“What other things?” Liliah questioned as he took her for a turn about the outside perimeter of the ballroom. The hungry gaze of the ton followed them, but the interest was diminishing.
How fickle society was.
Not that she minded.
“I would think it would be quite obvious, my lord. I ran. However, it leads me to my first question: How were you aware of my identity?” Liliah studied his face, curious if she’d have any inkling if he attempted to lie.
“Running. Why didn’t I think of that?” he joked sarcastically, rolling his eyes. It wasn’t exactly gentlemanly behavior, but it suited him somehow. “I was more curious as to which exit you took, since they were all heavily guarded.”
“Ah, were you expecting trouble, then?” she asked, arching a brow.
The viscount shot her an approving gaze. “Perceptive, aren’t you?” He chuckled. “Perhaps, but apparently we weren’t vigilant enough.”
“If I speak of how I found entry, then I can’t come back.”
The viscount’s caramel-colored brows shot up. “So you’re planning to return? Why not use the front door?” he teased.
“I was told that ladies of breeding weren’t welcome,” Liliah answered cautiously.
He halted his steps, regarding her shrewdly. “That is because ladies of breeding leave as ladies of the night, if they darken the halls.”
A shiver of fear trailed down her back, followed by a thrill of excitement. “I shall remember that, and remember to avoid the front door.”
“Which begs the question, why were you interested in our little soirée?” the viscount asked, resuming their leisurely walk.
Liliah shrugged slightly, using the gesture to stall and collect her thoughts. She wasn’t quite certain how much information she wished to divulge.
“Isn’t a lady allowed her secrets? Why, what mystery would I hold if I came clean on all accounts, my lord?” she asked with a cheeky grin.
“Then maybe you’ll answer the most pressing question from our perspective,” he said, flickering his gaze to her.
“Perhaps.”
“How did you even know the club existed?” His words were casual, as was his tone, but the way his shoulders froze momentarily gave away his level of curiosity.
Liliah debated, but figured that it wasn’t truly a secret she needed to keep. “A friend slipped, and then when that person refused me additional information, I asked a more . . . enamored friend . . . for further details. It wasn’t difficult from that point. You truly should be more careful about who is aware of your little club if you wish to remain so exclusive that even the dandies don’t speak of it,” she uttered quietly.
“I see.” The viscount nodded. “And you’ll give me no more information on the topic?”
“I have truly nothing to give. I’d rather think the largest liability you have is me.” She shrugged, biting back a grin when the viscount halted his steps abruptly.
His expression registered surprise before quickly being schooled into indifference. “Pardon?”
Liliah took a slow breath, measuring her words, knowing that this was the pivotal point at which she laid her wager on the table, hoping he wouldn’t call her bluff. “Of course, my silence would come at a price.” She faced him fully, tilting her head and offering a smile.
The viscount grinned slowly, amusement flickering across his expression. “And what price would that be? Surely the Duchy of Chatterwood isn’t destitute.”
She leaned in, waiting till he followed suit. “But, sir, there are some things that ladies cannot purchase . . . with their father’s money.” She leaned back, watching as confusion, then curiosity shifted across his face.
“I see. I wasn’t aware I made such an impression on you, my lady.”
“Are you certain I’m referring to you?” Liliah asked, embarrassed at her own brazen behavior, yet unrepentant nonetheless.
“I see.” His grin widened. “Isn’t this interesting?”
“And possible?” she questioned.
“Perhaps,” he answered enigmatically, tossing her previous response back at her.
