stumble. The room suddenly felt very warm. Gabriel cleared his throat first.
“I agree that you should check on Valerie,” he said, looking away briefly, as though forcing himself to return his attention to more practical matters.
Amelia blinked. For a moment, she simply stared at him, surprised by the lack of argument.
“That sounded surprisingly reasonable,” she remarked.
One corner of Gabriel’s mouth lifted. “Do not become accustomed to it,” he replied.
“I shall treasure the memory,” she said with exaggerated sincerity.
A quiet huff of amusement escaped him. His eyes sparkled briefly, the candlelight catching in them. For an instant, the familiar teasing ease returned between them, making her forget the crowded ballroom and the dozens of watching guests.
Then his expression became more serious. “However,” he said quietly, guiding her through another turn, “I hope you will save another dance for me before the evening ends.”
Amelia’s breath caught. “Oh?” she asked, looking up at him.
“There is something I wish to discuss with you,” he said, holding her gaze.
Immediately, her stomach tightened.
Something important? Something dreadful? Something involving her departure?
“Discuss?” she asked carefully, moistening suddenly dry lips.
Gabriel nodded. “Yes.”
The single word did nothing to ease her growing unease. If anything, it only made her more curious.
“What sort of discussion?” she pressed, searching his face for some clue.
His mouth curved slightly, as though he knew exactly how much he was frustrating her. “If I tell you now,” he said, leaning closer, “it rather defeats the purpose.”
Amelia suppressed a sigh. The man was impossible when he chose to be.
