Page 25 of How to Seduce a Duke this Autumn
Her eyes found him.
He stood near the refreshment table, his tall frame cutting an imposing figure. He spoke to the same gentleman as before, hisexpression composed, but he sported a smile that was both faint and dangerous.
As if sensing her gaze, he turned his head. Their eyes met again across the distance, and Charlene’s breath caught. His smile deepened, a slow, deliberate curve that sent a shiver down her spine.
Her fingers clenched around the edge of her skirt.
She averted her gaze before she did or said something horrifyingly embarrassing.
“Shall we step outside?” Maddie asked, her tone gentle. “You look like you could use some fresh air.”
“No need,” Charlene said quickly. “I’m going to look for a gentleman to dance with.” She would practice. But who said it had to be with him?
Also, she needed to escape those burning eyes.
And stay far, far away from him.
*
“What are yougrinning about?”
Adam’s smile slipped as he turned back to Jack. “Nothing.”
“That didn’t look like nothing,” his friend said. “So, the woman you danced with right now…”
“Yes, Lady Charlene.”
“Are you sure that is wise, given what happened a year ago?”
Adam didn’t know. That night had been scorched into his brain and was a standing nightmare for him. However, he didn’t want to let that night define him, or her. He didn’t want to relive that night forever in his dreams. He wanted to create better memories. With her.
They had been friends once. No matter the discomfort he had felt, no matter how much he’d longed for more, he was happy to just be in her life.
I want to get back to that.
“It’s best to keep your distance from her.”
Adam scowled. “Why?”
Jack shrugged. “If my source is correct and your brother is returning to England, it would be best to have her far removed from your family.”
Adam clenched his fists at the mention of his brother. The idea of Charlene becoming tangled up with David again made his stomach churn. Surely David had other interests while away and had forgotten about Charlene.
I can’t even stop thinking about her.
But he didn’t want to admit that was reason enough to keep his distance. What if Jack’s sources were wrong? What if his brother never returned? He’d already lost too much of her; he didn’t want to lose any more. Besides, he could handle his brother.
He had once before.
“She might not want to be entangled with the Crosses either,” his friend pointed out.
Oh, Adam knew she didn’t. He wouldn’t have wanted to, either. But the thought of Charlene being lost to him forever had left a bitter taste in his mouth. It was downright unpalatable.
As duke, however, he had more power.
Perhaps even sway.
That ought to count for something. Even if it was just a little something.
