Love Only Me: Hoyden Meets Duke (Scandal Meets Love Book 1) by Amanda Mariel & Dawn Brower

Author:Amanda Mariel & Dawn Brower [Mariel, Amanda & Brower, Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
Published: 2018-04-23T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

“Bloody hell.” Narissa peered across the crowded ballroom, clutching her Champagne glass. “What the devil is he doing here?”

Brooke waved her silk fan, a look of chagrin passing over her features. “I could hardly exclude Hannah from the ball.”

Narissa pulled her gaze from the Duke of Blackmore as the quartet struck the final cords of a cotillion. “No, of course not.”

“I assume he is her chaperone,” Brooke said. “I tried to tell you at the club that I suspected he may attend.”

“I am sure you are right.” Narissa tipped the crystal flute against her lips, drinking copiously. “Let us hope he retires to the card room straight away.” The last thing Narissa wished for was more time in the duke’s company. Even now, her body betrayed her as her stomach fluttered, and her heartbeat sped up. For no other reason than that she’d spied him across the crowded room.

“I fear you are not to be so lucky. He’s coming this way.” With a flourish, Brooke lowered her fan. “Be polite.”

Narissa caught the duke’s gaze through the crush of people and peered at him in hopes he would change direction. She spent more time with him than she wished as it were. Three days in the last sennight. She had no wish to speak with him outside of training his mounts.

Hell, she did not want to see him then but had little choice in the matter. She scowled at Brooke. “Let us go.” Narissa started toward the door, determined to seek shelter in the lady’s retiring room.

Brooke caught her elbow, stilling her. “We cannot be so rude as to give a duke the cut direct, and certainly not in public. Not at my parent’s ball.”

Narissa peered at Brooke, determination driving her forward. “We most certainly can.”

“Do look. Hannah has joined him. We must greet them.”

Narissa released a huff and pivoted back in their direction. As much as she did not want to face Blackmore, she would not willingly be rude to Hannah. The girl had become a friend. A cohort and confidant. Resigned, she pasted a smile on her face and nodded at Brooke. “Indeed, we must.”

“You look feral.” Brooke released her hold on Narissa. “He cannot be all that bad.”

Narissa relaxed her facial muscles attempting to appear more natural and pleasing. “You have no idea.” In fact, the duke was the worst man she’d ever been unlucky enough to become acquainted with. Sure, he was pleasant to look at, witty, and charming when he wished. But he was also stubborn and controlling. Worst of all, he was blackmailing her and enjoying every second of it. He was the worst sort of scoundrel.

She did her best to maintain the practiced smile she had fixed on her lips and dipped into a half-hearted curtsey when he approached. Rising, she chastised herself for making eye contact with him.

The Duke of Blackmore gave a devilish grin. “Lady Narissa. Lady Brooke.”

Brooke rose from her curtsey. “How do you fair this evening, Your Grace, Lady Hannah?”

“It is a lovely ball, a smashing success,” Hannah said.

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