Not Just a Convenient Marriage by Lucy Gordon - Not Just a Convenient Marriage

Author:Lucy Gordon - Not Just a Convenient Marriage [Gordon, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B00IWU4ALA
Publisher: Harlequin Romance
Published: 2014-08-02T04:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

TOGETHER THEY MADE their way through the connecting door into the hotel, and from there into the ballroom, where they were met by cheers.

Knowing what was expected of him, Damiano played his part to perfection, leading Sally onto the floor, then drawing her into his arms for a waltz. The music filled the air, seeming to flow through her, making her part of itself. She no longer had a will of her own. Life meant dancing through a distant universe with this mysterious man who smiled at her from behind his mask.

‘Why are you looking so tense and nervous?’ he murmured. ‘People will think I’m forcing you to marry me.’

‘You couldn’t do that, not in this day and age.’

‘But I have a reputation as a manipulating bully. You’ve accused me of it yourself.’

‘Manipulator yes, bully no. You’re far too clever for clumsy bullying.’

That made him laugh. She joined in, and everyone dancing near them nodded in satisfaction to see a couple so truly happy together.

He was a fine dancer, holding her firmly but gently, and she found herself moving with a skill that matched his. It was disappointing when courtesy demanded that they each attend to other people. In the arms of another partner she found herself thinking only of him, how strong and warm his body felt against hers.

After a while she saw Arlecchino bouncing across the floor to her.

‘Shall we dance?’ he asked, with an elaborate bow.

‘Do I dare dance with the devil?’ she teased.

‘Tonight I am merely your servant.’

‘I think I prefer a clown.’

His answer was an elaborate leap into the air, finishing with another bow. ‘Then a clown you shall have.’

Laughing, she let him lead her onto the floor.

Like his brother, Mario was a fine dancer, lithe and energetic, holding her close in the waltz.

‘I don’t think you should hold me so tight,’ she gasped after a while.

‘I’m merely showing my respects to my sister-in-law,’ he said theatrically. ‘Do you accuse me of impropriety?’

‘No, of course not.’ But as she spoke she saw something in his eyes that gave her pause. There was an intensity of admiration there that she hadn’t expected, and that was more than merely amusing.

‘I think you should let me go,’ she said.

‘Yes, perhaps you’re right,’ he said with a regretful sigh.

As he led her from the floor he said, ‘I’m sorry, Sally, I didn’t mean to—you know. It’s just that I think my brother’s the luckiest fellow on earth. I know I shouldn’t say that but—don’t be mad at me.’

‘I’m not,’ she said truthfully.

She was too unused to male admiration to be offended by it. And it passed across her mind that it was a look she never saw in Damiano’s eyes. Or expected to.

The evening was moving to its climax. Damiano signalled for silence and attention.

‘I thank you all for coming here tonight, to honour my bride,’ he said. ‘I am a lucky man, as you can see, and I thank her for being ready to put up with me.

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