Page 108 of Dukes Are Forever
"There's my father by the orchestra," Adele said without moving her lips. "Thomas Mowbray is talking to Lady Agatha Callahan. He looks like a walrus."
"Found him," Malloryn murmured.
"Why, it sounds like the waltz is just starting," Adele said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Perhaps Barrons would escort you?" Malloryn suggested, watching Sir George slip quietly from the room.
"Of course," Barrons replied promptly. "It will be my honor, Your Grace."
Malloryn noticed the slight hint of disappointment in her eyes as he tilted his head to them. They'd only ever danced that once, and it was clear she wanted to be in his arms again.
It had been clear this morning, when she asked him where he'd stayed the night that she wanted more than a dance.
"You'll be safe here," he murmured. "I'll be back shortly."
* * *
"It seems much has changed,"Lord Barrons murmured as he swept Adele around the ballroom.
"Does it?" she asked dryly. "Or are you merely being charming again?"
"I'm being honest. You would have to know Malloryn as well as I do to see it," Barrons mused. "He doesn't like to reveal his inner thoughts in public."
"It seems as though he rarely reveals them in private either."
"You, however, are a little easier to read."
Adele looked away.
She couldn't help herself sometimes. Every time she saw her husband, the rest of the room faded into inconsequence.
"Be patient with him," Barrons murmured. "And smile. You're dancing with me. You'll ruin my reputation if you continue to look so grim."
Adeletskedunder her breath. "No wonder your wife never stood a chance."
He laughed. "I'll tell her that."
It felt like dancing with a dashing pirate. Barrons was ridiculously handsome and moved with the sort of dangerous grace that quite swept a young woman off her feet. She'd always had a certain partiality for brown eyes, but as she looked up into his, she realized the allure had faded.
All she could see were eyes the color of a stormy sky.
Eyes as piercing as one of her gray diamonds; their facets equally as reflective and fascinating.
"Don't let him push you away," Barrons continued, as the waltz began its last stanza. "He will, you know, but I think he needs you."
"It's not quite as easy as one might imagine." After all, he hadn't bedded her since that day on his desk.
"I'll tell you a little secret: Malloryn lives and breathes control, especially now, after Russia—"
"Why Russia?"
Barrons leaned closer, so he wouldn't be heard. "I don't know precisely what they did to him there, but it wasn't kind, Duchess. Jelena tortured him extensively, and I don't think he thought anyone would come for him. He won't talk about it. At least not with me. Probably not with others, either."
She considered that, feeling a little horrified at the thought. "He doesn't sleep very often."
"That doesn't surprise me." Barrons gave her a thin smile, and she realized he cared for Malloryn. "I can see the cracks in his surface. He holds himself together with pure willpower, but even Malloryn might break. I don't want to see that."
"What can I do?"
