Alistair clenched his jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “I care very little about matters as such,” he replied, his tone sharper than intended.
Evie raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “Oh, come on. You can’t tell me you do not see the chemistry between them.”
He sighed, frustration mingling with a sense of helplessness. “It’s but a dance, you over-dramatize it. It is not any business of ours either way.”
As he stole another glance at Cecilia, laughter spilling from her lips, he felt the heaviness in his chest double, a knot of frustration twisted in his stomach.
He clenched his jaw, trying to suppress the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to consume him. This was not who he was; he was always in control, always the composed gentleman.
“Yet perhaps it is. We might be in attendance for another wedding soon. I hear the earl is planning to marry her to him,” Evie continued, her words slicing through his thoughts like a dagger.
Marriage??
“Lord Harrington is a steady man in society. And Cece seemed to enjoy his company as well. So of course it would be a good match. Perhaps…”
She continued to speak, however, Alistair felt like he’d been hit with a punch to the gut, igniting a fire of anger that he had never allowed himself to feel so openly. It was as though the world around him had come to a standstill, and all he could focus on was the sight of Cecilia where she moved, smiling.
“Is this true?” he demanded, his voice low and tense as he turned sharply to Evie, desperation and fury mingling in his expression.
“Evangeline, are you sure about this?” His voice came out low and strained once again, barely masking the turmoil churning within him. His eyes returned to Cecilia, the sight before him sending a surge of heat through his veins, and he felt his jaw tighten instinctively.
“Well, Tristan has been speaking to their family,” Evie replied, her tone cautious as she studied her brother’s expression. She had always been attuned to his moods, he knew she could see the struggle playing out on his face, he didn’t care. “He thinks it’s a good match.”
Alistair’s heart raced, a mix of disbelief and anger coursing through him. “A good match?” he echoed, his voice rising slightly. “How can he even consider that? She deserves more than a mere arrangement.” His frustration bubbled to the surface, and he could feel the heat of the room closing in around him.
Evie’s brows knitted together as she watched him, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. “Alistair, it’s not just Tristan’s decision. It’s rare to see Cecilia intrigued with someone, they might-”
“Don’t!” he interrupted, his eyes darkening as he turned sharply to face her. The intensity of his gaze made Evie take a step back, her expression shifting from concern to surprise.
Silence danced between them and Alistair adjusted himself noting the eyes that had turned their way. He gritted his teeth and sucked in a deep breath.
Evie hesitated, her lips parting as if to argue, but instead, she simply nodded. “We should be happy for her, brother. This was meant to happen.”
Alistair turned away from her without a response. The thought of Cecilia marrying another man ignited a fierce protectiveness within him.
“Why does it have to be him?” he muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides.
His gaze snapped back to her, laughing at something the gentleman said, her eyes sparkling with merit. He felt a pang of jealousy rise within him, an emotion he had never truly acknowledged until now.
The realization hit him like a cold wave, clear and undeniable now—he was in love with her.
CHAPTER 20
“Care for another dance, my lady?” Lord Harrington inquired, his voice smooth and inviting as he released Cecilia from their dance. “I believe such shall make me the happiest man in the land.”
“Yet, I fear another would be considered inappropriate,” Cecilia laughed lightly and curtsied at him again. “I must return to my family,” she spoke with a polite smile, though her heart felt heavy.
The laughter and music of the ballroom faded slightly as she turned to seek out her brother, Nathaniel. But to her surprise, he was not where she had left him, and Tristan was just as elusive as before. A frown creased her brow, a sense of unease settling in her chest.
Just as she was about to retrace her steps, her eyes landed on Nathaniel. Relief washed over her, but it quickly turned toapprehension as she noticed his bride to-be beside him; and her brother.
The sight of Alistair made her stomach twist. She had spent the entire day trying to forget him, trying to ignore the memory of him kissing her. She still couldn’t figure out why he had done that. The answer that came was one she could not believe. She’d struggled to keep her eyes from him, using the eager Lord Harrington as a distraction.
Cecilia pulled in a sharp breath, her cheeks flushing as she caught Alistair’s gaze fixed on her. His eyes were dark, intense, and it felt as though he could see right through her. Yet, she had no idea what thoughts could be behind that composed exterior. All she knew was that his stare made her heart race and her palms sweat.
“Sister! Over here!” Nathaniel called, his voice breaking through her thoughts. She hesitated, the urge to flee surging within her, but there was no escaping now. With a resigned sigh, she approached them, forcing a smile onto her lips despite the flutter of anxiety in her stomach.
“Ah, there you are!” Evie beamed, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “We were just discussing the upcoming balls after ours. You must be excited!”
