Page 13 of Celestes Forever Marquess
His eyes turned mischievous, making her heart thump wildly. “Not all fairy tales are from this part of the world.”
“True.”
Silence wafted between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. From the moment Celeste met Caleb, they had a natural ease. She didn’t often find that with others. The thought disconcerted her, and not wanting to focus on it, Celeste asked, “What do you think of your first Ball of Sin?”
“It is not like anything I have ever experienced. Did you plan it?”
She sighed. “I normally do, but Derry and Devons insisted they arrange it this year. They wanted me to be here as an attendee. They said I work too hard.”
“Something tells me they aren’t wrong,” he murmured.
He looked around, and disappointment flared in Celeste that he might leave her. Why did she want him to be at the ball for her, instead of exploring the vice that beckoned most of London—well, everyone but the innocents. Making her happy, he turned back to Celeste and said, “I have a proposition for you. Tonight, how about I’m not the type of man you dislike? You can introduce regular Caleb Monteith to the Ball of Sin.”
She doubted this man had ever been a regular anything. Celeste asked, “As a friend?”
Her stomach clenched as his gaze darkened. “No, Celeste. Definitely not as a friend.”
She leaned forward and said, “You must not say my name.”
Caleb looked down at her, amused, and ran his thumb along her lower lip. “Then what am I to call you if I only have this one night?”
She grinned back at him. “I’m Thumbelina.”
He laughed. “That is not who I would have expected.”
“Well, I’ve never proclaimed to be predictable.”
“No, I wouldn’t dare think such a thing of you,” he said softly.
Desire flared between them, and Celeste decided she wanted one night with Caleb. She would never be his mistress, but for this one moment, she would choose him. Shocking them both, Celeste held out her hand to him. “Only one night. It is all I can offer you.”
A grin filled his face. “I will take it.”
He took her hand, and she said again, “I mean it, Caleb.”
“Who is using names now? Give me a tour of the gardens, Thumbelina. I’ve heard about the Den’s whimsical cottages.”
She pulled him down a pathway. They crossed by the Turkish cottage. A fire had been lit inside, making the multi-colored glass windows glow. “This is a popular cottage for liaisons. It has a heated pool inside.”
He groaned as if she’d just tempted him with a treat. Laughter escaped her, and she guided him further down the pathway. Next was the Swan Cottage. “This one isn’t very popular. It has lots of feathers and a gigantic bed shaped like a bird.”
Caleb laughed. “I’m assuming not your favorite based on your lack of love for geese.”
She giggled. “No, definitely not.”
He smiled and wiggled his eyebrows playfully. “I will take it if I get to spend more time with you.”
She shook her head. “Shockingly, this one is booked as well.”
Celeste continued on. Caleb still held her hand, gently stroking the inside of her palm as they walked. His touch was leisurely and tender, making her ache to lean into him and let him roam his hands all over her, but she didn’t. They stopped at the conservatory cottage, the club’s most popular building for interludes. The walls were all glass, and privacy came from the flora covering them. “This is our most booked cottage.”
“I’m guessing also not available.”
She gave him a small smile and pulled him back towards the main building, stopping at a discreet door.
“Where does this go?” he asked.
“My apartment.”
