“A waltz,” I said after listening for a moment. “Do you know it?”
Without a word, Bram led me into a waltz, spinning me slowly and carefully across the stone ground. I laughed as I was twirled, and beamed up at Bram as he held me close, his hands gripping mine confidently.
“You’re very good at this,” I praised him.
“My partner makes it easy on me.”
I raised an eyebrow, less than convinced, and he laughed as he pulled me in closer so that our chests touched. His eyes bore into mine so earnestly that they took my breath away.
And then he kissed me.
I was taken by surprise, so I stood still momentarily as his lips pressed into mine, imploring mine to part and meet his. I melted into Bram’s embrace and opened my mouth to him, deepening the kiss, soft and urgent at the same time. By the time the kiss ended, we were both out of breath. I stared up at Bram with wonder. “I didn’t think … I’d hoped, but …”
In response, Bram covered my mouth with his again, lips crushing into one another with more need now. His arms circled my back, pulling my body against his solid form, and I sighed into his mouth.
Bram disentangled himself and gazed down at me, searching. “Was that alright? I didn’t mean to surprise you like that. You just looked so handsome, and I got caught up in the moment and …”
“It was perfect,” I said breathlessly, tentatively reaching up to stroke his cheek. My fingers slid down to his swollen lips. “You’re perfect.”
Bram swallowed hard. “I’ve wanted to do that for a while now. It killed me to hear what Morano did to you.” He grabbed my hands. “Did he do that to your cheek?”
I blinked. “What? No. Henri wouldn’t strike me. It was Montoni.”
“Montoni.” He scowled. “We need to find a way to get you away from here.”
“No, it’s … I don’t think it will happen again. Henri has actually been very kind to me. I think he intends to keep his word. He won’t pressure me.”
Bram didn’t look convinced. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure. I’m safe for now. I’ll let you know if that changes.”
With a sigh, Bram released my hands. “Very well.”
I smiled. “Thank you for your concern though. It means a lot to me. Truly.”
“Of course I’m concerned.” Bram pulled me to him, arms snaking around me once more. His mouth found mine in a slow, sensual kiss. I felt myself burning for him by the time it ended, and I was left staring into eyes I knew I would never grow tired of observing. “I should go,” he said with reluctance. “When I was summoned, I was with my father at a farmhouse where there’s a sick brood of children. I should really get back to help him.”
I nodded. “Then go. I’ll still be here tomorrow.”
Bram lifted my hand and kissed it gently. “Sweet dreams.”
I chuckled. “Good night. And good luck with the …brood.”
Bram rolled his eyes but was grinning as he left me on the patio, soft music still wafting from the ballroom behind me. I leaned against the low wall and placed the poultice back against my cheek. I felt as if I were in a dream. Had that really happened? Had Bram just danced with me and kissed me? I hadn’t even been sure he liked men and suddenly I was in his arms, more sure of him than anything in the world. If I’d been reluctant to fall for him before, I allowed myself to let my guard down now. Bram was charming, warm, thoughtful … I could actually see myself with him. And it didn’t hurt that he was an excellent kisser. Perhaps I could continue to see him when the dust settled from my inheritance, or when Udolpho was in my possession.
I sighed, deciding that I should probably return to the servants’ hall. When Count Morano turned in, he would ring for me, and I would need to be available. It would likely be hours yet, but I wouldn’t turn down a late dinner in the meantime.
I started back toward the servants’ entrance when a figure stepped out from around the corner.
I tensed, expecting to find the mystery woman waiting to attack me for interfering earlier. But the figure I found looming over me was no woman. I blinked as I realized that it was Count Morano.
“Henri?” I asked, squinting up at him.
Henri crossed his arms. “The apprentice? Really? Did you have fun dancing with him? Kissing him? Laughing at me behind my back?”
I took a step back, startled. “Henri, it wasn’t like that. I never meant to hurt you. What happened back there just … happened. It had nothing to do with you.”
Henri’s jaw tightened and he let out a sound of disgust. “Monsieur Valancourt isn’t allowed anywhere near Château le Blanc any longer. I’m giving the order tomorrow to turn him away should he come. From now on, you can all be seen by Monseigneur Schedoni. Our family physician should be good enough for the rest of you.”
