Page 56 of Notorious

“I understand.”

“It is probable he will ask you for a dance.”

“I assumed he would.”

“And you are prepared?”

His concern warmed her. “I will be fine.”

He laid a hand on her shoulder, his body hot through the fine silk of her sleeve. “I will be there to support you—should you need me. And our family will also be there.”

Drusilla was still struggling with the words to thank him when he turned away. She resolved to thank him at some point tonight. She wanted him to know she appreciated his gesture and regretted the friction between them. Yes, she would tell him so tonight.

He returned, holding a long wisp of teal gauze. “This is your wrap?” She nodded, luxuriating in the brushes of his warm fingers as he arranged the silky fabric over her shoulders.

“There,” he said, lowering both hands lightly onto her shoulders and studying their reflection.

In the mirror was a young couple. He was a creature of masculine perfection, and she—while not beautiful—was a not-unattractive woman with a graceful neck and beautiful skin now stained with a fetching blush.

Drusilla smiled at him, and his eyes widened. Did she really smile so rarely?

He held out his arm. “Shall we go slay the dragon?”

* * *

Gabriel held out his hand to his sister. “Will you honor me with a dance, Evil?’

She lost her surly look and rolled her eyes, her exquisite features illuminating the room like a flaming branch of candles.

“You never tire of that, do you, Brother?”

“Tormenting a younger sibling is one of life’s true pleasures.”

She laughed, and they took their places for the waltz. Gabriel could feel the tension in her hand and body.

“What is wrong?” he asked.

She glanced up, worrying her lip so hard it made him wince. “What makes you think anything is wrong?”

“You haven’t said a word to Drusilla—not through dinner and not on the carriage ride here.”

She shrugged, her eyes restlessly sweeping the room.

“Eva?”

Her unusual blue-violet eyes narrowed. “Honestly, Gabe, just leave me be. You get to do whatever you choose—engage in swordplay, keep mistresses—and I am allowed no say in my life, not even when it comes to my own private thoughts.”

Gabriel could not believe it. “What the devil do you know about my mistresses?” he demanded in a low voice.

“No more than anyone else in our circle.”

He swore in Arabic, and she lifted her eyebrows, making him remember he’d taught her most of the words when he’d been young and foolish.Well, younger and more foolish.

“Do people have nothing better to do than carry tales about my doings?” he demanded.

“Not when your doings are so very wicked.”

He snorted.