Dominic looked between them again, suspicion clear.
“Right,” he said slowly. “Well. Carry on with your… discussion. I just came to offer my sister and our winner a victory drink.”
“I feel honored.” Austin mockingly bowed before Dominic.
“Don’t get used to it,” Dominic muttered. “Oh, and Selina is with the kids.” He addressed Deena. “But it seems like you’re looking better already, Dee.”
“I told you I’m all right, Dom,” she said with a small shrug.
“Yes, yes, next time I will believe you.” Dominic shook his head as he crossed his arms over his chest, clearly intending to stay.
Deena felt feverish. The secrets within her were fighting to come out, but she held them back. Austin’s eyes danced with concern while she glared at him.
“Are you unwell?” Austin asked her.
“No, I am just…flustered.”
“Ah! I have that effect on women.”
“You are the most arrogant—” she whispered under her breath so only he could hear.
“Charming,” he corrected softly.
“Incorrigible—”
“Devoted,” he countered.
“Egotistical man,” she finished breathlessly.
Austin drew back just enough to meet her gaze again, eyes dark with heat and promise. “And yet here you are, still standing far too close to me, Lady Dee.”
She stared up at him, lips parted, chest rising and falling too quickly.
He is right.
But she hadn’t moved away. Not even an inch.
Dominic cleared his throat on his return. “Congratulations, Windemere. You made the race look easy.”
Austin brushed his leg against Deena’s as he passed her; the little action was hidden under the cover of the crowd, and her breath hitched.
What is he doing to me?
“Are you sure you’re all right, Deena?” He turned at the sound of her caught breath.
“Yes, I am,” she answered too quickly.
Austin’s mischievous eyes never left hers.
“I told Dee that I chose the horse for you,” Dominic said proudly.
“Thank you, old friend, but you do know that it isIwho won the race. Not your Chestnut.”
“As you say,” Dominic replied drily.
They bantered like old friends usually do, and Deena felt her heart lurch as she thought about Penelope. Panic began to settle in her chest again as she received no word from her friend.
Perhaps I should write to her again.
