Slave to the Night (The Brotherhood 2)

"I'm just surprised that's all. I've never known you speak so highly of any woman. Let alone one you've only known for a day."

Was it really only a day?

If he were openly courting her, the quality of time they'd spent together in the last twenty-four hours would equate to months. He did feel a strange connection to her. Perhaps because she wasn't fawning over him. Perhaps because she had rejected his advances. His mind started drifting then.

What would it take for her to succumb to his charms?

If only he could break through her rigid defences. Mr. Denton's skill in the bedchamber must have been terribly poor indeed. Else why would she believe that pleasure had more to do with emotion as opposed to how one used the relevant parts of their anatomy. It wouldn't take much to prove her wrong. Elliot knew a trick that would curl her toes and have her begging for release.

Damn it. The thought caused his cock to pulse and throb.

Perhaps if he satisfied his needs with one of the ladies currently flashing him a generous eyeful of their bosom, he might succeed in banishing all lustful dreams of Grace Denton. Clutching to the merits of that idea, he scanned the room.

No one roused his interest.

"I assumed Alexander would want to spend the night alone with his bride," Leo continued. "I know how he detests being out in Society."

Elliot shook his head and tried to focus on the conversation. "I did not bother to ask if he wished to attend. Besides, a ballroom is the last place he would choose to be, particularly when he is so besotted with Evelyn." He decided not to mention the fact they were entertaining a guest. "He's probably cuddled up on the chaise, reciting poetry and exchanging endearments, amongst other things."

A sharp pang of guilt hit him in the chest for leaving Grace Denton alone with the amorous couple.

"No, he's not," Leo said with a chuckle. "He's over there."

Leo pointed to the opposite side of the ballroom. Elliot raised his chin and narrowed his gaze in an attempt to gain an optimum view.

"Don't be ridiculous. That can't be him," Elliot said, convinced there must be some mistake. Yes, the gentleman had broad shoulders and dark hair, but he suspected they would both chuckle with amusement when he turned around to reveal he was older or wore spectacles or had some absurd feature that set him apart.

"I swear to you, that is Alexander. I saw him walk in."

The gentleman in question turned and scoured the room, his hard stare locking with Elliot's curious gaze. It took a moment for Elliot's brain to process the familiar vision before him.

Shock quickly replaced denial and then a deep sense of foreboding took hold. Without saying a word to Leo, Elliot pushed through the crowd, eager to discover the reason for Alexander's attendance.

On witnessing his approach, Alexander took a few steps towards him.

"You never mentioned you'd be here this evening," Elliot said, even more surprised to discover Evelyn standing at his side. He glanced over her shoulder, relieved to find they were alone. "I assume Mrs. Denton has settled in?"

Having the advantage of being a few inches taller, Alexander glared down at him. "Do not speak to me of Mrs. Denton," he said through clenched teeth. "That woman has ruined my entire evening."

Evelyn threaded her arm through her husband's and hugged it. "Oh, don't say that. It wouldn't do if all the nights were the same."

Alexander snorted. "It would do perfectly well for me."

"When will we next have an opportunity to waltz or listen to such a marvellous orchestra? And there may be no orangery here, but I hear Lady Fortescue has a wonderful hothouse."

Elliot grinned. "There are not many gentlemen who are happy to admit to their love of flowers."

"You're not remotely funny," Alexander replied. "Next time you leave us to tend to one of your flock, at least have the decency to inform us that we're harbouring a cunning wolf in the guise of a sweet little lamb."

"Well, I like her," Evelyn interjected. "I admire her tenacity and think she's incredibly brave."

Alexander gave a frustrated tut. "You mean you enjoyed playing dress maid."

"Well, you must admit, she looks angelic in white silk. Every gentleman in here has noticed."

"Yes, probably because they're not used to seeing a courtesan wear white."

Elliot was struggling to follow the conversation. "I'm afraid you lost me with the wolf and the lamb analogy."