Page 48 of Heart of a Witch
I nodded once. “Are you ready?”
“Are you?” His eyes narrowed. “You don’t have to do this. I heard what happened at the church, and not to that awful woman, but Damian announcing to the entire town you’re going to be a hunter.”
Goose bumps spread along my skin. “I have no choice.”
“You do.”
I held his stare, warning flashing in my expression. “I don’t. I won’t hear anything more on it.”
He looked away. “It’s your life.”
I swallowed thickly. It was my life, but it was also everyone else’s. I was protecting him and anyone who would be hurt if I didn’t follow in his footsteps. He was never going to let me own my own businesses. He had the church behind him, and my wanting to do anything but the god’s work was suspicious. “Smile, we’re about to enter.”
“I’m not you. I’m not going to smile for these people.”
The doors opened, and Corbin kept to his word. He frowned his way through the crowd while I was announced. I wanted to leave the second I’d entered, but I was already crowded with people either wishing me many happy returns or congratulating me on becoming a hunter.
“Amber.” I sighed with relief when I saw a familiar face. Her painted lips stretched into a far-too-welcoming smile. “I apologize, Lady Smith.” The last time I’d seen her, she was wrapped in the sheets with me. Tonight, she was hanging off the arm of her husband. “Good evening, Sir Smith.”
“Mr. Shaw.” He bowed his head slightly, looking from his wife to me. “Congratulations on your announcement.”
“Thank you.” I cleared my throat. “I hope you enjoy yourselves tonight.”
“The peaches are divine,” Amber said, her big eyes fixed on mine.
I smiled in response, but her husband filled the awkward silence. “I hear you will be titled.”
“Yes, I am honored.”
Amber licked her lips. “Let us know when we should begin addressing you as Sir Shaw.”
“I believe it would be from tonight.”
Her cheeks pinkened. “Then happy birthday, Sir Shaw.”
I loved the way that sounded from her. Her husband, clearly, did not. “Come, let us go see Thomas and his wife.”
“Yes, let us not keep the lady waiting,” Amber said, looking over my shoulder.
I turned, and my eyes widened when I saw her.
“Miss Weathermore.” I furrowed my eyebrows. Between sending her away and the chilly reception at the sermon, I hadn’t expected her to come. “You’re here.”
“I wouldn’t turn down free food.” She picked an oyster from the tray of a passing server.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Then I shall thank the chef.”
“No need. I probably won’t stay long.”
I trailed my gaze along her dress, which was a far cry from the peach thing she had been wearing last night. Purple lace wrapped around her chest and cinched at her waist, then it spread into a wide skirt at the bottom. When she swayed, light glittered the gems on her dress, making her stand out among the rest, but then again, she didn’t need diamonds to do that.
“It’s rude to stare.” She smiled saucily. “I do believe I have a dance scheduled with someone on my card.” She waved it in front of me.
“Will you be saving me a dance tonight? You did promise.”
She extended a gloved hand. I took it, then moved my fingers from hers to her lower back. She leaned in, her breath hot against my ear. “You also promised to meet me the other morning, so I owe you nothing.” She pulled away, smirking, and disappeared into the crowd.
“What the—” I spotted Corbin with Victoria’s sister, dancing. He twirled her around and was smiling—actually smiling. I couldn’t believe it. “I guess there’s a thing about these Weathermore girls,” I said under my breath before heading to the drinks table.
