"Just have a care. You have already beaten one gentleman to protect her honour. Let us hope the lady doesn't drive you to massacre a whole ballroom."
Elliot offered a weak smile. The way he felt at the moment, anything was possible.
After watching his friends make their way to the terrace, Elliot turned his attention to Grace Denton. Marcus Hamilton laughed at something she said. He knew only too well the look of a man intent on seduction. When the devil's gaze dropped to her spectacular breasts, the burning sensation in Elliot's chest was akin to swallowing a scalding-hot beverage; he exhaled deeply in a bid to rein in his ire.
When the gentleman touched her arm, Grace almost stumbled in her haste to step back. Jealousy flared, coupled with an overwhelming need to protect her. Elliot clenched his jaw in a bid to prevent his teeth from extending as he strode towards them, feeling a sudden urgency to intervene.
Chapter 8
"I still can't quite put my finger on it," Mr. Hamilton said tapping the aforementioned finger to his lips as his gaze lingered on her mole. His voice held a rich, seductive quality as though his words were not in accordance with the lascivious nature of his thoughts. "Is it the way you've styled your hair, I wonder? Or is it the air of innocence you're trying so hard to convey? There is definitely something different about you."
Thank goodness the gentleman had had a fair few drinks.
"You do not appear shocked to see me," Grace said, trying her best to use her sister's flirtatious tone. Although she lacked the teasing sway of the shoulders and the alluring pout that came naturally to Caroline.
"I'm shocked you approached me that is all. I thought we were done with." He continued to peruse her from head to toe, his eyes gleaming as though they had the power to see through numerous layers of clothing. "But alas, you know I cannot fund the lifestyle you require. Not when I would rather spend my funds at the tables."
"And so you choose gambling over love, sir."
Her response seemed to puzzle him, and he narrowed his gaze.
With a gloved hand, he touched the tips of his fingers to her upper arm and despite her shuffling back he did not break contact. "I think we both know love played no part in our … vigorous activities. I'm not saying no. I'm just saying I can't pay."
Bile bubbled away in her stomach as she struggled to hide a look of contempt. What on earth had Caroline seen in this wretch of a man? She wanted to tell him she would sooner lie down with a leper. But to do so would be to imply money was the overriding factor in all of Caroline's liaisons and she could not bring herself to admit to something so dreadful.
"You will have to give me t-time to consider all you've said." Nerves pushed to the fore as she tried to extricate herself from this awkward situation, which was all of her own making.
"What is there to think about?"
Grace took a step back, causing his fingers to fall from her arm. "I … I made a mistake. I thought … I thought …"
"You thought what?" he said arrogantly. "You thought that I would fall at your feet like the rest of them. I told you. You're not worth a guinea."
Grace choked back a sob as she struggled to maintain her composure. In her head, she imagined punching him on the nose. She imagined him crumpling to the floor, his starched cravat dripping with blood.
When she opened her mouth to speak, nothing came out.
She felt a hand at the small of her back and turned to see Lord Markham's handsome face. Relief caused her shoulders to sag. As he studied her, she saw the muscle in his jaw twitch, saw anger flare in his vibrant green eyes, noticed the odd fleck of black.
"Miss Rosemond. I believe ours is the next dance."
Mr. Hamilton snorted. "Have you got a guinea to hand? I'm sure the lady has change."
The air about them whirled with a wild, volatile tension; she knew Lord Markham was ready to release the devil's own fury.
"Don't," she whispered placing her hand lightly on his arm. "It's not worth it. He's not worth it."
Lord Markham tore his gaze away from Mr. Hamilton.
"It will only draw undue attention," she added by way of an inducement.
Lord Markham nodded yet his expression remained dark.
"I thought you'd be at the card game, Hamilton," he said as he stared deeply into the rogue's eyes.
"Card game?"
"The one at the house in Bow Street. I hear Malesbury has a fortune to lose. I recall seeing your name on the list. Yes, I'm sure they're expecting you."