Page 51 of The Beauty and the Boxer
Jack wasn’t sure there was a word for how hefelt in that moment. He had no right to Meredith, had never thoughtto claim her, but he couldn’t help but feel as if she was alreadyhis. To see her in the arms of another man, even in a very publicand appropriate place such as this, he was suddenly a manpossessed.
It shouldn’t have surprised him. He hadthought of little else in his private time except for her. Theirconversations, their kisses. Jack had kissed hundreds of women inhis lifetime and yet he had never felt the slow burn that lingereddeep in his veins after he left her in the stables, speechless inthe dark. He had understood his need to be out of her presenceafter it happened. Jack had hoped to avoid her indefinitely, to tryand dilute the confusing feelings he had suddenly begun to feel,but a few encouraging words were all it took for him to findhimself racing towards Dragmoor to be with her.
He sensed people staring at him the momenthe entered into the foyer upon his arrival. It was inevitable. Hehad pushed his way through the manor, reaching the ballroom as hisname began to be murmured around him, but Jack couldn’t summon up areason to care the moment his eyes landed on her.
Meredith was smiling at her dance partnerand Jack felt murderous. But what would it mean for her if heapproached her with so many watching him? Would she be offended?Would the others feel sorry for her that the Beast of Burnwallwould advance on her during a ball?
Jack wasn’t one to feel sorry for himself,but then he hardly wished to cause her shame. Still, she wasbreathtakingly beautiful, dressed in a wide neck gown that revealedtoo much of her and not enough. He soaked up the sight of her asshe moved gracefully across the dance floor.
Jack didn’t want to leave and yet hewouldn’t stay simply to gawk at her. For a fleeting moment, sheseemed distracted and searched in his direction. Allowing theireyes to meet for only the briefest of moments, Jack turned withouta backward glance as he cut through the sea of people. Some gaspedas they passed, while others saw Jack coming and quickly hid theirmouths to whisper words Jack had heard too many times before.
By the time he reached the far end of theballroom, where the tall glass doors opened up onto the balcony, hewas met by Simon, who must have seen him from across the room.Luckily, it was still early, and no one had come out to cool off inthe night air.
“Jack, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I was invited, wasn’t I?” Jack snapped, hisbad mood flaring.
His brother stared at him.
“You were,” Simon said cautiously. “I’m justsurprised, given how you dislike gatherings this size. Actually, Ithink this might be the largest event you’ve ever been to.”
“In polite society, you mean,” Jack said,feeling agitated.
Simon gave him a strange look.
“What’s wrong with you? Why are you here? Ithought you didn’t want to come.”
“I changed my mind.”
“Why?”
“What the bloody hell does it matter? I’mhere.”
Simon seemed confused by Jack’s disgruntledbehavior. But then, he shrugged, trying to change the topic.
“Well, I daresay you’ll have an entertainingtime here. I know quite a few guests will be surprised at yourattendance. MacDougall is in attendance and—”
“I’m not interested in MacDougall,” Jacksaid.
There was a heavy pause between the twobrothers.
“Jack. Why are you here?”
He swallowed, unsure if he even wanted tobreach the topic with Simon. He had come simply because he wantedto see Meredith and yet to admit it was too much.
He shook his head, as if he could remove hisbrother’s curious stare at him.
“I wanted to attempt to know Mountebank,” helied.
Simon arched one brow, obviouslyunbelieving.
“Is that so?”
“It is.”
When neither brother spoke, Simon sighed andshrugged.
“Very well. Keep your secrets. I shouldreturn to Sarah,” Simon said as he returned to the ballroom.
