She feels… perfect.
Her body moved with his as though they had danced a hundred times before. The curve of her waist beneath his palm was warm and supple, and the subtle press of her frame against his chest sent heat straight through his body. He could feel the quick rise and fall of her breathing, and the faint tremor she tried to hide in her soft hands.
This is Dominic’s sister. She is off-limits. Sacred.
And that single fact made the forbidden fruit of her infinitely sweeter.
“Am I that terrible at dancing?” Her soft voice splintered his thoughts.
“Not at all. Why do you ask?”
“You’re frowning.”
“I am just…thinking.”
“About how terrible I dance?”
“No. You dance beautifully,” he murmured, low enough for only her ears. “Someone in Paris taught you well.”
“Someone in Paris taught me many things,” she replied, green eyes meeting his without flinching. “But it was in London where I learned to dance.”
“Have you not danced with a man in Paris?”
“The last I danced was at my debut…”
He spun her through a tighter turn, drawing her fractionally closer than propriety allowed. The floral scent of her rose between them, and he breathed her in deeply.
“When did you return to England?” he asked, trying to anchor himself in conversation rather than sensation.
“Only yesterday.”
“So soon? Dominic said nothing of it, although he was hopeful.”
“I decided to surprise him.” Her tone was dry. “Or, as Grandmother taught us, I decided to ambush him.”
Austin’s lips curved. “An ambush. How very Archdall of you.”
She tilted her head. “I’m curious…”
Austin raised a brow. “I fear your curiosity, but do go on?”
“Have you really seduced scores of young ladies in and outside of London?”
Austin let out a bark of laughter, caught off guard by her question. “Deena, I am a gentleman?—”
“So, it is not true?” she frowned up at him, and Austin knew that she found out who he was.
“A true gentleman never reveals his secrets; we keep our ladies safe that way.” He winked at her, hoping it would work like a charm on her as it did for every other young lady, but instead she rolled her eyes.
“Safe? You break their hearts and ruin them.” She scoffed.
Austin was not sure why he felt stung by her words. “I am unsure about what you have heard of me, but I can assure you that it is not my intention to break hearts.”
“Of course it is not,” she replied drily. “And what of your mistresses scattered around London?”
“Hmm.” He hummed as they waltzed. “Where have you heard about such things?”
He felt her pulse race and watched her skin bloom under his steady gaze.
