Page 44 of In a Rake's Embrace
“We’re here to waltz,” he said, stepping toward her.
His tone was controlled, but a hunger he did not like simmered underneath it all. Thomas approached her, placing one hand on her waist and taking her other hand in his.
“The first step is to feel the rhythm. The waltz is about grace but also connection. Follow my lead.”
She nodded, her expression serious but soft, her eyes meeting his with a quiet determination. “I am a quick learner.”
“First, you must always maintain this frame.” He gently placed her left hand on his shoulder, firmly holding her other hand. “Your posture needs to be graceful, shoulders back, chin up. Never slouch, even when you relax.”
She adjusted her posture, trying to mirror his movements.
“Now, the basic step,” Thomas said. “It’s three beats—one, two, three. Think of it like a square.”
“A square.” Agatha frowned, glancing down at their feet.
He gave a small smile. “Yes. Step forward with your right foot for the first beat.” He moved, guiding her forward. “Then, to the side with your left for the second beat.”
She followed, her steps tentative but steady.
“Finally, bring your right foot together with the left on the third beat. That’s the first part.”
“Forward, side, together?” Agatha repeated.
“Exactly. Now, I’ll move backward as you step forward. Always mirror your partner.”
They began to move, and Thomas murmured, “Keep the rhythm. The key to the waltz is to let the movement flow. There should be no hesitation, only trust between you and your partner.”
Agatha swayed in his arms. “How do I turn?”
“Once you’ve mastered the basic step, we’ll add the turn. On the first beat, step forward and pivot as you go to the side. It’s a gentle twist of the body.” He demonstrated, pulling her closer as they turned smoothly, his hand guiding her waist.
Agatha’s breath caught at their closeness, but she focused on the dance, her steps growing more confident. “Like this?”
“Perfect,” Thomas said, his voice low. “Now, keep turning with the music.”
Her eyes laughed at him. “It is a tad difficult without the music.”
He made some low sounds in his throat, trying to imitate the hums.
She dissolved into laughter. “You sound like something dying.”
Thomas smiled. He had deliberately done a bad job because he wanted to see this smile on her face and hear the joy in her chuckles. They continued dancing, gliding across the room.
“Oh, this is wonderful. I see the appeal of attending balls so often. Bea tried to explain the season, and I was astonished that some indulge in such pursuits for weeks before retiring to the country to hunt. I cannot imagine what I would do with such leisure.”
Thomas lowered his head andpressed his lips to the corner of her mouth. A dark hum of pleasure blasted through him.
Agatha stilled. Her soft, wondering gasp whispered across his skin like a touch. “What lesson is this?”
Fuck. Since their first kiss, they had shared several more. Each was a lesson, with instructions flowing between every lick and nibble. He guided her through soft kisses, deep, passionate ones, and those meant to tease and tempt. But for Thomas, it wasn’t just about teaching anymore. He found himself craving the press of her lips against his because he wanted to feel and taste her.
“This is no lesson,” he said, reasserting his control and then drew back. “Let’s continue dancing.”
Agatha nodded, her steps growing lighter as they twirled together. After nearly an hour of practice, Thomas felt a simmering restlessness burn through him. He excused himself and left Agatha, heading downstairs to one ofAphrodite’slavish drawing rooms. The room was filled with soft laughter and the clinking of glasses as several of Madam Rebecca’s ladies, all beautifully gowned, entertained gentlemen lounging in comfortable chairs and sofas. Thomas entered, still feeling that gnawing sense of discontent, but forced himself to move through the room with an air of ease.
His friend, Brandon Armstrong, lifted a brow when he spotted Thomas. He leaned back, swirling his drink, an amused look settling on his face.
“Well, well,” Brandon said. “I never expected to see you down here tonight. There is a rumor going about.”
