Austin stroked the inside of her wrist with his thumb, causing her to shiver against him as they danced. “I’ll take what I can get.”
Deena’s expression fell suddenly, and she looked lost in thought.
“Are you thinking about your friend, Penelope?” He asked her gently.
She looked up at him and nodded slowly. “It feels wrong to attend Galas while only God knows where my friend is and how she is holding up.”
“I’m sorry, Dee. But I have a feeling that your friend is all right.” He tried to reassure her, but Deena scoffed.
“Look around, Austin. Look at how many eyes are on us and what they are saying about us. Aboutme. Imagine Penelope’s situation and how much worse it is.” Her voice rose in frustration.
“Did you write to her again?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“There has been no response…”
Austin exhaled. “I know this troubles you, but you tried your best, Dee. For now, let us just concentrate on getting through this day. Once we are back home, you can continue your search for Miss Grande.” Deena simply nodded in response.
Austin flexed his fingers against her spine, just enough pressure to make her arch slightly, and he smirked down at her.
“Stop that,” she whispered, but the words came out breathless, not angry.
He smiled and placed his lips against her temple. “You don’t want me to stop.”
“Friends do not—” She faltered as he turned her again in time with the music, bringing their hips flush for one heartbeat.
“We are not friends here, Deena.” All traces of humor vanished from his tone. “I have to show the public that you are mywife.” His hand slid an inch lower on her back.
“There are other ways to prove that you are my wife,” he added huskily.
Deena’s steps faltered slightly, but Austin caught her effortlessly and steadied her.
“Austin,” she breathed his name, half warning, half plea.
“Yes, Dee?”
“You are impossible, as a friend and even more as a husband.” She avoided looking at him. “We should not have come?—”
“You’re blushing again.” Deena glared at him when he interrupted her.
The waltz sped up with the music, couples whirled around them, but Austin was captivated by the sight of her. She was flushed and breathing heavily. It took all his strength not to grab her, leave the ball, and head straight to her chamber. As the music swelled towards the finale, he drew her closer until there was barely any air between them.
“After this dance,” he murmured, “we’re leaving.”
Deena’s blush deepened as if her body understood what would happen next. She opened her mouth to plead or protest; Austin was not sure because just before she could speak, the music ended.
“Well, that was an interesting night,” Austin muttered as their footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway of Windemere’s mansion.
They had meant to leave the ball early. But then Dominic and Selina found them, and they spent the rest of the night laughing over wine while the orchestra played on. Deena left the Gala more confidently than when she entered it. Even the memory of Haverford’s oily smile and remarks had faded to a dull bruise rather than a fresh wound.
“I am glad that it’s over, but I must admit that I did end up enjoying it closer to the end,” Deena confessed.
Austin walked close to her. Even his mere nearness sent a quiet thrill through her. When Deena heard him chuckling under his breath, she turned to him sharply.
“What is so funny?”
