In reality, after his father’s death, his brother had slipped into the role of bully who lorded power over him and his mother with great delight.
She gave him a half smile. “A life without siblings…how freeing.”
He cocked his brows. “Trust me. I was far from free under my father’s rule or my brother’s and now...” No, he was weighed down by his duty to the title.
She gave a tiny nod. “I don’t want you to misunderstand. I love my sisters. Very much.”
His heart turned in his chest. He could see the affection between them. Underneath the bickering and frustration. “I understand.”
“But,” she paused as he swept her about in a circle again. “They think they know what is best for me at all times. No one tells them what to do. Why must they dictate every aspect of my life right down to the man I am supposed to marry? Why don’t I get to make choices the way they have done?”
He saw her point. He didn’t particularly like being told what to do either. “Have you considered marriage might be freeing for you, after all?”
Her brows lifted. “It could be.”
He stared down at her, surprised by her answer.
But she ignored his look and continued on. “If I marry the right man.”
Ahhh…he understood. The music died and the dancers stopped. He knew what she’d say next…the Baron of Blasphemy was not the right man. Even knowing what she’d say, he wasn’t finished with this conversation. Not even close.
Looking over his shoulder, he started for the doors to the terrace.
She looked back too. “Where are we going?”
He placed his hand at her back. He liked the way the curve felt in his hand. “Outside. We need a moment.”
“Tongues will wag.”
“They already are.” He didn’t break stride as he kept moving toward the doors with his arm about her.
She smiled then and relaxed as he guided her through the doors. They required a bit of privacy because negotiations were about to begin.
Chapter Four
The cool night air hit her skin, causing Abigail to shiver. Or was that the large man next to her?
She had to confess, he’d thrown her a bit off kilter this evening.
Because he seemed to understand her.
And he’d been willing to listen too.
And now, they’d made a lovely escape, if only for a bit, from that torturous party.
They walked among a few other guests, the noise from the ball filtering out into the night from the row of open doors. But soon, Blasphemy led them into the shadows and down a secluded path.
“Where are we going?” she asked a bit breathlessly. She’d never been alone with a man like this before. Should she be nervous? She trembled as she studied his profile in the dark. She was a bit afraid, but not of him…
His free hand reached for hers as they slipped through two bushes, the branches creating a hushed silence about them.
“This should do,” he said quietly. “We’re going here.”
“Why?” she asked, hoping for a better answer.
He looked down at her, his arm still wrapped about her waist. “I wish to discuss what it is you want, and what it is I want, and how we might move closer together.”
“We’re fairly close,” she replied. “I can feel you breathing.”