“Delicious, if I say so myself. But rather untouchable, if you gather my meaning. That’s a rake if there ever was one.”
Lucas gave his head a shake of amusement, and noted that the music had shifted to a waltz. He ambled around the edge of the pillar and made his way back toward the dance floor, the gambling rooms all but forgotten. It only took a moment to find her among the crowd, her hand regally set up on Heathcliff’s arm as they left the dance floor. Lucas sighed in relief, even as he told himself it was because Heathcliff had used sound judgment in not keeping the lady on the dance floor. Heathcliff met his gaze and nodded in acknowledgment. As Heathcliff guided Lady Liliah toward him, his gaze greedily took in her form, his memory all too accurately recalling the shape of her in his hands. Her expressive eyes met his in the most direct manner, and a faint blush tinted her porcelain skin. “My lady.” He bowed mockingly.
Her brow pinched slightly, yet she held her head high, nodding once. “Mylord.” She emphasized the word, as if saying it out of courtesy, not respect.
Anger and frustration warred within him at the slight, yet it wasn’t unwarranted, he simply wasn’t used to being challenged by women. Nor did he appreciate the onslaught of emotion that she provoked within him.
Lucas was about to add to his insulting sins when the gentleman he’d met earlier all but interrupted. “Lady Liliah?” He held out his hand, and Lucas studied his face.
The man’s gaze was severe.
His lips were pressed into a firm line.
His expression resigned and painful.
Yet he took Liliah’s hand tenderly, his response at war with everything readable on his visage.
Lucas stepped back, giving the couple room, and turned his attention to Liliah. The teasing light in her eyes was extinguished like a rain-soaked flame, and her shoulders caved in, as if defeated; with a longing in her expression, her gaze flickered to his, then shuttered as she followed the man’s lead.
“Interesting,” Lucas mumbled, studying their body language. On the dance floor, they kept more than a proper distance between their bodies, their expressions broken in various degrees. It was utterly pathetic and depressing at once.
Heathcliff came to stand beside him. “Odd.”
“Indeed,” Lucas replied.
Heathcliff shifted his weight to inch closer and leaned forward, whispering quietly. “Our lady friend is quite fascinating.”
Lucas tamped down the immediate affirmation, and settled for a simple nod. “Were you able to find out any pertinent information?”
Heathcliff gave a light scoff. “Indeed. And I do believe our greatest threat is not those who sneak in, but ladies who sneak out.”
Lucas tore his gaze from Liliah and turned to his friend, confused. “What can you mean by that?”
“I’ll explain later.” Heathcliff gave a pointed look to the crowded ballroom.
Lucas nodded, though he was curious to the point of distraction. He settled for keeping an eye on Liliah, studying the way she moved and the various expressions shifting across her face, when her back wasn’t turned as she danced. Of one thing he was certain: He wasn’t finished with her yet.
The idea both thrilled and terrified him, because things were never as they seemed, and it appeared that Lady Liliah had many secrets.
And if she kept many secrets, she also had much to lose.
He’d bet money she was taking a gamble with life.
But it was unfortunate that ladies weren’t taught that the house always wins.
Chapter Eleven
Liliah’s gaze lingered on Luc’s form at the edge of the ballroom. Closing her eyes, she imagined that he was her partner—not Meyer. Her body leaned into the music, and a faint smile touched her lips.
“Escaping.” Meyer breathed the word, a cold laugh escaping his lips. “I know the feeling.”
Liliah opened her eyes and studied her friend. “I shan’t take it personally.” She arched a brow, trying to lighten the utterly depressing mood surrounding them like a rain cloud.
Meyer studied her, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Who were you imagining me to be?”
Her gaze flickered to the perimeter of the ballroom, giving away her answer before her lips uttered a word.
Meyer scoffed slightly, and as Liliah focused back on her dance partner, she waited.
