The Prince of Pleasure (Notorious 5)
Julienne eyed him coolly. "I take leave to doubt that, my lord. I would imagine you are rarely at a loss for words."
"Rarely." His mouth quirked with his heart-melting smile, rife with the sensual charm she remembered so well.
She tried frantically to think of something sophisticated and witty to say. Before anything occurred, however, Dare reached out and brought her fingers to his lips to kiss their tips slowly.
Her stomach tightened with a jolt of pure, feminine desire.
His faint smile was knowing and experienced.
Only with great effort did Julienne refrain from snatching her hand away, extricating her fingers slowly instead. Yet she deplored her response to that simple contact, deplored how the memory lingered too long.
"I wonder that you deign to grace us with your presence, my lord. The play has been over for some time."
"I wanted to allow your other courtiers their fair share of your company, since I intend to take you to supper."
There were several immediate objections from the gentlemen surrounding her, Riddingham's being the most adamant. "Miss Laurent will not be accompanying you anywhere, Wolverton."
Dare raised an eyebrow at the viscount. "I regret, old friend, to be poaching on your territory, but I have a wager to win, after all. Surely you understand."
Julienne intervened with a chilly smile, addressing Dare. "Thank you for your consideration, but Lord Riddingham is correct. I must decline. I fear that after tonight's performance, I have a headache."
"All that murder and mayhem, no doubt," he murmured. "But I trust you will allow me to register a protest. You accepted my challenge, mademoiselle. In all fairness, you must give me the chance to woo you. How can I win your surrender otherwise?"
"I fancy that is your problem, not mine."
"What of your vow to bring me to my knees?"
"Some other time, perhaps. Now, if you will forgive me, I must change my costume."
Rising from the chaise regally, she flashed an apologetic smile that encompassed everyone but Wolverton. "I hope very much to see all you gentlemen tomorrow."
Leaving the green room behind, Julienne negotiated the narrow corridor to her dressing room. She was about to close the door when, to her utter dismay, Dare entered behind her.
Whirling, she stared at him indignantly as he locked the door, shutting them in together.
"Your manners always were supremely deficient," she observed. "I thought I made myself clear. I wish to be alone."
"No, you said you wished to change your costume."
His green eyes bright, he surveyed her with interest. Julienne fought the defensive urge to cross her arms over her chest. It unnerved her to be alone with Dare for the first time since their rift. Yet she was not entirely surprised by his presumptuous invasion; Dare North was a man who knew the rules of polite behavior and blatantly ignored them.
She was spared a reply, however, when an urgent pounding sounded on the door, f
ollowed by Riddingham's concerned query. "Miss Laurent, did Wolverton follow you here? Do you need assistance?" He pounded again.
"You had best reassure him," Dare murmured, "before he smashes the door down."
She felt a strong desire to box Dare's ears as she watched him slip behind the large ornate dressing screen. He always did have the most incredible nerve…
She unlocked the door instead, opening it partway to find a scowling Lord Riddingham.
"Shall I summon the manager?" he growled.
Julienne had no desire to compound the recent spectacle or rouse the viscount's jealousy further by revealing that Dare was alone with her in her private dressing room. Feigning bewilderment, she gave Riddingham a puzzled frown. "Why would you wish to summon the manager?"
"I thought to find Wolverton here."
"You must have been mistaken." Holding her breath, she opened the door wide, showing him the small dressing room jammed with a wide variety of costumes and props, leaving just enough space for a dressing table and screen.