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“I will retire for the night.” Sophia backed up further, her feet moving so quickly beneath her that she was in danger of tripping on the hem of her gown.
“Already?” Nick scoffed. “If my valet’s words are to be believed, you are used to late nights. He saw you leaving the house last week very late at night.” He checked his pocket watch. “Much later than this.”
I was seen going to Jeremy’s!
Sophia turned on her heel and hurried to the stairs, not quite running but preparing herself to do so. When she reached the steps, she clung to the banister, about to sprint, when the sound of heavy footsteps behind her made something wither in her stomach.
Within seconds, Nick had caught up with her. He was on the stairs too and had darted in front, blocking her path and staring her down. Being taller already, and now on a higher step, Sophia felt small indeed.
I am not helpless against him!
“Do not say any –”
“You ran,” he muttered harshly, interrupting her.
“What?”
“After our dance, you ran away from me. Good Lord, you sprinted off as if I were a thief trying to pick your pocket.”
I fear you could be something much worse…
“I did not want to hear any more of what you had to say, Nick.” Any wish she may have had to let him down easy was gone by his harsh manner and the fear he put into her. She attempted to move past him, but he shifted to the side, blocking her path and urging her to drop down a step. “Nick, I was your brother’s wife!” The words escaped her so loudly, she was sure the crystal chandelier in the hallway rung with the sound.
“Not anymore.”
“Nick!” She was aghast at the way his lips curled into a smile with the words. “What do you mean by all of this?” She shook her head back and forth in bemusement. “I do not intend to dally with a man –”
“Do not expect me to believe that.”
“If I did, why would you think it would be with you?” She gestured to him. “We are practically family.”
“You are not my brother’s wife anymore.” He stepped down toward her, towering over her. She was reminded of the firmness of his touch on her waist as they had danced.
It had been nothing like Jeremy’s elicit touch. That had been full of excitement and the promise of more heat.Thiswas dangerous.
“No.” Her one word made his eyebrows shoot up.
“No?” he repeated. “What do you mean by that?”
“Whatever offer you are making me, I am turning it down, Nick.” She tipped her chin higher, resolute in her refusal. “I do not know what you truly expect, whether you actually mean you wish me to run to your bed, or… or anything else, but I do not want that.”
He tilted his head to the side, his eyes narrowing.
“Let me guess, the man’s bed you want is the Duke of Pemberton’s. Is that the case?” His words made a fear grow inside of her.
She pictured it rather like a stream of smoke off a fire that had been put out. It danced within her, then grew taller, filling every extremity of her body.
“I am going to bed, Nick. Good night.” She tried to walk around him once again. She only got two steps before he grabbed her wrist. “Ow, Nick!” She was pushed back to the banister, with him standing before her.
He could have grabbed her wrist much harder, but it was firm enough to cause pain and keep her in place.
“Nick, release me!” she demanded, not afraid of making her voice louder. Nick didn’t acquiesce to her order, nor did he move away. He stood in front of her, staring down his long nose.
“If you did see the Duke of Pemberton the other night, then it ends now.”
“I beg your pardon?” Sophia tipped her head back, glaring at him all the more. “Do I need to reiterate you are not my keeper, Nick? You are not my jailer, and you are certainly not my husband.”
One of his brows flicked higher, as if he wanted to utter more words.
