Free The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron Page B

in a seductive movement as she wove her way around the crowd. The low neckline of her ball gown exposed the soft mounds of her luscious breast. Several males gasped, and then turned silent to watch her progression across the room.
    He knew the moment she spotted him. There was a slight change in her breathing. Her eyes glanced off his, refusing to make longer contact.
    Deliberately, he turned his back to her and walked over to Lady Ferrier to ask her to dance. The silent battle had begun. His body quickened with exhilaration. He enjoyed a challenge.
     
    * * * *
     
    “Caroline.” Sara spoke with awe in her voice. “You look magnificent. Where did you get your gown?”
    “My usual seamstress. I let her have her way this time.”
    “Seems you should have been doing that for a long time,” Joan said dryly from where she stood by Sara. “Half the men in the room are drooling.”
    Caroline laughed. “My plan was to taunt Lord Royston, but I see he is keeping company with Lady Ferrier.”
    “She is beautiful, too,” Sara said with a touch of envy in her voice.
    Caroline glanced at Sara in her white gown with silver trim. “All of us are looking our best.”
    “May I have this dance?” Rook stood in front of Caroline.
    Caroline’s mouth dropped open. She glanced at Sara, whose face had gone pale. She looked longingly at Rook.
    Rook didn’t notice. He smiled and reached out, putting a finger under Caroline’s chin, lifting it up. “You don’t have to look so shocked.”
    “Not shocked, surprised,” Caroline replied.
    Rook took her arm and led her onto the dance floor. The music started, and he guided her into the steps of the waltz.
    “You are looking especially lovely, Lady Caroline.”
    “Thank you, Lord Stinson.”
    “Lord Stinson? Why such formality? Have I offended you, my lady?”
    Caroline frowned at him. “I might ask you why the sudden interest in me at this time.”
    “You know I have never been known to ignore a beautiful woman,” Rook said.
    “And you, Rook, know I don’t like the man you’ve become.”
    “Perhaps you are really covering up an undying love for me,” he said, continuing to tease her.
    “My friend, Sara, may be able to see some redeeming side to your character, but I do not agree.”
    Caroline saw him glance to the sidelines toward Sara. She clenched her lips. Why did I let that slip out? Sara would be terribly embarrassed if she found out.
    “Please don’t let Sara know I said anything. It would only upset her.”
    Rook looked back at her. “So you do care about the feelings of others, rather than just yourself?”
    “Of course. Why would you say such a thing? It is obvious you really don’t know me at all.”
    Rook twirled her around the corner briskly and stopped, opening a door to the outside terrace. “Let’s cool off for a few minutes.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and directed her out onto the patio.
    Caroline sat down on a stone bench at the edge of the terrace. Rook put one foot on the bench and leaned toward her. He really was a handsome man. Still, he did not arouse the feelings of desire or danger his friend, Lord Royston, managed with one glance.
    “What game is this you are playing, Rook?” she asked.
    “No game. You are the most beautiful and interesting lady at the dance tonight.”
    “And you thought I might feel differently this evening than I have the past three years?” Caroline’s voice was cool.
    Rook grinned. “You are very hard on a man’s ego, Lady Caroline. Thank goodness I am confident in myself, or I would be quite devastated.”
    Caroline couldn’t stop the laugh. “You really are incorrigible,” she said. “But you are right. You are handsome and dashing and most of the young women present would be flattered to receive your attention. Their hearts would beat rapidly at the chance of a dance. Fudge bucket, you know you and I would never do. We grew up within ten miles of each other, and you and I often disagreed