She was just as bad, as her inner snip loved to point out. After all, she never once stopped him. And lack of action spoke the same volume as actions taken. That rogue of a husband should know that as well. The man’s astuteness could never be at fault.
She peeked at him again. How many times had that been this minute? But how could she not? At first, she merely wished to assure herself that no one would recognize him. However, each time she looked, she noticed something that made her look again.
Like the stubble coating his jawline.
He hadn’t shaved it clean since the day they’d wed.
Astute.
Somewhere, he must have picked up that she quite enjoyed it too, though she couldn’t begin to fathom where.
Sensing her look, his gaze met hers. With unnecessary care, he lifted both arms to adjust her mask. “Afraid I’ll be recognized?”
“Absurd, I know. I hardly recognized you at first.”
“Don’t remind me,” he muttered, his hands falling away. “No one will recognize me since no one is expecting me. Well, perhaps my uncle, but I’m not worried about him. I’m more worried about you.”
“Why? All I invite is gossip. You invite danger.”
“I still don’t like it. Stay close to me all night.”
Lawd, the man looked handsome in all black, a black mask covering half his face. In contrast, she was all white. Glances were certainly being cast their way. “Well, if they do recognize me, the gossips shall be ripe with speculation about this mysterious husband of mine and his true identity.”
“Husband?” he practically purred.
She sent him a suspicious glance. “Are you not?”
“Can’t I fish for more of my favorite word from your lips? If you say it again, I won’t bother you for the rest of the evening.”
Hah! “If I believedthat, I’d say it again.”
He chuckled. “Do you wish to dance? Take a stroll? Get some refreshments?”
Alyssia decided against dancing. What could they possibly overhear on the dance floor? Anddancingwith Giles...? Better not tonight.
Tonight they had a mission.
“Let’s take a slow turn about the room toward the refreshments table.”
His mouth curved, that slow, sinful,knowing, smile that set her off balance. “As the lady wishes. We still have a lifetime to dance together.”
She wanted to scold. Or laugh. Or both. But the way he looked at her stole all cleverness from her tongue. He wasn’t smiling anymore. He was simplywatchingher, eyes intent, patient, as if he could see every word she wasn’t saying.
She poked at his chest. “You should stop looking at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like I’m about to entertain you for your night.”
He leaned forward slightly, close enough that she could feel his breath on her skin. “You already are, Liss.”
Scoundrel.
She rolled her eyes and started forward, Giles’s chuckle following her before he stepped up beside her, snatching up her hand and placing it on his arm.
“Have some mercy, Liss. This is my first ball.”
His first one?
