Dolan leaned into her, and she stiffened. Sam couldn’t. How did he fix this?
Chapter 9
Clara stood with her parents and Dolan. Dolan had barely said a word to her, instead talking to her parents. Everyone watched, waiting to catch a hint of gossip. She perused the room, and her eyes connected with Sam’s. His perfectly sculpted face was overwhelmed with worry. He shook his head, slightly, and she tore her gaze away. As much as it bothered her that he was upset, she couldn’t focus on him.
“Clara?” her mother said coldly.
She had no idea what was being discussed. “Yes, Mother?”
“Lord Dolan would like to get some air with you out on the terrace. This will give you time to become acquainted.”
“We are already acquainted, Mother.”
Her parents and Dolan stared at her in shocked silence. She’d misspoken. Dolan smiled at her. “I thought, since we are betrothed, it would be best if we had some time alone.”
The request was perfectly appropriate from a man who was about to be announced as her betrothed. Yet, she hesitated, wanting to refuse. Silence hung in the air, becoming awkward. Clara could feel her mother’s piercing stare on her. She pushed her shoulders back and pasted a demure smile on her face. “Of course. I would love that, Lord Dolan.”
He held his arm out to her, and Clara looped her arm around his. She ignored the stares and chatter as she walked out on the terrace with him. This was her soon-to-be betrothed. She needed to get used to him. Even twenty years her senior, he wasn’t an unattractive man. Most ladies considered him handsome and distinguished with his tall frame and black hair that only had hints of silver.
They reached the terrace in silence, then he guided her toward the steps. Her eyes widened. She couldn’t traipse about in the gardens with him. Their betrothal hadn’t even been announced yet. What could he possibly be thinking?
“I have your parents’ permission. We wouldn’t want to disappoint them, now, would we?”
She pressed her lips together. Of course, her mother would allow such a thing. Anything to get the deal done. He smirked, amused by her reluctance, and Clara felt her stomach flutter with worry. What was it about Dolan that made her feel so uneasy? She pushed the worry away, telling herself it didn’t matter if her feelings were valid or not, they would be married soon. She allowed him to guide her down into the gardens.
They strolled along the pathway in awkward silence. “So, our engagement is to be announced tonight. How does it feel to be on the verge of becoming the Marchioness of Dolan?”
“I’m delighted, my lord,” Clara said, while forcing the bile in her throat to stay down.
Her bearing was perfect and her features void of expression. She sensed he wanted to see her squirm.
They stopped, and he grabbed her chin. “You are absolutely exquisite. The perfect lady. I have thought of you for a long time, Lady Clara, and what was under that perfect exterior.”
The uneasy feeling she was trying to ignore became even more intense. She pulled his hand away and his eyes narrowed, but he smirked as if delighted with her actions.
“I think we have been gone too long, Lord Dolan. I suggest we return to the ball.”
“Let us seal our betrothal with a kiss,” he said as he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.
Clara stiffened but allowed herself to be pulled in. Dolan pressed his wet clammy lips to hers, and she did everything in her power to not cringe. She closed her eyes tightly and waited for Dolan to step back, but instead he pulled her closer. She pushed against his chest, pressing her lips firmly together.
“Open your mouth for me. Let me show you what I like.”
Clara pushed against him again and tore herself away. “How dare you?”
He straightened his jacket and said, “Do not be dramatic. You are to be my wife soon. You will have no choice but to do as I ask.”
She shook her head, and his hand snaked out, grabbing her chin painfully. “And if you don’t learn quickly enough, there will be consequences.”
She slapped his hand away and his eyes sparked with outrage. “You will learn to obey me.”
Clara felt dread clawing at her. She couldn’t marry Dolan. She spun around and started back up the pathway. He stopped her, swinging her back around.
“Do not leave until I have told you to do so,” he seethed.
He held her arms tightly, and she attempted to yank them free. His eyes widened in surprise, and he let out a quiet chuckle. “I didn’t expect such resistance. It will make bending you to my will all the more entertaining.”
Clara used all the strength she had and yanked one arm free. She slapped him as hard as she could, causing Dolan to stumble backwards, completely releasing her. All amusement vanished from his face. Clara ran to reach the terrace steps, hoping to make it inside before he caught up to her. She could hear his steps getting louder as he gained on her. She wasn’t going to make it and fear overwhelmed her. He grabbed at her sleeve, yanking it down as she pulled away.
