“Wait. Don’t hit me. It’s not what it seems. We are betrothed.”
Alexander froze, his clenched fist suspended in midair as his chest felt empty and hollow.
“We are not betrothed,” Evelyn said rushing to his side. “I’ve made it clear I do not want to marry him, but he will not accept it.”
“But your aunt has already approved the match,” Sutherby said. “She said you were in agreement.”
“Then she misled you.”
“But you said you had dreams of a grand passion and a blissful union.”
“I was not talking about you.”
Elliot gave a discreet cough.
“You mean you’re talking about him?” Sutherby’s gaze shot to Alexander, his twisted face showing his disdain. “Why, I should call the gentleman out for stealing another man’s betrothed.”
Evelyn gave an exasperated sigh. “How many times must I say it? We are not betrothed, Mr. Sutherby.”
“Call me out?” Alexander echoed gripping Sutherby by the lapels of his coat. “I could just save myself the bother.” His teeth began to ache, and he flexed his jaw. The dull throbbing would escalate until he’d pierced skin and drawn blood. “I could just throttle the life out of you here and now.”
Elliot muttered a curse. “It is just a simple misunderstanding,” he said, his tone revealing an element of panic. He placed his hand on Alexander’s arm, the grip firm, unyielding. “Let me escort Mr. Sutherby back to the ballroom. He’ll not trouble anyone again, and I’m sure Miss Bromwell does not wish to see such a violent display.”
Alexander glanced to his right; Evelyn’s eyes were wide, a little fearful.
“If you want to live to see dawn,” Alexander said releasing Sutherby, “I suggest you go with Lord Markham.”
“Then I’m taking Miss Bromwell with me,” Sutherby blurted as he craned his neck and straightened his coat.
A growl resonated from the back of Alexander’s throat. “Miss Bromwell is staying with me.”
“I don’t th-think that’s for you to decide,” Sutherby stuttered.
Elliot stepped in front of Alexander and took Mr. Sutherby’s arm. “I think you want to come with me. I think you want to return to the ballroom. We will return now.”
Mr. Sutherby’s eyes glazed over and without another word he complied with Markham’s request. As he stepped past Alexander, he said, “I think I should return to the ballroom, but it is not the end of the matter. I will not relinquish my claim so easily.”
“Your claim?” Evelyn cried. “I am no man’s property, sir, and you’ll do well to remember it.”
Alexander could feel his anger rising again.
“Not here,” Elliot whispered leaning closer. “Not now. I fear the gentleman may make a scene to force the lady’s hand. You must see Miss Bromwell home, and I will speak to her aunt. I’m convinced she’ll be happy to know you were here to intervene. Call on me later, as there is something we need to discuss.” He nodded his head to indicate he was referring to Mr. Sutherby.
“Very well. I shall call as soon as I’ve seen Miss Bromwell safely to her door.”
Alexander watched them walk away, aware that Evelyn hovered at his shoulder.
They were alone once again, and his body responded instantly. In his mind, he imagined pushing her up against the hedge, devouring her mouth, thrusting inside her sweet core as she wrapped her legs around him. The need to have her felt like a loud drum beating through his veins, the tempo increasing with every breath.
“I called you, and you came,” she said placing her hand on his arm. “How did you know where to find me?”
He could not turn to face her. He would not behave like a scoundrel and force himself on her as Sutherby had done.
“Lord Markham noticed you’d not returned to the ballroom. It was the only logical place to look,” he said, covering her hand and moving it to the crook of his arm. “Let me escort you home.”
“Are you angry with me?”
“No.”