AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He wasn’t jealous, he reminded herself firmly; she was his, if only for another month or so, but saying adieu to her when their time was up made his stomach twisted at the thought. He managed to school his expression into nonchalance and rested the glass down—but had to peel his fingers apart as they were stiff.
“I had to pivot and innovate after we were discovered,” Gabriel replied genially. “Thanks to you. But yes, we will disconnect after our time has run its course.”
David slanted his head. “Why do I think you are somewhat reluctant for that to happen?”
“Because her kisses drug me,” Gabriel replied frankly. “She’s somehow managed to bewitch me, intoxicate me, and make me want to crave more. The closest I can compare it to is some dangerous, additive drug in my blood. She spent the day with me yesterday, and I got to sample a feast I might never consume—I nearly lost my control, Gladhame, and I have never done so with any other woman.”
Thinking of how he had slid his finger inside her, he felt the troglodyte urge to tear the clothes from Ana’s body, to lay her on his bed and take her, to be inside her so deeply that her body would be stained as his.
I want to see my lust reflected in her glassy, wanton gaze as I root myself in her, hear her pant my name, have her shatter around me…
David whistled lowly. “So you are telling me you’ve broken all eight rules now? Including not buying her gifts and spending the day with her?”
Gabriel reached for his glass while his gut twisted into knots. “Hearing you say that…I need more brandy.”
The Marquess Blackwood’s ballroom was moderately packed with allcrème de la crèmeof the ton in their fineries. Gentle music, soft laughter, and benign chatter pulsed around the room while Gabriel nursed a glass of champagne while chatting with two other lords—who had the common sense to talk business instead of the gossip pages.
“Seems that Viscount Alderman has gained the Midas Touch,” said Earl Yates. “The price of that shipping venture of his has increased threefold in the last week. Everything he touches turns to gold.”
“You would have joined a merchant?” Marquess Ralston scoffed with disgust while adjusting his diamond-studded cufflinks. “Intrade?”
“Why not?” Gabriel asked, sticking a hand into a pocket. “As far as I remember, blunt doesn’t come with a mark shading as coming from trade. Pounds are pounds, whatever the origin. Should have bought shares myself.”
A hush ran around the room, drawing Gabriel’s attention. At the doorway, Anastasia had arrived in a stunning dark emerald, empire-waist gown with an overlay of sparkly silver netting. The drop sleeves artfully hung off her shoulders, giving the illusion of being perilously close to falling, but the square neckline was modest while beguiling.
Her only jewelry—the now infamous diamond necklace he had bought—came around her neck like a choker and gracefully draped itself over her collarbone. His chest burned with unconcealed and possessive pride. God, she was a dream. With her hair up in a simple chignon, she outshone every lady in the room, including some who dressed like gaudy peacocks.
Gabriel felt knowing gazes skittering over his person and said, “If you will excuse me gentlemen, I must greet my intended.”
Nodding curtly, he handed his glass off to a passing waiter and then headed off to meet Anastasia. Bowing, he greeted her aunt and cousin then offered his arm to her. “Take a turn with me?”
Offering her gloved hand, she replied. “Good evening, Gabriel. I would love to.”
Making his way to the refreshment room, he complimented, “You’ve always been beautiful, but tonight you arestunning. I’ll be the envy of every gentleman here tonight.” He filled a glass for her and added, “I’d imagine everyone in London will hear about this ball. There has already been quite a stir about the necklace.”
She gently touched the glittering jewels. “I feel like I will be targeted.”
“Oh yes,” his lips quirked. “Believe me, I know. A number of people would commit all manner of crime for gems like that, not all of them poor either.”
The first strains of music could be heard as couples began to assemble on the dance floor, and Anastasia rested her glass on the nearest table. Grasping her hand and lightly kissing her satin-encased knuckles., he asked, “Would you do me the honor?”
She smiled in delight. “I would love to.”
He led her to the floor, and the orchestra’s bows leaped into life, playing the sensual waltz, and then, Gabriel and Anastasia glided and turned circles. The moves were intricate, intimate…a sensual tease that made it more so when he had a partner that stirred his senses so acutely.
“I needed to clarify something about our engagement that I think I have left ambiguous,” Gabriel said.
One of her elegant brows winged upward. “And what would that be?”
“You have the power to break the courtship at any time,” he told her. “I do not want you to believe that I hold all the power.”
They glided around each other again for several seconds before she replied, “I see, does that mean you would like me to do so soon? I’d imagine you have a harem of women waiting for you.”
“There is,” he replied. “But if you are asking me if I am eager to entertain any of them, the answer is no.”
“Why?” she whispered.
“Your kisses.” She bit into her bottom lip and dipped her eyes away from him, but not before he saw the fierce burn of hunger in her eyes, and he felt a matching need deep inside of him. The sensations were unfamiliar and startling, but he brushed them aside. “Despite how we enjoy ourselves, you know I am not interested in marriage.”
