“There was a tension between the two of you at breakfast,” Francesca began. “Do you wish to talk about it?”
Iris shook her head. That was the last thing she wished to do. “He’s being annoying, nothing more. Don’t pay any attention to him or his weird behavior. I plan to.”
Francesca stared at her for several moments. She did not seem convinced and honestly, Iris understood why. Daniel seemed to bring out the worst in her. She would like to reassure Francesca she could handle him; however, a part of her didn’t think that was possible. Some things were left to fate and all she could do was hold on and pray she came out of it whole. “I’m trusting you,” Francesca said. “And if you do need an ear to listen, don’t hesitate to come to me.”
“I will,” she promised.
With that settled, Francesca left her alone to mingle with all her guests. After she left, Daniel came to stand beside her. “Are you going to be difficult tonight?”
“Are you going to be tedious?” she countered.
“Undoubtedly,” he replied in a cool tone. “You’re my dinner partner. It’s inevitable.”
“Then why did you bother asking me anything?” She lifted a brow. “We both know what to expect from each other.” She trailed her gaze over his tall frame, from his feet all the way to his handsome face. She met his gaze and said in an acerbic tone, “You’re such a disappointment.”
She walked away from him before he could respond. Iris would have to spend the entire meal with him. Talking to him now would not make her want to stay for the meal. She had made a promise, and she intended to keep it. At one time, she had believed they were meant to be, but she would not make that mistake again.
Violet grabbed her arm and pulled her in close to her. “What is going on between you and Lord Hampstead,” she practically hissed out the question.
“Not a thing,” she said. “You don’t need to worry, sister dear. I promise I have no intention of doing anything foolish.” Iris had already gone down that path and she learned from her mistakes. “He frustrates me and I try to avoid him.”
“Try harder,” Violet told her.
Iris smiled. “I hate to tell you this, but he’s my dinner companion. I can’t escape him if I wanted to. Blame Francesca.”
Violet groaned. “Then be polite at least.”
“No promises,” she replied in a amiable tone. “He brings out the worst in me. I won’t make a promise I know I can’t keep.”
As she spoke those words, the dinner bell rang. Daniel came to her side and held out his arm. “My lady,” he said in a polite tone. He was going to try to be nice. All right, she could too then.
“My lord,” she said in the same polite tone. “Please, lead the way.”
“My pleasure.” His lips twitched.
The devil would not be able to keep this act up. She was willing to bet if she pushed hard enough, his true nature would come out before the first course. Iris held back a smile. She would have to consider what to do first.
“I don’t like that look in your eyes,” Daniel said. “What are you plotting?”
“You’re eventual demise,” she answered in a calm tone. “It is what keeps me sane.”
He sighed, but she ignored it. If he hadn’t wanted her to hate him, then he should have been nicer to her. The problem with it all, though, was she didn’t actually despise him as much as she pretended to. He didn’t need to know that part, though. Maybe one day, if he earned her trust again, she’d tell him she never stopped loving him. She prayed that day came because she didn’t want to completely give up on him.
“What can I do to stop this animosity between us?” he asked. They neared the table. When they reached their designated seats, he pulled out her chair for her. When she was seated, he leaned down and said, “Because while this is quite stimulating...I want a different kind of passion between us.”
Iris clenched her teeth together. “You’ll wait a very long time for that.”
“I do not believe I will,” he said as he slid into his own seat. “The dance has already begun.”
He was so sure of himself. The bastard... Well, she wasn’t ready to give up. He had a lesson or two to learn, and she had the perfect way to teach him one. She grinned and turned to Lord Goodland. “My lord,” she began. “Could you help me with something?” She batted her eyelashes at him in a way she prayed was flirtatious.
What the hellgame was she trying to play at now? She ignored him throughout dinner. Not once had she turned to him. His Iris was flirting quite openly with Goodland and if his friend didn’t stop responding, he was going to have to beat him bloody.
“I’ve always found dreams a prelude to the real thing,” Goodland began. “A good one prepares you for the genuine pleasure that awaits you.”
“Is that so?” Iris said, leaning a little closer. “Tell me about your last dream.”
Bloody hell... Daniel clenched his fork in his hand. His knuckles were white as he fought the rage building inside of him. Goodland better not answer that question truthfully.
