She’s not even trying.
If anything, she’s been attempting to hide against the wall all night so as not to be seen.
As if she could ever pass for a demure miss or a wallflower.
From the moment she appeared at the top of the stairs, I knew I was in trouble.
Is this her plan? Is she attempting to seduce me so that she can bend me to her will?
I don’t bend, not even for beautiful women, but for her… I might allow myself to be seduced.
I shake my head, disgusted with my own thoughts.
It’s a shit idea. I haven’t been with another woman since Rebecca’s death. Sex is a distraction, a base urge that keeps me from the real tasks at hand.
And a physical relationship with Kat would be so much worse than trite, and meaningless. Katarina is the daughter of the man I’ve sworn to kill, and she’s got an agenda of her own.
She is the last woman I should ever consider for an affair.
But that dress is…killer.
And she makes all the rest of the women here appear as though they are little girls.
Yesterday, she was many things, but afraid was never one of them. And it’s no wonder.
The sight of her body, the scars, I know that Katarina understands pain and suffering. She knows strength too.
Maybe even more than myself.
When I inherited the dukedom, it was on the brink of collapse. I needed money. Massive quantities of it.
I carefully chose properties to liquidate, then sent my brothers to America to begin building an empire.
Their skill has been irreplicable, and I won’t take their successes away from any of them, but I’ve had my hand in every decision, including the one to partner with Katarina’s brother.
I’m a man who makes the big decisions, and I do so with calm and foresight.
Which is why I know my attraction to Katarina is worse than a problem. It’s a potential disaster.
She stands near the table heaped with refreshments and attempts to look bored. But twice I see her look at the group of men she’s near, like she’s…
Is she interested in one of them? The urge to break his fingers, whoever he is, pulses through me.
So stupid. I’m here to find a bride. Secure my line before it’s too late.
I don’t expect to find love. I don’t even want lust. I’ll just settle for a woman who doesn’t require…too much.
And who can tolerate my nature.
One of the men in the circle notices Katarina. Tall, dark, and handsome, he focuses in on her and breaks from the group, moving toward her. He stops when he’s in her space, his body just inches from hers, as he leans down to whisper in her ear.
I see her shake her head, her height making her visible despite him standing between us.
My feet start moving of their own accord.
He reaches out, his fingers wrapping around her upper arm as he shifts even closer.
Katarina tilts her chin, listening to whatever he’s saying.
