Page 4 of A Duchess to Unravel
Behind his skull mask, the man smiled, the gesture appearing somewhat fiendish.
“And ye still have yet to see so,” he replied in his deep, brogue, “As I have lied. I am not such a guardian. I just cannae stand bullish men.”
This time Theo’s laugh was clear and genuine.
“You are quite the actor, Sir! Well done,” she praised.
Again, he smiled, the devilishly handsome expression sending warmth spreading throughout her body.
“With the proper audience, I can be just about anything,” he replied, taking a step closer to her.
“After what ye just went through I can understand if ye decline, but would ye take a moment and drink with me? I am enjoying the music, but I’d like a moment to step away from the crowd.”
Theo blushed beneath her mask, liking that he wanted her company.
“It is the least I could do,” she replied, her tone flirtatious, “Since you were so gallant as to save me.”
The man offered her his arm then, and Theo slipped hers comfortably through it, allowing him to lead them toward the hall where the more private rooms were. With his massive hand, he slipped two wine glasses from a tray of a passing waiter, and the two of them entered one of the unoccupied rooms. As he shut the door, the music from the ballroom deadened, and Theo let out another sigh of relief. Though she’d been enjoying it before Vulcan had approached, it had since started to make her head pound.
“Better?” The man asked, extending a wine glass to her.
“Very much so,” she agreed, accepting the glass, then took a sip. The strong, dark red wine served to sooth her nerves, and she took another long drink of it.
As she did so, the man strolled around the room, taking in the setting. It was like the others. Lit with red lamps, although this one also had a fire going in the black marble hearth, and furnished with a wide bed and chaise lounge.
“It is something,” the man mused, taking it all in, “No matter where they are hosted, parties like these all seemed to be furnished and decorated the same.”
“There are others like this?” She asked, surprised.
Theo studied the man’s back as he was turned away from her. Even beneath the black jacket and black shirt he wore, she could see the broad expanse of muscled torso.
A deep, rumbling chuckle broke from the man’s lips as he turned around to look at her.
“Hedonists exist in all countries, my lady,” he replied, “I am afraid your precious London is not that special.”
Theo let out a single chuckle, raising her glass to her lips again, “I never really thought it was special. In fact, I find it quite dull. It is why I sought out this party.”
She paused, her curiosity growing, then asked, “What are you called, Sir? And what brings you to such a dull, yet savage city?”
The man chuckled, as if amused she’d used his own words to ask her question.
“Cernunnos,” he replied, the name rolling off his tongue in a way that made her loins shiver with excitement. “And I am here to claim a rite.”
Theo’s brows perked with interest.
“The Horned God?” She asked.
Even with his mask on, Cernunnos appeared impressed.
“Ye know him? Most here only know the Greek or Roman Gods.”
Most here are not wallflowers who prefer to read rather than socialize,” she replied, the quip coming off her tongue so fast it surprised her. Not ever before had she revealed anything of her real life to anyone here. Yet within five minutes of speaking with this man she was telling secrets.
I am out of practice with this game,she mused silently.
But Cernunnos only chuckled and shook his head with amusement.
“And tell me, wallflower, what do ye go by here?” He asked, taking another step toward her.
