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Lord Vance.
Her heart pounded against her chest so hard she feared it would burst forth.
“I’m so glad I could catch a quick moment with you.”
Tabitha had never been a violent person, but she had to curb the urge to slap the smirk off Lord Vance’s face.
“What do you want, my lord?”
“Your answer, of course.”
Tabitha stared him straight in the eyes, knowing what she had to do. “I accept your terms.”
“Excellent.” He took a step closer. “Unfortunately, there are circumstances beyond my control which take me away from London tomorrow morning for at least three weeks.”
So there would be a brief respite before the sentence was carried out.
“I will contact you when I return. At least I’ll have something to look forward to when I get back.” He brushed a knuckle down her cheek.
Tabitha had to stop herself from flinching away from him. The man had evil oozing out of his pores. Her skin stung from where he’d touched her.
“Until then, my dear.” He left without a glance back.
Tabitha felt cold inside, like nothing would ever warm her again. She took one step before her legs threatened to give way. Leaning against the pillar for support, she prayed no one had seen her. With so many people about, how would anyone notice one woman standing off to the side?
Suddenly, Tabitha had the odd sensation that she was being watched. She scanned the room until her stare collided with the Duke of Holcombe.
Andrew.
She wanted to cry out his name, run into his arms, and never let go. But she couldn’t, not now, not ever. What would he think if he knew about her agreement with Vance? He would probably fly into a rage, try to talk her out of it. But it was too late for that. Her fate was sealed.
Without breaking eye contact, Andrew came toward her. He was like a sleek predator, his muscles moving in perfect harmony as he walked up to her. The air seemed to leave the room the closer he came. The coldness in her veins thawed as he neared.
What would she say? Would he see the fear she tried so hard to hide? The man seemed to have the uncanny ability to know her thoughts and feelings. She must act calm and polite until Andrew left. She couldn’t risk getting him involved because she cared for him. Somehow, in the short time they’d known each other, the rake had whittled his way into her heart. But it was too late. Her agreement with Lord Vance had sealed that door forever. Tabitha had to protect her brother, even at the expense of her own happiness.
CHAPTER11
Since Andrew had last seen Tabitha, he’d been hoping to get a moment with her, but between engagements for his business and ducal duties, there had been scarce time. The few occasions he’d gone out in the evenings, he’d kept an eye out for Tabitha, but this was the first night he’d seen her.
Over the last several days, Andrew had convinced himself that whatever he felt for Tabitha was an infatuation, perhaps brought on by the stress from his inheritance and the infernal rumors. Tabitha was just a way to quench his lust. Though for some reason, any other woman simply wouldn’t do. He’d had recent offers, but none of them held a candle to the spirited auburn beauty whom he saw now from across the ballroom.
Tabitha appeared to have been in conversation with someone, but the pillar had obstructed Andrew’s view. What he did see was Tabitha turn to walk away with a pale complexion as she leaned against the pillar.
To whom had she been speaking? Whoever it was, the expression on Tabitha’s face told him it hadn’t been a pleasant conversation. His heart twisted in his chest with a sudden urge to sweep Tabitha up in his arms and comfort her.
Tabitha took a few faltering steps before she stopped. None of the surrounding guests noticed. She glanced around until her gaze landed on him. Even from across the room, Andrew saw her eyes widen as they locked stares.
I need to go to her.
Springing into action, Andrew crossed the room, not heeding anyone who called his name, nor stopping until he was upon her.
“Good evening, Miss Crestwood.”
Tabitha straightened herself and put a demure smile on her face before answering. “Good evening, Your Grace.”
“I did not know if you would be in attendance tonight.”
“I believe everyone in London is here tonight,” she said with a nervous laugh.
