He skirted around the edge of the ballroom, avoiding Meyer, and picked up his pace to where the shadows ran into the light of the ballroom. The darkness beckoned him, and he focused on the line between illumination and shadow. As he crossed the threshold, his whole being relaxed and a smile curved his lips.
Odd how the dark had become his sanctuary.
Odd how he felt more at home there than he ever had in the light.
As his eyes adjusted to the lack of light, he scanned the small alcove. Sure enough, Lady Liliah had her back turned as she walked out onto what appeared to be a deserted balcony. Shoulders straight, he allowed his gaze to seductively outline her silhouette. Delicate curves were simply hinted at by her gown, but he was all too aware of the luscious figure hidden within the fabric. His hands burned to touch her, to feel her lips caress his. As he stealthily strode toward her, he was about to offer a greeting when she paused against the balcony wall. Bracing against it with her arms, she dropped her head, defeated.
Lucas halted his progress, studying her in the starlight.
She stilled, then angled her head like a bird listening for a predator.
Lucas grinned at the mental picture, and its accuracy.
“Sneaking up on ladies?” Liliah glanced over her shoulder, her tone wry.
“Only ones that are suspect.” He shrugged and strode forward, pausing to lean his shoulders against a nearby pillar.
“Am I suspect?” Liliah turned to face him. Half of her face was more deeply shadowed than the other, and he found it difficult to read her expression.
“Yes, and I must say I’ve learned a few interesting details about you this evening, yet none of it makes sense.”
“Ah, well, if it helps at all, you’re not the only one who is unable to make sense of it all.” A ghost of a smile faded across her lips.
“If you’re looking for pity, I must warn you that you’ll find none in me.”
Liliah tilted her head. “Then it is a good thing I wasn’t expecting, nor searching for, pity. Do I strike you as the type of woman needing your sympathy?” She stood fully and stepped toward him. “No. And while I’m indeed searching for something from you . . .” She let the words linger in the darkness. “It most certainly is not pity.”
Lucas watched her slow approach, each step filled with purpose till she paused an arm’s length away. “And what are you searching for? I must say I’m insatiably curious, a character flaw that has both served me well, and . . . not,” he replied in a careless tone.
“I do not find that disclosure surprising, my lord.”
After a moment, Lucas asked again. “But, mylady, you still haven’t answered my question.”
She was close enough for him to see her shadowed tongue dart out and lick her lower lip. The gesture was utterly seductive, yet he instinctively knew it wasn’t meant as such.
It was a gesture of indecision.
And damn it all if every shred of his curiosity smoldered further.
“I propose . . .” Liliah glanced behind them, assuring herself of their privacy.
If anyone should find them, it would go very badly indeed . . . for her.
He’d never be brought up to scratch, and she’d be a ruined woman.
Yet the gentleman within had died long ago, so he simply waited for her to continue.
“You need me to remain silent, and to keep my distance from your club, is that right?” She changed tactics.
Would he be forever in warfare with women?
“Yes and no. While it would not be . . . convenient for you to disclose information about the club, I can just as easily turn your blackmail on its ear, and threaten to ruin you.” He hitched a shoulder in a blasé manner.
Liliah’s lips bent into a grin. “Odd you should mention that . . .” She glanced to the floor.
Lucas narrowed his eyes. “I’m listening.” He shouldn’t be, he should be leaving her in the darkness, finding his damn friend and heading back to the club.
Yet he was rooted to his spot.
