“N…no, that’s insane of you to think that.” But her eyes darted nervously away from him.
“Then why are you professionally curious about me specifically?”
“I’m curious about dukes in general.” He felt her fingers tighten around his as the music and waltz sped up. “And you are conveniently here.”
He pulled her closer to him and whispered, “Either you have suddenly developed a romantic interest in me, which I would be delighted to explore, or you plan to renege on your promise and publish every scrap of dirt you can find.”
She gave a soft scoff. “Romantic interest? Please.”
“Then it’s the pamphlet.”
Her lips pressed together.
“Tell me, Dee,” he murmured, guiding her backward in a slow, gliding step that brought their bodies scandalously close for a heartbeat. “If I help you locate this mysterious Velvet Duke, will you relax? Enjoy the party? And allow yourself one evening without schemes?”
She met his gaze steadily. “You know perfectly well who the Velvet Duke is.”
Austin feigned surprise. “Who is he? I am at a loss!”
Deena rolled her eyes. “It’s you.”
He felt the corner of his mouth lift. “Oh?”
“Stop pretending.”
He spun her again, the motion pressing her briefly against him and he felt her soft curves, heard her quick breath, and savored the accidental brush of her hip. Heat flared low in his gut.
“Do you know why they call me that?” he asked in a low tone.
“I can only imagine.”
“Can you?” He let his hand slide a fraction lower on her back, just enough to feel the shiver she could not suppress.
“Velvet is soft. Smooth. Deceptively strong. It slides over skin and leaves a woman longing for more.” Her cheeks flushed as she mocked him, but her eyes didn’t waver.
“You’re a fast learner.” He smirked.
The music swelled. Around them, couples whirled in a blur of silk and candlelight, but the world had narrowed to the woman in his arms. Her scent, her warmth, and the forbidden thrill of holding her far closer than he should filled his senses.
Deena opened her mouth to retort when suddenly chaos struck. A debutante stumbled backward into Deena with a shrill cry. The impact sent her stumbling against him; he steadied her instinctively, but not before the sound of ripping fabric cut through the music.
“Oh!” Lady Ann gasped, hand to her mouth. “Lady Deena, I am so sorry! My heel caught on your dress. How clumsy of me!”
Deena glanced down. A long tear gaped along the side seam of her gown, exposing a sliver of stockinged ankle and the edge of a lace-trimmed petticoat.
“It’s quite all right, Lady Ann,” Deena said politely.
“Thank God it’s just a traveling dress. I’m sure it can be replaced easily in Paris when you return,” Lady Ann commented venomously.
Austin felt Deena stiffen, preparing to bolt.
Lady Ann’s wide eyes turned to him, suddenly luminous with calculation. “Your Grace, perhaps you could escort Lady Deena to—oh, but I feel faint myself. Might I impose upon you instead?”
Her hand fluttered towards his arm as if she might swoon.
“Lady Ann, I suggest you find your mama and practice your footing before attending such prestigious events.” Austin left no room for a response.
The girl’s mouth opened, closed, then she scurried away, cheeks scarlet and eyes filling up with tears. Austin held onto Deena’s arm, but she tried to pull free.
