Page 19 of The Duke's Virgin

Moments later, my face hot with a blush, Blanche led me to Aeric’s side. “There.” She beamed at me, satisfied. “Would you like more champagne? Something to eat?”

“I’m fine, Blanche.”

Aeric glanced over and took my hand. He shot Blanche a teasing smile. “You’re such a protective, nurturing sort, Blanche.” He frowned and added, “With everyone but me.”

“Your Highness, you hardly neednurturing.” She gave him a wicked smile, then gave both of us an abbreviated nod before disappearing back into the crowd.

Aeric gave my hand another squeeze. Picking up on his unspoken message, I squeezed back.I’m fine.

He let go and resumed his discussion with the man at his side as I settled more comfortably into the cushions. The people who’d been watching the interaction between Blanche and me lost interest, and I relaxed.

Sipping my champagne, I regrouped.

I was going to finish my bubbly, I decided, then go do that mingling thing. I wanted to go home back properly divested of my virginity, without worrying that I’d run into my newly acquired lover at some party thrown by some friend of my parents—or worse,bymy parents.

The man next to me got up, and unconsciously, I shifted position, turning more toward Aeric even though he was engaged in a discussion with a short, portly man I couldn’t place.

I needed to get up and start doing my mingling.

After I finish my champagne, I promised.

The flute was almost empty. I had every intention of keeping that promise to myself. I just needed a little more time to mentally prepare. And plan. I’d go to the dance floor. It was the best bet. I’d been at enough parties, even those hosted by friends of my parents, to know that a young, fairly attractive woman tended to find a partner easily enough on a dance floor. I’d had luck in the aspect before.

If I didn’t have any luck at first, then I’d just keep trying.

Mind made up, I finished the champagne and put the glass on the space behind the couch where others had placed their own used drinkware. Leaning in, I tapped Aeric’s shoulder. “I’m going to mingle,” I said after he turned to me.

His brows shot up, his surprise clear. “All right. Would you like company?”

“No. I’m fine.” I rose slowly, taking my time so I could make sure the wine hadn’t hit any harder than I thought.

“Stacia, right?”

The sound of that low voice, edged with an accent I couldn’t place, had my skin prickling with awareness.

Slowly, I lifted my head and met warm amber eyes. Amber, like aged bourbon, I decided, and just as intoxicating. My mouth had gone dry, and already, I wished I had another drink in my hand.

“Yes,” I said, managing to squeeze the word out. “And you’re Luka.”

A slow, charming smile spread across his face. “I am. Were you leaving?”

“What? Oh. No, I’m not leaving. I was just going to…” I waved my hand toward the mass of bodies on the dance floor. “I thought I’d go…”

My brain blanked out.

“Dance?”

“Yes.” My face heated, and I had to clear my throat before I could continue. “I’m sorry. It’s warm in here, and I’m really thirsty.”

He offered his arm. “Why don’t we take care of that?”

My plan fell apart on me, and nervously, I looked back at Aeric. He sensed it and gave me an easy smile before going back to his discussion, but the smile settled me. He’d seen the man with me—I knew that.

More, as we started out of the area, Blanche smiled at me. If this man was some sort of twisted bastard, neither of them would be letting him escort me out to the dance floor.

“You said you were thirsty?”

“I did, yes.” I caught myself before it could form into a question and gave him a smile. “Yes. As I said, it’s warm in here.”

---