Free Never Had a Dream Come True by Jennifer Wenn

her a discreet roll of her eyes, obviously not too impressed by her entourage. Or amused.
    For the first time ever, Penny did not feel envious of the attention her sister received. Instead she knew perfect satisfaction with her current position on the fringe, all because of the man who sat beside her.
    What a difference a little interest in her person could make.
    The laughing crowd’s sudden cheering interrupted her thoughts, and as she unconsciously sought the reason for the gaiety, a movement at the far side of the group caught her attention and her eyes met Rake’s inscrutable gaze.
    Her silly heart skipped a beat as it always did when she laid eyes on his handsome person.
    In the midst of a group of colorful friends, he looked fashionably bored and patronizingly amused. A beautiful lady with décolletage deep enough to remove any curiosity was flirting outrageously with him, but he didn’t seem to notice.
    His whole attention was on Penny, and when she met his eyes he sent her a look which made her blush from the heat of it. His lips curled into a wicked smile as he noticed her response, and his eyes grew even darker and hotter.
    He was seducing her from the other side of the room, using only his smoky eyes, and to her horror it was working perfectly. She had to hold on to her chair to keep from walking away from Thomas and throwing herself into Rake’s waiting arms.
    It scared her how weak she was when it came to Rake. Was this how her life would be in the future? Happiness and contentment with Thomas until she unwittingly met Rake and one lustful look from him would turn her whole world upside down?
    As if on cue, Thomas stood and caught her attention as he held out his hand to her. Relieved at the opportunity to ignore Rake, she grabbed Thomas’s hand and stood, letting him lead her through the crowd toward the door.
    Her mother gave her a sad smile as they passed. Her father never looked at her, his eyes glued to Charmaine in the midst of the crowd.
    “Leaving already?” Rake’s familiar voice stopped Thomas’s stride, and Penny, who had been looking at her sister, bumped into him.
    “Lord Richard.” Thomas’s voice was clipped, and it was clear he didn’t fancy Rake. Not surprising, since the two men’s personalities were direct opposites. Where Rake was the easygoing, socializing, and wicked-minded man about town, Thomas was the dutiful, responsible, and kindhearted gentleman.
    “And taking my Penny with you as you go, I see.”
    Thomas tensed, and she squeezed his hand lightly. Rake had a way of finding everyone’s sore point and pressing it hard.
    “Yes, Penny and I are heading homewards.”
    Rake raised an amused eyebrow. “You make it sound like you’re an old married couple.”
    Thomas looked down at Penny and gave her a warm smile. Rake, too, noticed the intimate look before his eyes travelled farther and saw their entangled fingers. Something cold and dark filled his grey eyes for a second, and if Penny hadn’t known better she would have thought it was jealousy.
    But this was Rake. And Rake had no feelings, especially not for her. Oh, he wanted her. But it was his body speaking, not his heart.
    “I guess I just look forward to the future.” Thomas managed to tear his gaze from Penny and look back at Rake. “Next year at this time I may be standing here in front of you with Penny and have the honor to present her as my wife.”
    Penny warmed with a blush as Thomas sent her another loving smile, and if it hadn’t been for the tall, dark man standing in front of them, she would have been dizzy with outright happiness.
    “Something to look forward to, indeed,” Rake mumbled as Thomas passed him, dragging Penny with him. She felt Rake grab her free hand for a second, and the wave of heat his touch sent through her body made her shiver. She heard him breathe her name, and it took all her mental strength to rip her hand free and escape from the inn.
    Thomas didn’t say much as they