“You were,” he said as he closed the space between them. Charlotte opened her mouth to argue, but Victor reached out before she could speak. His fingers tilted her chin upward gentlybut firmly until she had no choice except to meet his gaze. The touch sent warmth spiraling through her far too quickly.
“Since we shall be appearing together publicly,” Victor said quietly, “I expect you to remain on your best behavior.”
Charlotte frowned despite the dangerous fluttering in her stomach. “My behavior?”
“Yes,” he said.
She scoffed softly. “You speak as though I am the scandalous one between us.”
Victor’s eyes darkened slightly with amusement. “You barged into my private room wielding a candlestick. Your behavior is not exactly restrained.”
“The sounds frightened me,” she said defensively.
“Then you insulted me.” His brow rose.
“You deserved it,” she said.
Victor’s thumb brushed lightly against her chin before withdrawing. “You are remarkably argumentative.”
“And you are remarkably arrogant,” she said.
“Yet here we are, despite our traits,” he said.
Charlotte hated how close he stood. Worse, she hated how much she noticed it. The warmth radiating from him. The roughness in his voice whenever he spoke softly. It unsettled her completely.
“I promise to behave perfectly,” she said stiffly.
Victor raised one dark brow. “That sounded painful for you.” His mouth twitched slightly. For one dangerous moment, neither of them moved. The silence stretched.
Charlotte became painfully aware once more of the last time they stood this close, the argument, the kiss, the shocking heat of it. Her lips tingled traitorously at the memory.
Good heavens. I need distance immediately.
Charlotte stepped back quickly. “I should check on the dowager.”
Victor remained still for a moment before inclining his head once. “Yes,” he said quietly. “That is probably a good idea.”
Charlotte nodded perhaps too quickly. Then she gathered the gown carefully into her arms and turned toward the door with far more composure than she actually felt. Behind her, Victor’s gaze followed every step.
And somehow, though he said nothing further, Charlotte could feel it all the way down the corridor long after she escaped the study.
CHAPTER 11
“Your Grace!” called Lord Everly warmly. “Wonderful to see you.”
Victor turned to see the eager man approaching.
And here we go. Let the games begin.
Victor escorted his grandmother slowly through the crowded foyer while Charlotte followed just behind them in the yellow gown he selected for her. He regretted the choice immediately.
Not because the gown lacked elegance. Quite the opposite. The soft gold silk transformed Charlotte into something far too noticeable. Candlelight warmed her dark hair beautifully while the fitted bodice and graceful skirts drew attention from nearly every gentleman they passed.
Victor found that deeply irritating.
Victor nodded politely. “Everly.”
The man bowed toward Elizabeth before offering Charlotte a distinctly interested smile. “And who might this lovely young lady be?”
