Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(9)

“When in hell will that damned debt be repaid? You’ve been holding it over my head for fifteen years. It was just a silly fistfight.”

“With three ham-fisted oarsmen, Polk. They would have bloody killed you. You never have learned how to keep your big mouth shut.”

“Fine, fine, I’ll ask her, and you can cut in.” Polk relented. “But I’m warning you, if she prefers me over you, I’ll fight you for her. This one is worth it.”

I don’t doubt it.

Polk walked toward Lily’s table, sat down for a moment, and then took her hand when the next waltz started. Daniel adjusted his gloves and began to walk toward them. Polk was holding her a little too closely. A stab of jealousy erupted like a knife in Daniel’s gut. It was a new emotion. He had never felt it before. If one woman left him, ten others were willing to take her place. He didn’t like the feeling, and he liked even less the smile that Lily was bestowing upon his friend.

He took a deep breath and tapped Polk on the shoulder. “May I?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Polk bowed politely, playing his part well.

Daniel’s stomach darted as he led Lily’s left hand to his shoulder and took her in his arms. Why was he nervous around a woman?

“My lady, I wish to apologize for my abominable behavior earlier.”

“You simply mistook me for someone else,” Lily said. “It happens.”

“Why would you think that, my lady?”

“I just assumed so. Since we haven’t been formally introduced, you couldn’t have meant to…”

“Perhaps I did.” Daniel summoned his best rakish grin. “Perhaps I saw you and wanted you.”

“I suppose that is possible, knowing your reputation.”

He winced. “I deserved that one. The fact is, I was waiting for someone else. But I can’t say I’m sorry it turned out to be you.”

He twirled Lily into an ornate step and was impressed when she followed fluidly. She felt perfect in his arms, as though they were one body moving to the elegant music.

When the waltz ended, Daniel didn’t let go of her, couldn’t force his gaze away from her cognac eyes. “My lady,” he said softly, “If there’s anything I can do for you…anything at all…to make up for my disgraceful behavior, please—”

“Might I have the pleasure of the next dance?” Polk interrupted.

“Yes, of course.” Daniel let go of her reluctantly, scowling at his friend.

As Polk waltzed away with Lily in his arms, Daniel clenched his fists. She was smiling at him, damn her.

To cut in on them again would be bad form. But he couldn’t help himself, he was going to do it. As he began walking, someone grabbed his hand. He turned to look into the flushed face of Amelia Gregory.

“Darling,” she whispered wickedly, “I’m so sorry I didn’t meet you earlier. I was unavoidably detained. Perhaps we could enjoy our little reunion now?”

“I don’t think so, my lady,” Daniel said. “I must stay at the ball. I am the host.”

“You weren’t worried about your hosting duties earlier.”

“I am now.” He shook his arm loose from her grasp.

“What has gotten into you, Daniel? An hour ago you couldn’t wait to debauch me on the side of the manor.”

“Lower your voice,” he commanded. “And stop using my Christian name.”

“You never mind me using it in the bedchamber.” She slid her hand inside his jacket and caressed his chest.

“For God’s sake, stop that!”

Amelia removed her hand abruptly, her face tense, but then she eased her lips into a smile. “Your Grace, I feel a bit of a headache coming on. I shall have to retire. And you know, my chamber has been so dusty. I could hardly breathe in there this afternoon. I’m afraid I just can’t abide the thought of sleeping there.”

“I’m sorry it doesn’t suit you. I’ll send a maid to give it an extra cleaning on the morrow.”

“But what shall I do tonight?” she asked with mock innocence. “I fear I shall have to find an alternative place to sleep. But don’t you worry a smidgeon about me. I’ll find a bed. Somewhere.” She winked and then slowly turned and walked toward the door of the ballroom.

Christ. Now he would have to find somewhere else to sleep. He turned his attention back to Polk and Lily. They left the dance floor and sat down at the table with Lord Jameson and the blond girl. Lily was laughing gaily, talking with her hands again. As she smiled up into Polk’s admiring gaze, another twinge of jealousy speared Daniel. Damn it.

Polk rose, walked to the refreshment table, and brought back two glasses of champagne for himself and Lily. They sat, talking, while Jameson and the blonde got up to dance. Daniel thought of joining them, but what would he say to her?

Polk was his oldest and closest friend, yet at the moment Daniel wanted to jam his aristocratic nose into the nearest wall and then carry Lily off like a pirate’s prize.

God, he wanted to kiss her again. Just thinking about it aroused him. He grew stiff, but the release he craved…

Amelia. No doubt she was naked, lying in his bed. Bloody hell, a bird in the hand and all. He turned and walked swiftly out of the ballroom.

He entered his bedchamber stealthily, removed his clothes, and slipped under the cool sheets where Amelia lay.