But what he had not expected was to find that Theodora had not missed a single event, and her experiment continued...without him. He could hardly believe that he witnessed her dance with another man.
“Lord Ebenezer,” he hissed the young man’s name like a curse.
His jaw tightened and heat flared in his chest. He was angry and surprisingly jealous. It took all his strength not to march across the ballroom and separate them immediately. But when he saw Theodora stopping their dance with a thunderous expression, Alexander’s mood shifted instantly.
His eyes never left Theodora and when she noticed him, the familiar blush painted her cheeks. Alexander swallowed. Onlyheshould have that effect on her. He glared at Lord Ebenezer who, to his utter confusion, turned, spotted him, and smiled.
“What the devil is going on?” he muttered and decided to approach them.
Every muscle in his shoulders coiled.
If he touched her improperly or made her uncomfortable, I will?—
Lord Ebenezer bowed politely when Alexander reached them. “Your Grace. It is an honor. I am a great admirer of your fighting abilities. You are truly legendary.”
Alexander’s brow furrowed deeply. “Ah. Thank you.”
“I hope to see you in the ring again soon,” Ebenezer added.
Alexander’s gaze flicked to Theodora, who was very pointedly not looking at him. “I will let you know if any interesting matches arise,” he said, “if you allow me a dance with the captivating Miss Dowell.”
Lord Ebenezer grinned. “Of course. She is all yours.”
Theodora looked appalled as Ebenezer left. The man was blissfully unaware of the storm he had just dodged.
Alexander extended his hand and said tightly, “Miss Dowell.”
She placed her hand in his angrily. Her fingers were stiff, and her posture was rigid as they began to dance. Both of them wore matching scowls.
“You seem to have been very busy this past week,” Alexander said so low that it sounded like a growl.
“So have you,” she shot back. “Leaving London without a word.”
“I had matters to attend to elsewhere.”
“And so did I.”
He tightened his hold slightly when she tried to pull away. “Stop running away from me.”
“I am not running,” she hissed.
“You are trying to, right now, and I refuse to let you go.”
Alexander’s words shocked them both.
Theodora jerked her hand free and walked away from him slowly. He opened his mouth to stop her, but he did not wantto cause a scene, so he slowly followed her instead. She turned a corner and quickly strode out of the ballroom, weaving through guests with quick, furious steps as she tried to lose him.
But Alexander followed her until they reached a quiet veranda. The cool night air and moonlight spilled across the stone floor, silvering her gown and silhouetting her figure. He was tempted to reach out and hold her to him.
“Theo,” he called.
“Leave me alone,” she said without turning.
“I am finding that hard to do. And I am certain that you are too.”
She faced him with blazing, tear-filled eyes.
“Our deal has come to an end, Alex.” Her tone was final, but Alexander did not give up so easily.
