She turned abruptly. “I’m sorry, Dom, if you may excuse me, I need to lie down.”
“Should we follow you?—”
“No, that is not necessary.”
She walked away without waiting for either of them, heart racing, body burning, the memory of Austin’s leg against hers sent searing waves through her.
One day left.
One day to decide whether to destroy him or let him destroy her. And she didn’t know which frightened her more.
Fifteen
What lies has Deena been told?
Austin entered the dining room late. The heavy doors swung shut behind him, and heads turned eagerly towards him. Candlelight chandeliers danced across polished mahogany and crystal and made the illusion of stars in the dining room. His eyes swept the place in one practiced pass, seeking, always seeking, one particular face.
But he failed to find her reddish-brown curls catching the light, or her sharp green eyes meeting his across the table. A chair at the table remained conspicuously empty, and he felt the absence. He needed to be around her all the time, not just because his body wanted to, but it put his mind at ease, too. Who knew what she would do with the secrets he told her and the secrets she held?
Before he could take another step, Lady Amelia rose from her seat near the center of the table and approached him with anticipation.
“Your Grace!” she called, voice bright and just shy of breathless. “I’ve kept your place right here. Please, do join me.”
Lady Ann stood up quickly, almost knocking a glass of wine down. “Your Grace. I saved you a seat as well. We were just saying how dull the conversation has been without you.”
Several other ladies’ heads nodded, smiles widening, eyes bright with expectation. Austin paused at the threshold.
“You’re both very kind,” he said smoothly. “But I’m afraid I must decline.”
A small chorus of disappointed murmurs rose as he apologized and walked away.
Selina caught his eye first, seated beside Dominic. She tilted her head in silent question as Austin took his seat opposite them.
Dominic leaned back, swirling his wine. “You’re late. Thought you’d be first here to charm the room into submission.”
Austin forced a lazy smile. “Had to make an entrance. Can’t have them thinking I’m predictable.”
Selina’s smile was knowing. “You’ve been very unpredictable lately. Having extended conversations with a certain lady, amongst other things.”
Austin lifted his glass in mock salute. “Guilty. Though I prefer the term ‘strategic alliance.’”
Dominic snorted. “Strategic. Right.”
“I’m going to go to the nursery to check on our children,” Selina said softly.
“I’ll come with you.” Dominic set his wine down to follow his wife, but she politely declined.
“You two can catch up whilst I’m gone.”
She left, and Austin watched as his friend stared lovingly after his wife.
“You and Deena truly looked like you were plotting the downfall of the monarchy, not picking brides.”
Austin’s gaze flicked to the empty chair again. “Where is she?”
Dominic followed his line of sight. “Said she needed to lie down, remember? She’ll be here soon. Although she could decide to skip dinner altogether in favor of hiding in the library with a book again.”
Austin smiled despite his growing anxiety whenever Deena was out of sight. The image came to him instantly: Deena curled in one of the deep leather armchairs, firelight catching the red in her hair, a heavy volume open on her lap, completely lost to the world and at peace until the stranger behind the threatening letters sneaks up on her and?—
