He had really struggled not to touch her breasts and see if they were as firm to the touch as they were against his chest. Lucas had no idea how he had not pawed her desperately in the library, but he wished he had got an opportunity to touch that soft skin of hers. With only that nightgown between them, it wouldn’t have taken much.
Lucas wanted to hit himself around the head. God, he was behaving like a fool with this. It was driving him insane. Why couldn’t he find his own composure and act like he didn’t care that the woman his parents had arranged for him to marry was flirting with another man?
You didn’t want the marriage, fought it, and got what you wanted. You can’t go back on it now.
Are you sure about that?
Dorothy caught his eye as they moved closer to where Lucas was standing. Her smile faded, and something flickered behind her eyes. Burville also looked around, and his expression stiffened when he saw Lucas. Saying something to Dorothy, Burville strode over.
Lucas folded his arms, waiting for the confrontation. With the rest of the party scattered around the area, and most of them in view of the pair, it wouldn’t be the confrontation Lucas wanted.
“What are you doing, Dashwood?” Burville demanded.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re making Lady Dorothy uncomfortable. What do you want with her?”
Lucas scowled.
“And that’s your business because …?”
“Lady Dorothy and I have known each other for years. We’re friends, and I will look out for her.” Burville’s eyes narrowed. “Especially if it’s involving you.”
Had Dorothy said something about the kiss? Lucas doubted it; he couldn’t see her telling a male friend about the kisses they had exchanged. He tried to look past Burville to Dorothy, but the other man stepped in the way.
“Just leave her alone, Dashwood. You’ve hurt her enough, so you should walk away.”
“Walk away? I’m not doing anything.”
“Lady Dorothy is your former fiancée, isn’t she? You broke it off, so you leave her alone.”
Lucas frowned.
“Did she tell you that?”
“She did. You think she wouldn’t?”
“That’s between us.”
Burville snorted.
“I don’t think that’s the case here. There is no engagement anymore, and I understand with you two being guests, you can’t completely avoid her, but just do it for her. Leave her alone and chase Lady Marcia instead. I’m sure she would be delighted to have a little romp with you.”
Lucas stared.
“What did you just say to me?”
“You heard.”
Burville looked very smug about what he had said. Did he not think Lucas would punch him? He was bracing himself for the pain in his hand when someone grabbed the back of his jacket and tugged him back.
“Lucas, don’t.”
“What the …?”
Pierce tugged him back, putting himself between the two men. He shook his head at Lucas.
“Don’t. You should just walk away, Lucas.”