A Curse of the Heart

“Then let us show him the reason why you chose to dance with me,” he said, aware of the hint of possessiveness in his tone.

“It was me who asked you to dance, remember,” she said with some amusement.

“Yes, but I have wanted to ask you from the moment I met you and so you must have read my thoughts.” If only she could truly read his thoughts, as he would like her to ask him to do something far more lascivious than dance.

Rebecca did not answer him, but the flicker of desire in her eyes told him all he needed to know. He did not take his eyes off hers for what remained of the dance; locked together they moved about the room, forgetting everyone and everything.

He felt her gaze like a lover’s caress, calming and soothing, penetrating his soul and he matched it with the same level of intensity. When a mischievous grin threatened to play at the corners of her mouth, he felt the flames within burn brighter and he wondered if he would ever sate this overwhelming need for her.

When the music stopped, a sense of disappointment fell over him. And as he escorted her from the floor, he struggled to shake it.

“Thank you for dancing with me. I know how much it must have pained you.”

The only pain he felt was an ache in his groin. “It was my pleasure.”

“Would you mind escorting me home?” she whispered, the words meant for his ears alone. “I do not want to ask George as he will taunt me with my father’s smile, and for some strange reason, I do not feel strong enough to fight it tonight.”

“Of course,” he said inclining his head. He understood what she meant. He did not have the strength to fight this attraction anymore. “But we will need to tell Lord Wellford you intend to leave.”

She nodded solemnly. “Very well.”

They did not need to seek Lord Wellford out, as he moved towards them as soon as they left the dance floor. “I would like a word, Rebecca. If you can drag yourself away from your friend, Mr. Stone.”

There was no mistaking the vehemence in his voice.

“Miss Linwood and I are leaving,” Gabriel said deciding to offer no further explanation. Wellford could not offer a rebuke or deem their decision inappropriate. Rebecca had been without the protection of her father for a few years and in his opinion, Wellford had left it too late to attempt to step into the role.

“Then go fetch your cape, Rebecca. I shall keep Mr. Stone company until you return.”

She looked up at Gabriel uncer

tainty clouding her eyes, and so he nodded towards the hall.

As she walked away, Lord Wellford led him to a quieter corner of the room. “I do not know what understanding exists between the two of you,” he snarled, “but I doubt it is simply a case of friends and business associates.”

“And what leads you to that conclusion? Is it the fact the lady danced with someone of her own choosing?”

Wellford looked over his shoulder. “You may fool yourself, Stone, but I doubt there is a person in this room who doesn’t know how much you want her. And I’m sure the prospect of owning an Egyptian museum is a rather attractive incentive.”

Gabriel thought of grabbing the lord by his fancy cravat and throttling him with it. “Perhaps I should provide you with an extensive list of my assets. Perhaps then you would know I have no need to make decisions based on financial gain. My only motivation is her safety and to offer my protection.”

“As her brother, it is my responsibility to offer her protection.”

“Protection?” Gabriel sneered. “Where were you when I saved her from being ravished in the garden? Where were you when she was scared out of her wits? Oh, that’s right. You were the one responsible for letting her believe she was cursed.” Gabriel took a step closer, his height giving him the advantage to look down on Wellford. “I don’t care who you are,” he said through gritted teeth. “If you hurt her again, you will have me to answer to.”

Gabriel stepped back and scanned the gentleman from head to toe. “Good evening, Lord Wellford,” he said, turning on his heels.

“You’re no good for her, Stone,” Wellford mumbled behind him. “You’re even more obsessed with the dead than she is.”

Gabriel ordered his coachman, Higson, to take Miss Linwood home and gave the impression he should return for him later. Although certain allowances could be made due to Rebecca’s circumstances, Gabriel did not want to draw undue attention to her or be the topic of conversation in the best salons. So after stepping inside to have a brief conversation with his host, he slipped back out and made his way to the bottom of Berkley Street before turning the corner to find Higson waiting in Manchester Square.

“You could have warned me you were not coming with me,” Rebecca said as he settled back into the seat opposite. She pulled her cloak tighter across her chest, and he read it as her way of punishing him.

“I am coming with you,” he said after taking a moment to catch his breath. “I was just a few minutes behind.”

They sat in silence for a while, and he was aware of her gaze searching his face before falling to his mouth.

“What did George have to say?” she eventually said. “He did not look very pleased.”