Page 57

Jo pursed her lips but slowly put her hand in his. She smiled at the people around them as they made their way to the dance floor. The first bars of a waltz sounded, and Richard swept her into his arms. Her hand fluttered on his shoulder as he pulled her closer to him. He could feel her racing pulse beneath his fingers as he held her hand.

Her chest was rising and falling frantically and her lips were slightly open. She was agitated in his arms, while he relished the feel of her under his touch.

He enjoyed the way they glided together around the room. She was an exceptional dancer. He effortlessly led her among other couples, and it was as though they were one. Without any communication, their bodies moved in unison.

Richard’s gaze slid down her face, glided toward her soft, silky neck, and then lower to her rounded breasts peeking out of her bodice. She was mesmerizing to look at, enchanting to witness smiling, and if they made love even just once with their bodies melding into one, he was certain he would never be able to come back from that mind-altering experience.

“Why did you ask me to dance?” she asked sharply.

Richard’s gaze snapped back to her deep, brown eyes. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“Then why are you silent?” Her voice was even, emotionless.

Richard twirled her, then caught her against his chest. Her eyes fell closed at the contact, her lips parting. She forced herself to step away to a safer distance.

“Perhaps I’ve been catching my breath.”

“Well, the dance won’t last forever, my lord.”

My lord. He hated when she called him that. Richard’s fingers tightened on her hand. He never wanted to let go of her. “I know that you’re angry with me,” he started clumsily.

She shot him a fiery gaze. “Shouldn’t I be?”

“You knew in advance that this was temporary.”

“So did you. We agreed on the terms.”

“And you were getting too attached.” He twirled her around again, holding her tight to his chest, perhaps tighter than was proper.

Pain flashed inside her dark chocolate eyes. “And you weren’t?”

“That’s why I stopped. Why else?” he growled.

Jo caught her breath, then looked away. They continued dancing in silence for a few more moments.

Richard puffed a breath of frustration. He knew he couldn’t make it right. So why did he even try?

He knew why. He wanted to experience having her in his arms again, inhaling her wonderful scent of rosewater, looking into her deep, chocolate eyes.

Just once, his heart cried. Although he knew it would never be enough. “You know there is no future for us.”

“I know, Richard.” She halted, and just at that moment, the music stopped. “So stop seeking me out.”

Chapter 15

Jo rushed to the retiring room. She walked up to the basin and splashed some water on her face. She felt hot, and her pulse was drumming in her ears. She needed a moment of peace.

Why had Richard asked her to dance? Why torture her with his closeness when he didn’t want her in his life?

“Blast!” she muttered in frustration. The urge to hit something or throw something was overwhelming.

“Um… are you not feeling well?” asked a timid voice from somewhere behind her.

Jo froze in place before turning around slowly as she tried to fix a smile on her face. There, on one of the plush seats, hiding in the corner, sat a bespectacled young lady. The one who had arrived late to the house party. As a result, Jo didn’t even know her name.

“Apologies,” Jo said with a soft laugh. “It’s just… too hot in there. I am afraid I got a bit frustrated. I didn’t know anyone was in here.”

“Events like this can get quite overwhelming,” the lady said. “Although, I would never guess that about you. I mean, I saw you earlier. You always seem so sure of yourself. Like nothing can rattle you.”