“I’m sorry.” He caressed my cheek. “I couldn’t help myself.”
I didn’t know how to respond. His gaze was light and dark at the same time. I didn’t feel safe. The incident that had forced me into my horrible marriage had started just like this.
A kiss in a dark corridor. Cold panic scratching over my spine. A man who wouldn’t take no for an answer.
He leaned down to kiss me again. I turned my face at the last second, and his kiss landed on my cheek. I struggled to move away as he trailed three forceful kisses down my neck. He backed me closer to the wall. “You are so beautiful.” He traced one finger over my collarbone before dipping his head down to kiss it.
“Miles, stop,” I demanded. I pushed against his chest, but he persisted, as if he thought I would eventually succumb to his advances. Anger surged inside me, but it was accompanied by a fresh wave of fear. I had experienced first-hand the damage that could come to one’s reputation by being kissed by a man in a dark corridor during a ball. I had taken the fall for Henrietta last time, but no one had saved me. I was on my own again. I gritted my teeth, pushing against him with all my might.
He flew backward, and for a moment, I thought my own strength had caused him to stumble. But then I saw Alexander with two handfuls of the back of Miles’s jacket.
“Did you not hear her?” he barked. “She told you to stop.”
Miles caught his balance before shoving hard against Alexander’s shoulders. He lunged forward. “What I do with Anne is none of your business,” he growled close to Alexander’s face.
“I’ve made it my business.”
Miles wore an amused smile, but anger still flashed behind his eyes. “You didn’t even know her a month ago, yet you have been acting like you have some possession over her! Try all you like to take what is mine. You’ve never succeeded.” He shoved Alexander hard in the chest.
A woman’s gasp came from near the refreshment table behind them. Alexander lowered his voice to a harsh whisper. “Leave before you cause a greater scene.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Miles’s jaw tightened.
“Anne’s reputation is at stake. She has never had more attention on her, and people are searching for anything to scrutinize.”
“Perhapsyoushould leave,” Miles said.
Alexander shook his head, standing his ground with folded arms.
Miles glanced at me. I stood by the wall, too stunned to move. My heart pounded fast. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked in a soft voice.
I gave a minuscule nod, a surge of emotion rising in my throat.
His gaze darkened, and he looked down at the floor. “Very well,” he said in an abrupt voice. “But I will return tomorrow. We will sort this out.” He cast me a reassuring look before turning his back on Alexander.
I held my breath as he walked away, listening to every footstep as he moved down the staircase. When I could no longer hear him, I rushed around the corner, covering my face with my hands. I didn’t stop walking until I reached the doors of the blue library. Tears streamed down my cheeks despite my effort to contain them. They soaked into my gloves.
“Anne—” Alexander’s voice made me stop. He stepped around me. I peeked at him through my fingers before lowering my hands.
“That was mortifying.” I took a shaky breath. “Did anyone else see?”
Alexander shook his head. His eyes were toffee brown in the candlelight, and the mere sight of him reined in my fears.
“I have never seen Miles behave in such a way. It frightened me.” I swatted at the tears on my cheeks. The raw concern on Alexander’s face was like a balm to my heart, even though it still raced uncontrollably. My legs shook. He took a step toward me, gathering me close to his chest. He smelled of spices and leather. I melted against him, tucking my elbows against my sides as his arms wrapped all the way around me. “You’re safe.”
I knew it. I felt it deep in my bones. Alexander would never do anything to hurt or frighten me. I nodded, but my face was still buried in his jacket. I looked up, and his arms loosened around me. I didn’t want them to.
“Do you think you can make one more appearance at the party?” he asked. He swiped a tear off my cheek with his thumb. “Or would you rather go to your room? I can deliver your excuses for you if you’d like. I can say that you felt unwell and needed to retire early. It’s reasonable that you would feel out of sorts in such a hot room…I could even say that you fainted.” His quick solutions continued spilling out, but all I could do was stare up at his face and the goodness in his eyes. My heart hammered, demanding that for once, I listen. I was in love with him.
“What would you like me to do?” he asked when I didn’t respond. His sincere eyes gazed into mine. What I wanted was for him to pull me close again and hold me until the party was over, but I didn’t dare make such a request.
“I-I think I will return to my room. My watery face will not go unnoticed.” I laughed, rubbing the tip of my nose.
Alexander smiled, and I saw the adoration in his gaze. He closed his hands around my heart with that one look. “Your watery face is lovely, but I much prefer to see it without tears.” He paused. “Will you be all right?”
I nodded, but a hint of worry crossed my mind. What if Miles hadn’t left the house? What if he was downstairs waiting for me? He hadn’t seemed like himself that night, and I dreaded the thought of encountering him again. Fear scratched at my skin.
Alexander seemed to read my mind. His brow furrowed. “Would you feel comfortable in the study? If it wouldn’t put you under scrutiny, I would walk you to your room, but it may be best to wait until the party is over.”
