Page 22 of Duke of Bronze
"A lady cannot share her secrets with strangers."
"Ah, so youdohave secrets?" He grinned. "But I am no stranger, Anna. We have known each other for years."
"That means little," she countered. "Seeing someone does not equate knowing them."
"Then allow me these five outings to know you."
She smiled sweetly. "Best of luck with that, my dear Duke."
Colin roared with laughter. "YourdearDuke? I am very flattered."
Anna rolled her eyes. "It was not intended to be a compliment, Colin."
"I shall take it as such."
She playfully swatted his shoulder. "You are drawing attention to us."
"Admit it, you enjoy it."
Her cheeks colored again. "Well, yes, but everything ought to be enjoyed in moderation. I cannot have thetonthinking there is more occurring between us."
"What if there is?" he teased.
"You are an impossible rake, but you cannot charm me."
You just wait, my dear Anna.
When the waltz ended, instead of escorting her back to her friends, Colin led her toward the terrace.
"Colin—" she started to protest, her eyes darting about the room.
"Indulge me," he said. "I find myself in need of your kindness tonight."
She stilled at that, and her eyes softened. Without another word, she followed him out onto the quiet terrace, the night air cool against his skin. They stood side by side, their hands resting on the balustrade. Colin gazed up at the cloudy sky for a moment.
"What is it, Colin?" came Anna's soft voice. "Something is wrong."
He shook his head. He could not tell her. Only Fisher knew the burdens he carried, and even then, Colin had not yet unraveledthe depths of it himself. But he wished he could tell Anna. Would she understand? Would she care?
She touched his arm lightly. "Colin?"
He met her gaze, certain that underneath that fierce exterior was a woman with a soft heart. "Have you ever thought you knew someone, only to realize you knew nothing at all?"
She blinked at him. "No, but I do know that it takes a lifetime to truly know someone. And even then, it is hardly enough." She turned to look out at the garden. "And people change. When that happens, it unravels everything you might have known about them."
He smiled. "You ought to write a book on philosophy."
She faced him and tilted her head. "Was that a compliment?"
"Take it as such, if you wish."
For what Colin perceived to be a long moment, they stared at one another, and the air between them grew taut. His heart beat faster, and he could tell she was breathing with more effort in the rise and fall of her chest.
Anna looked away, then broke the spell. "I should return to the ballroom. They will be looking for me."
Colin did not stop her as she disappeared through the doors, leaving him standing alone in the night air.
I do not want to be alone tonight.
