Daphne swallowed hard before she answered, feeling her cheeks warm with a sudden flush. "That is Lord Brunsford. Cousin to Sir Beauchamp, my brother-in-law." Daphne tried not to look at Alex but failed miserably, her gaze colliding with his.
Mr. Barkley returned his attention to Daphne. "Forgive my boldness, but is there something between the two of you? The way he looks at you, and just scowled at me…and I did not miss the lightness of your voice and softening of your eyes when you looked at him."
“No. Nothing at all,” she answered, perhaps a bit to quickly.
"Hum…" Mr. Barkley mumbled before twirling her once more, then leading her from the dance floor. "I would have wagered there was."
Daphne's stomach fluttered, her body heating in embarrassment. Were the two of them so obvious? Who else had noticed their attraction?
This wager of theirs had gone too far, indeed. Tomorrow, she would face Alex and put an end to their ill-formed bargain before any further damage could be done.
Better yet, she would send him a note making her intentions clear. That way, she need not see him at all. She pressed her eyes closed for a heartbeat. Yes, a note would be best for she could not trust herself in his company.
Mr. Barkley delivered Daphne to her next dance partner. Lord Smythe was a middle-aged man and a widower like herself. He had a large estate and three older children. Daphne had him among her list of potential spouses and was rather looking forward to their dance. She would have to do better to keep her mind and eyes off Alex so she did not scare Lord Smythe away.
“My lord.” She curtseyed, offering him a bright smile.
Lord Smythe bowed, his brown eyes warm and joyful. "I have been looking forward to our dance all evening." He held out his arm. "Though I probably should not have revealed my eagerness."
Slipping her hand through the crook of his arm, she said, “Nonsense. I find your honesty refreshing. Furthermore, I have been looking forward to our dance as well.”
Daphne caught Alex scowling at them as Lord Smythe took her into his arms. She felt her cheeks warm and chastised herself for seeking out Alex's reaction. She needed to focus on Lord Smythe and see if there was a possibility for a future with him.
Nine
Alex watched Daphne from across the room, trying not to stare as she danced with man after man. She moved with grace and ease through each dance, sparkling in her satin dress as they spun her around. His irritation grew more as each new partner pulled her closer, until finally he could not stand to watch anymore.
He marched determinedly across the polished floor, his boots clicking against the hard surface. Alex stopped next to the man whose arm was wrapped around Daphne's waist and tapped him firmly on the shoulder.
The man missed a step as he turned a startled gaze on Alex. “My lord?” he said, one brow rising in question.
“May I cut in?” Alex asked, then pulled Daphne into his arms, giving the man no opportunity to object.
The man narrowed his eyes but did not make a fuss. He turned to her and nodded before walking away.
Daphne's eyes narrowed and she tried to jerk away from Alex's grasp, “Why ever did you do that?”
"Because I wished to dance with you, of course." He gave an unrepentant grin as he pulled her closer. "Now, move your feet, sweetheart, before you create a scene." He tightened his grip. “People are already taking notice.”
She glanced around the room at the throng of onlookers, then slowly raised her arms and allowed him to sweep her into the dance. "You are an incorrigible rogue," she said with a hint of exasperation in her voice.
“I am a determined man who is quite taken with you,” he replied, flashing her a devilish grin.
"Mores the pity," she drawled, hiding behind a mask of indifference.
Alex pulled her scandalously close, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and leaning in to whisper in her ear. “I beg to differ.”
A deep blush crept across her cheeks, contrasting starkly with the soft white lace edging her dress. His strong hands held hers firmly as his feet swept gracefully across the dance floor, leading her in a gentle waltz.
Alex held her tight, feeling the heat of her body against his chest and inhaling her intoxicating floral scent. His fingertips trailed down her spine as hunger rose within him. His longing for her was so intense that it made him ache.
When the waltz drew to an end, he kept hold of her, his thumb stroking the small of her back. “Come with me.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “Are you mad?”
“I need to be alone with you.” He tugged her hand gently toward the door. “Walk with me.”
She glanced around the room before meeting his gaze. “No.”
