Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(18)

“No need to wait. I can’t have you put your life on hold for me.”

“Lady Barlow.” Ashton abruptly halted us both. “I don’t think you understand that I want you to be my wife.”

I furrowed my brows. Now all I could think of was smacking the back of Eve’s head. Ashton entwined his fingers with mine and began to slowly kneel. My heart started to race. Oh my God, he was going to be an idiot and still try to propose to me, in the middle of a damn party.

“Avie!” Garrett’s voice greeted from behind Ashton. I released a sigh of relief that I didn’t realize I was holding. I’d never been so happy to see someone in my life. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

Ashton stood straight, his face slightly red.

“Oh, I’ve been right here,” I mumbled, clasping my fingers together.

Garrett looked Ashton over. “So I see.” He held out his hand to me. “You owe me a dance.”

I nodded, stepping toward him. “Thank you, Lord Ashton, for the—” Ashton took a quick step toward me, startling me.

“Lady Barlow, I’m sorry if I upset you,” he whispered. “But I’d like to continue this conversation at a later time.”

“My Lord, please. I think I’ve made my answer clear,” I affirmed softly. “Again, I am honored that you’ve considered asking me.”

“But Lady Barlow, I—” I felt Garrett’s body step closer to me, his hand going to my lower back.

“The dance is about to start,” Garrett remarked in a low voice. He slid his hand down the inside of my arm and grasped my hand, pulling me away.

I didn’t look back at Ashton, already feeling slightly bad enough for rejecting him. It was Eve’s fault, the little brat. I had a mouthful waiting for her. Garrett gently pulled me on the other side of the dance floor, away from Ashton’s gaze.

The music had already started, strings of violins and harps softly played in the background. Garrett turned to face me, his expression emotionless, as he wrapped his arm around me and gently held my other. He led me into the steps, as we gracefully made our way around the floor.

“Did I just save you back there?” Garrett asked. I peered up at him, his indigo blue eyes looking back down at me.

“I’m afraid you did,” I said.

Garrett bit the inside of his lip. “You looked like you wanted to run.”

I sighed. “More like disappear into a puddle.”

Garrett grinned. “I’m glad to be of service.” He twirled me twice and knelt on his knee, guiding me around him. When he stood up and settled me back in place, he asked, “What was he whispering about? You jumped back a little.”

“Oh, I… He was just inviting me to a picnic.”

Garrett furrowed his brows. “Is it custom around here for men to get on their knees to ask you that?” I shook my head, and Garrett grunted. “Then what did he want?”

“He wasn’t whispering anything horrible,” I retorted. I didn’t know why I was defending Lord Ashton, but Garrett could probably pound him in the ground if he wanted to. The man’s presence filled the room, demanding respect.

“Are you telling me that you like shameless things said to you, Avie?” Garrett jeered, a smile growing along the corner of his lips.

I slapped his arm lightly, feeling my cheeks flush under his teasing. “Stop.”

Garrett shrugged. “Some women like that.”

“Some women are major flirts as well,” I countered.

“Touché. But many women secretly like when—”

“Garrett Cranfield, if you don’t shut up, I’ll have Eve find you a perfect little lady that’ll nag you all night.”

He cringed under my fingers. “You win.”

∞∞∞

“George!” I scolded. Placing my hand on my heart, I scowled at him for jumping out of nowhere.

“I need to speak with you immediately,” he demanded.

“You just—” George took my arm and linked it underneath his. “What is this about?” I said quickly.

“Walk with me and smile. I don’t want anyone to think something is wrong,” he whispered with an edge in his voice. He led me to the balcony, where the scent of flowers faintly filled the air. The moon was full, showing small chairs and tables set out for guests. George quickly scanned the area, his body stiff, before turning around to face me.

“I just received word from John,” he started, wiping sweat off his brow with his arm.

“Garrett’s man?”

George looked around. “Yes. One of the men encountered a radical about an hour ago. Our man was almost killed. They know where we are.”

I swallowed. “Where we are?”

George looked at me, his eyes soft. “They have to know by now that I came for you.”

“Oh Femme Fatale.” My body began to shake, and I couldn’t tell if it was because of fear or that it was sinking in. Someone was here, in my hometown, trying to finish what they had started.

“Papa!” I warned.

“I already have some men there, outside the house. He doesn’t know they are there.”

“Can they be trusted?”

George nodded again. “They are Garrett’s men, so yes.”