Free Seduce Me Please by Nichole Matthews Page B

they any worse than the constant squint she was forced to endure in order to see? No one wanted her for her looks; they all wanted her for her obscenely large inheritance or her impeccable family connections. If she were truly honest with herself, she was displeased at the irrational ire that circulated throughout her mind due to the fact that she was unable to clearly follow Rockwell’s procession across the dance floor, which in turn spiked her frustration even further. She had a desperate need to once again witness his outrageous flirtation with every unsuitable woman in the room in order to crush this absurd obsession she felt for him.
    But just as she suspected, her efforts were futile.
    In order to distract her thoughts, she forced herself to dance several more dances; but with each pass around the floor she scanned the room in hopes that she would catch even the slightest glimpse of that tall, golden man.
    She was a foolish woman if she allowed her evening to be ruled by one man. A man who hadn’t bothered to seek her out further, who hadn’t even attempted to secure a proper introduction, who didn’t even know her name. Foolish…Piper tensed as an unwanted voice interrupted her already irritated thoughts.
    “ Lady Piper.” Fulton bowed in front of her. “I believe this is my dance.”
    Piper hesitated before glancing up into Mr. Fulton’s cold, beady eyes. “Yes, Mr. Fulton, I believe you are correct.”
    Across the crowded ballroom, Graydon stood propped against the wall with a half-filled glass in his hand and a full-fledged frown upon his face.
    He was cognizant of her every move.
    Every sigh.
    Every laugh.
    Especially every dance when she was in the arms of another man.
    There was not a single moment that passed that he could not pinpoint her whereabouts in an instant. He had always been intensely aware of her, but now even more so because he finally knew how she felt in his arms—perfect.
    The sound of soft laughter floated across the ballroom, and he knew it was her laughter because it caused his whole body to tighten in response. Unfortunately for him, Lady Caroline’s tart voice required all of his concentration. Her ample body practically spilled out of the gown she wore as she strategically pressed herself against him. Her cloying perfume no longer enticed, it suffocated, contrary to Piper’s fresh scent. And although she did have the most extraordinary breasts he had ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on; and he had seen more than his fair share, the sight no longer aroused.
    In fact, he was repulsed by her outrageous behavior, her shrill voice, and her nakedness.
    At that precise moment, Lady Caroline’s talons raked over his coat sleeve sending chills down his spine.
    Brusquely he pulled away from her, looking at her for a long moment before shaking his head. “Not tonight, my dear.” He gave her a tight smile. “I’ve made other plans.”
     
     
    …………………………………… ..
     
     
    The guests scattered as he plowed through the masses. His stormy countenance was enough to keep even his closest friends at bay. Not one of them attempted to stop him when he stomped out of the ballroom. They only followed his departure with curious stares, some with noticeable amusement.
    He was surprised that Wells, his aging butler, didn’t scurry from the foyer the minute he slammed open his front door.
    Handing over his coat and other accoutrements for the evening, he hastily made his way to the library. The sedately appointed room covered with deep mahogany walls and furnishings eased his spirits tremendously. His haven, his sanctuary, his secret vice.
    Retrieving a glass and a decanter of his best brandy, Graydon sprawled in his favorite over-stuffed chairs situated comfortably before the low burning fire and methodically breathed, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension apparent there.
    “ My lord? Another message was delivered. I thought you would want to read it before