Seductive Secrets (Secret Lives Series) by Connally Colleen

Author:Connally, Colleen [Connally, Colleen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-07-10T04:00:00+00:00

Upon exiting the dance floor, Alyce sensed trouble even before she caught sight of Leopold. After conversing with Leopold, Charles begged her pardon and departed, leaving her alone in a crowd of strangers. Oh, not desolate, she reminded herself. Was she not with Lissa?

The thrill of the ball dissipated, being left with Lady Breck overseeing her without Charles by her side. Only minutes earlier, she had enjoyed the most wonderful dance when Lady Breck reprimanded her for monopolizing Charles. Charles, in turn, had danced with her again, laughing at Lady Breck.

The laughing died. Foreboding encompassed her to the point where she felt as though all eyes were inspecting her. Despite herself, apprehension gripped her. Soon she recognized her fear. Emerging from the faces in the crowd, a man stepped forward, walking straight for her. Elegantly dressed from his immaculate powder wig down to his leather-buckled shoes, he walked with an arrogance only birth and wealth afforded. He smiled. Too much experience within her life had taught her to be wary of the man, a man she once called uncle. She did no more. Lionel Hythe.

Trapped with nowhere to turn, she was taken by surprise by a familiar voice behind her. She turned, facing Lord Julian, who bowed slightly and asked, “May I have this dance, my lady?”

She hesitated a moment, briefly contemplating her situation. Shock and confusion by Lord Julian’s appearance confounded her. First, she had not been officially introduced to him in a social setting and second…he never made a public display toward her. Staring at her other option, she curtseyed. Accepting his hand, he led her toward the dance floor.

“I was not expecting to see you,” she whispered while her feet fell into step of the dance. “And to dance. What is wrong?”

“I believe you can see what is wrong,” Julian answered, glancing overtly across the room to where her uncle retreated.

The music took his step from her. Her eyes swept around the room. In the far corner she caught sight of Lissa in deep conversation with her mother-in-law, Lissa’s frown evident from afar. Lissa shook her head, but in the next instant her husband walked by her side, refraining Lissa from walking away.

Alyce’s step faltered. The lively music resounded, but for the life of her Alyce couldn’t find her place. She dared not look up at Julian. She had no desire for him to see the panic growing steadily within her. A moment passed; a supportive arm rounded her, leading her from the dance floor.

“Come. Let me get you refreshment.”

“I’m about to be renounced, am I not?” Her voice faded. She gazed up at him while he led her out of the ballroom. He gave her no answer. “Charles is gone…called away…it cannot be done with him here to defend me…His father?”

"I would imagine that no one would try such an open forum without his knowledge. Your family also."

"I am to believe you because?"

"Other than the fact that I have pledged to protect you, your cousin Tobias confessed all to me while he attempted to call me out for the despicable plan conceived tonight.

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