Page 22 of Ironvine

She had made just the impression she’d hoped to make on the Earl of Ryvves. He enjoyed her company, and she’d left him intrigued.

And better yet, she quite enjoyed his.Perfection.

Her lips turned up into a slight smile. She made sure it was no more than that as she bowed and took her leave of him. They were being watched. She was sure of it. Her face hot, she turned. Lifting her chin, she glided through the crowd to find her brother. She wanted to shout and laugh out loud, but of course, that was impossible. Her blood rioted through her veins as she calmly made her way to Thomas in the gaming room.

The heavy smoke and humid air cloaked her as she entered the room. This was the greatest game of chance she had ever or would ever play.

After all, her life depended on it.

ChapterEight

Charles

Charles hadto have a word with Georgina. Saying a quick thank you and farewell to Alice, he moved through the blur of the crowd, searching for Georgie.

His gut tied into thick blistering knots watching her dance with Hugh. Flirt with Hugh. She’d transformed into a woman before his eyes. A woman who very much enjoyed a man’s attentions without fawning over him or giving into him. His cock had stirred at the sight of her graceful movements whilst dancing, her coyness as Hugh spoke with her. The little scoundrel knew what she was doing.

And he knew what she was doing. She was getting Hugh interested. And he was. If she were any other girl…

He must try to talk her out of this course of action.

His last resort was the gaming room. He spotted their friends, her brother…There she is.“You are enjoying yourself this evening, Miss Georgina?”

She gave him a quick glance. “I am, sir. And you?”

“Quite. How did you find the dancing? Has the music been to your liking so far?”

She let out a satisfied sigh as she gave him a knowing grin. “The dancing tonight has been wonderful.”

She was pleased with herself and her plan thus far.

The relish with which she’d enunciated the word ‘wonderful’ stirred him. But she was describing her time with his brother. “You and my brother danced quite well together.”

“He is an excellent partner.”

She was all in.Charles’s fingers fiddled with his necktie. “I would caution you, Georgie.”

Her head raised at his serious tone, coupled with her nickname coming off his lips. “Whatever do you mean?”

“Although my brother is a fine figure of a man and looking for a bride, I do not think he would be a wise choice for you.”

“As a dance partner?” Her lips had curved into an ironic tilt.

“My brother, madame, lives a most independent life uniquely his own.” Did she catch his meaning?

“I admire that in a man.”

She was being stubborn. She was determined.

“Georgie, I know what you are doing.”

“I am enjoying myself at a ball, Mr. Montclare. That is what I am doing.”

“My brother is extremely enthusiastic. One finds oneself easily carried away with that enthusiasm, like waves in the sea. But mark, those waves always crash on the shore and are no more.”

Her brow furrowed. “I find Lord Ryvves’s enthusiasm most appealing and quite compelling. He is not dour in the least.” She raised her chin. She was pleased with herself.

“Years ago, I warned you that being in my company would tarnish your reputation, and you’d replied that you as yet had no reputation. After this evening—”

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