“I have my maid. There is no need.”
“There is every need.”
She felt him take her hand and place it on his arm. He then held it there, securing her to his side.
“I will return soon,” he then told his family. “You all go on, and I will catch you up.”
Zach walked, and as Mary was attached to him, she had to move too.
“I do not need an escort, sir. I am not an innocent debutante.”
“You are hardly old, Mary.”
The muscles in his jaw bunched, but he didn’t speak. Simply navigated them around patrons. Aggie followed.
“Did you not sleep well last night, Mary?”
“I-pardon?” Her words came out shrill.
“You said you are not feeling yourself today. I wondered if it was due to lack of sleep.”
She looked at him and then away. His expression was still calm.
“My sleep or lack thereof is no concern of yours.” She would annoy him, that usually worked to get him off track. She’d been doing it for years after all.
“You are a friend. Of course it concerns me.”
“We are not friends. We are enemies!” Damn, she still sounded shrill.
“I do believe that hurts, Mary.”
Why was he mocking her and not arguing right back? She shot him another look, and there was absolutely no humor in his face. What game was he playing?
Did he know she was Madame Lucienne?Of course he didn’t. How could he?
No. Zachariel Deville was not a man to hold on to information like that. He would have confronted her by now.
“Mary, if ever you need me for any reason, you have only to send word.”
“Wh-what? Pardon,” she added quickly.
“I’m sure you heard what I just said.” He stopped and then turned her to face him.
“Why would I need you? I have a father and other friends who do not—”
“Who do not antagonize you like I do?”
“Exactly. Now I have no idea what this”—she pointed to him and then back to her chest—“is about, but it will now be put behind us.”
“It, being the kiss—”
“I said we were never to mention that again,” Mary hissed.
“I’m not sure I can follow your dictate.” His voice was deep, and she’d never heard that tone when he spoke to her before. Mocking, yes. Angry, definitely, but not sincere.
“Why not?”
His eyes held hers for long drawn-out seconds, and she could lose herself in the blue depths.
