Page 54 of A Game with the Rakish Duke
He raised his glass of champagne to his grandmother, who was seated at the front of the room, surrounded by her retinue, observing everything with an eagle eye. Catherine thought she rather looked like a queen surveying her kingdom.
The Dowager Duchess inclined her head, watching them carefully.
Catherine turned back to her husband. “But I do not wish to dance,” she hissed. “My gown…”
“Your gown will look amazing on the dance floor,” he assured her quickly, raising an eyebrow. “In fact, I think you are the belle of the ball, Duchess.”
They were standing close to one another, only inches apart. She could smell his cologne. It was an intoxicating scent, drawing her in.
“Perhaps you should dance with Lady Isabella instead,” she snapped, her heart thumping. “You arealwaystalking with her after all.”
He raised the other eyebrow. “You are my wife… and I choose to dance with you.”
Then he took her hand and led her towards the dance floor. Catherine briefly closed her eyes. This was going to be slow torture. How was she going to endure it?
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Smile,” her husband said in a low voice as they faced each other on the dance floor. “You look as if you are walking to the gallows rather than to a dance floor.”
Catherine plastered on a bright, fake smile. “Better?”
He laughed. “Much.”
The dance was starting. Catherine swept into a curtsey, and the Duke bowed. They moved towards each other in the first steps of the quadrille, passing one another slowly.
“You have not answered me,” she whispered, staring at him. “Why does the lovely Lady Isabella always seem to appear and gravitate towards you, husband?”
The Duke smiled. “Ah, well, I suppose it is akin to the flowers turning towards the sun,” he replied, his lips twitching. “She has good taste. I will give her that.”
They skirted each other. Catherine felt him brush past her, sending a frisson down the length of her spine. She shivered involuntarily.
“Cold?” he asked, staring at her intensely. “It is not surprising, given the gown you are wearing.” He gave her a half smile. “It is revealingquitea lot of that flawless skin of yours.”
“I am not cold,” she replied, feeling irritated. She gazed at him steadily. “Are you having an affair with her?”
The Duke raised his eyebrows. “Would you care if I was? I thought you told me that you wanted us to lead separate lives.” He gazed at her. “Why should it matter to you?”
“I do not care,” she flung at him, her heart racing, feeling sick. “Of course, I do not care! It is just not… seemly.” She frowned, feeling even more annoyed. “She is so blatant about seeking you out. I saw you talking with her on Bond Street as well.”
He let out a bark of laughter. “Are you spying on me?”
“No,” she shot back, glaring at him. “Why would I do such a thing? I was shopping and simply saw you.” She took a deep, ragged breath. “I do not know why she is even here, except for the purpose of meeting you. Did she not say that shenevercomes to London?”
“Apparently, my grandmother insisted that her family attend this ball,” he replied, raising an eyebrow. “Grandmother was thematriarch of the district for a very long time. People tend to quake before her. All she has to do is snap her fingers, and her will is executed.”
Catherine eyed him suspiciously. He wasn’t telling her anything. He was neither confirming nor denying any involvement with Lady Isabella. It was infuriating.
They brushed past each other again. Catherine knew that he leaned closer than necessary. She shivered again.
“There is not a single man here tonight who can take his eyes off you,” he whispered huskily. “You are a sensation. I must admit I cannot take my eyes off you either.”
Catherine felt a thrill of delight run down her spine at his words which she tried to suppress.
“I did not wear this gown to please you,” she whispered furiously. “You are wrong if you think so.”
“Did you not?” he purred near her ear, his fingers lingering on her arm. “Then why do you shiver every single time I am near you?”
Catherine turned her face away, refusing to look at him. It was true, and it was mortifying. It seemed her body betrayed her at every turn where he was concerned. But he didn’t need to know that. He was already far too arrogant and sure of himself for her liking.
