Page 7 of His Scandalous Siren
The ballroom was filled with some of the more adventurous members of the ton. Ones that didn’t mind being at a ball thrown by the Duke of Sin. Though there was definitely the occasional innocent or upstanding member of the ton that hoped a mask would hide who they were. A masquerade always drew some of the more honorable members of society. Uncovering their identities was one of Alex's and Drew’s favorite games.
“Do you want to start a scandal?” he grinned as he watched several couples on the dance floor. Laughter echoed back at him as the men twirled their partners in an intimate waltz.
“Not just yet,” Alex drawled. “I wouldn’t want the night to end too early.” He glanced at Drew. “Besides, how are we to know exactly what type of scandal we wish to create without sampling some of the entertainment provided?”
“Truth,” Drew agreed. “Then shall we partake in the offerings?”
Alex nodded. They strolled farther into the room. “Would you like to find a lady to dance with or check out the card room first?”
If Drew found a lady, he might very well forget about everything this night was supposed to be. It wasn’t about him or even his pleasure, but reconnecting with his brother. Something was missing, and he had to discover what that was before he could even think about anyone else. “Cards?” He lifted a brow. “Perhaps some brandy.”
“All right,” Alex agreed. “I could use a snifter or two.”
They walked along the edge of the dance floor and then exited through a side door. They had been to several of the Duke of Sin’s parties and were familiar with the layout of his London townhouse. They walked down the short corridor to another large room. A balcony was outside another set of doors if anyone wished to get a bit of fresh air. Several tables were set up for card games and in the far back of the room was a billiards table. Four men were already at the table, engrossed in a rowdy game. The other tables were also filled and cards were either being dealt or being played. “Should we see if anyone is ready to give in?” Drew asked.
Alex glanced past Drew, and toward the open doors that led to the balcony. Slowly, he shook his head. “No,” he said in a gruff tone. “I am going to get some air. I need some time to myself.”
He didn’t give Drew a chance to reply. Alex rushed toward the doors and left Drew there, staring after him. What the hell had just happened? Had Drew done something to offend his brother? Should he go after him? After a moment of thought, he decided against it. If Alex needed time to himself, then he would allow him to have it. Maybe it wasn’t Drew at all. Perhaps his twin noticed a paramour of his and wished to reconnect. There had been a few ladies on the balcony.
Drew looked at the games being played and decided he didn’t wish to partake in any of them. Perhaps he needed to seek out a lady of his own. It might help him forget his own problems for a little while. Pleasure was the best medicine, after all. He exited the game room and headed toward the dancing. The notes of another waltz echoed back to him. He rarely heard any other type of music at one of the Duke of Sin’s soirees.
He glanced around the room hoping to find a woman unaccompanied and hoping to find a gentleman to entertain her. Drew was more than willing to accommodate the right lady. Unfortunately, none of them caught his attention. He started to turn and leave the room, to perhaps walk in the gardens, but then stopped when a woman did catch his eye. She wore blue silk. The bodice hugged her bosom, and her dark hair was in a loose chignon. A stray curl floated down her back and several framed her face. There was something…familiar about her.
What was it about her? She was deep in conversation with another gentleman. He was tall and towered over her. In the candlelit room light danced across his midnight dark locks. Drew recognized the man immediately. It was the Duke of Sin himself. He strolled over to them, hoping to use the duke as a way to uncover the lady’s identity. When he reached them, he nodded at the duke. “Sin,” he greeted.
The duke grinned. “Lost your brother already?”
“He found something to keep himself entertained,” he answered.
“I’m sure he did.” The duke grinned.
Drew turned toward the lady and frowned. He would bet everything he owned he knew her, but in the dark room and her mask he couldn’t figure out who she was. He had to find a way to get her alone. Then he would speak with her, hear her voice, and unravel the puzzle she had created in his mind. But how…
