One Night Scandal

She pulled out of his grip and walked toward a holly bush. With her back turned, she answered, “Perhaps I was envious. If you haven’t noticed, Brentwood was the only man who asked me to dance tonight. And that was only because Somerton forced him.”

“I’m sorry, Sophie.” His heart ached for her. People refused to dance with her just because her father had never claimed her. Thankfully, his daughter would not be in the same situation.

“I do not want your pity,” she said roughly.

“Will you honor me with a dance?” he asked in a soft tone. He should never have asked her that question. If she agreed then he would have her body far too close to his. If she refused, he knew she would believe he pitied her.

She looked over her shoulder at him. A shock of desire pierced him. Slowly, her full lips lifted into a shy smil

e. “I would enjoy a dance with you. But think what that would do to the betting book at White’s.”

“What if I don’t give a damn about that book?” Nicholas stepped closer to her. “Dance with me, Sophie.”

“I really should leave,” she whispered.

“Dance with me, Sophie.” He leaned in closer. “If you don’t, I shall be forced to kiss you to get near you again.”

Her eyes widened. “Very well, I shall dance with you. But we cannot be seen walking back into the ballroom together.”

“You go first and then I will follow.”

She nodded and walked swiftly down the path as if she couldn’t get away from him fast enough.

This was foolish. He should forget the dance and go home. Instead, he ambled back to the ballroom to face the temptation she presented. Perhaps he could convince her to come back to his bed. God, he missed her.

Scanning the room, he found her standing near Somerton. Nicholas almost laughed. Did she think that would stop him? Staring intently at her, he walked toward her position. Some day he would discover why she and Somerton appeared to be so close.

“Somerton,” he said with a nod.

“Ancroft.” Somerton glanced over at Sophie with a frown.

“Lord Ancroft, it is a pleasure to see you tonight,” Sophie said.

“Would you honor me with a dance?”

Somerton’s eyes narrowed on him. “Do not feel compelled to comply with his request, Miss Reynard.”

She smiled up at Somerton. “But that would be extremely rude, don’t you think? Besides, with the amount of money you wagered at White’s, I would think a dance with Ancroft would be in your best interest.”

“I only want what is best for you, Sophie.”

Nicholas wondered again at their closeness. Somerton’s manner was almost brotherly. But that wasn’t possible. Somerton’s father was not the type to take a mistress. Nicholas still remembered the night he took Somerton to Lady Whitely’s for his eighteenth birthday. Somerton had warred with his conscience and his moral upbringing.

“I would love to dance with you,” Sophie finally said with a smile.

Somerton growled. “One dance.”

Nicholas led her to the dance floor. As the slow waltz started, he brought her closer. It took all his control not to bring her up against his body. Desire rose within him until he ached to have her again.

“Come home with me tonight,” he whispered in her ear.

“That would not be wise,” she replied.

“Have we been wise yet?”

“No,” she answered with a little laugh. “So we must start now.”

“If you insist,” he finally relented. Just having her this close would have to suffice.