Sofia’s shoulders slumped in defeat.
“Ah, has my brother made the decision that difficult?”
“No. Of course not.” Sofia forced a smile. “He is simply a good friend, a protector, helping me find my way. He even promised to introduce me to Lord Grimm.” The lie was far too easy.
“Oh really?” Hunter’s face was utter disbelief. “And how did that go?”
Sofia panicked. Hunter saw too much. If he believed her to be with Ash, they’d be forced to marry, and then she’d lose her country — not that she hadn’t entertained the thought, but she wasn’t sure yet, wasn’t sure Ash loved her as much as she loved him. She would give up everything, but she needed to be sure he would do the same, so she lied again. “It was lovely! Absolutely lovely, I believe I might choose him.”
“Splendid match.” Hunter’s smile grew. “Has Dominique spoken to the gentleman?”
Sofia coughed into her hand. “No, er, not yet. Lord Grimm had to leave for a few days and only just returned.”
“Allow me the honor.” Hunter winked. “I know the fellow quite well.”
“Oh, but he’s very private!” Sofia held out her hands. “He’d think it rude if you simply asked about me.”
“I know exactly how to approach it, my dear.” Hunter took another sip of tea. “I was a spy for the Crown. I’ll simply fish for information and plant the lovely idea in his head that a proposal would be — advantageous for him.”
“Yes,” Sofia croaked, nearly choking on her tea. “That sounds… wonderful.” But it didn’t. Because Lord Grimm was not Ash.
And she wanted Ash.
Even if the feeling wasn’t mutual.
“Well then...” Hunter stood. “…I really should be going.”
“You’ll talk to Ash then?” Sofia jumped to her feet. “You’ll force him to see a doctor?”
“Why does it concern you so?” Hunter asked. “Why does it matter?”
“Because…” Sofia looked down at her feet. “…I care for him a great deal. He is… the best friend I’ve ever had.” That was the truth. Oh, he was so much more, but that was how it had started. He was her friend, and he’d always be her friend first, her lover second. Oh, that he could be her husband as well.
“Good answer.” Hunter reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I imagine you’ll be at the annual Renwick ball this evening?”
Sofia forced the tears to stay in. It wouldn’t do to cry in front of the man’s brother. She loved him and could not have him. “Yes, I look forward to it.”
“Save a dance for Lord Grimm. I’m sure he’ll be itching to waltz with you.”
“Of course.” Sofia curtsied while Hunter bowed and quit the room.
Too close. He was too close to finding out the truth, and, in all the weeks she’d been attending the Seasons festivities, she still hadn’t a clue as to who Lord Grimm was! Every time she’d heard the whispers and had seen people pointing, she’d turn and see none other than Ash standing by her side, blocking the way! The man never moved, never let her see who everyone seemed keen on discussing. But perhaps that was his way of protecting her from making a horrid match. After all, the stories of Lord Grimm had worsened by the week.
First, he’d been simply dangerous and mysterious.
Next, he had been a murderer.
Finally, they’d said he had tried to kill a woman, only to point the gun at himself once he’d succeeded.
Rumors, all of them, but still, she had to wonder, if they were true, why did people still allow him into the balls? Why didn’t they shun him completely from society?
Hunter was in for a surprise when Lord Grimm denied ever knowing her, but one thing she did know for certain about London gentlemen: more often than not, they chose politeness over anything else. So she could at least count on English manners to save her the embarrassment of Hunter discovering her lie.
She stared at the door, not wanting to go through it for fear that time would go quicker. She needed to ready herself for the ball, and the last thing she wanted to do was to ready herself for another dance that she knew would end with her searching for Ash, needing to be in his arms.
The same door she was staring down opened.
Ash stepped through and shut it quietly behind him.
No words were spoken; he simply strode toward her, lifted her in his arms, and met her mouth with a frenzied passion she’d never experienced in her life… until him.
“I was worried,” he whispered against her mouth. “One of your guard said you’d disappeared.” He set her on her feet and stepped back. “Always tell me where you are.”
“My guard should know I’m perfectly safe.” Sofia folded her arms across her chest. “Besides, they are more of a hindrance than a help.”
Ash snorted. “Believe me, I know. Just earlier today I had to move Samson from the hall because he damn-near fell asleep on his own gun.”
Sofia covered her mouth.
“He’s unharmed, and I removed the ammunition so he wouldn’t hurt himself.” He looked heavenward. “It’s all right to laugh. I did, once the crisis was averted.”
“I’m sorry they’ve been such a bother. I know Dominique is ready to strangle Cornelius, as he won’t stop following him around.”
“Hero worship.” Ash nodded. “Are you sure you’re feeling well? We don’t need to attend the ball tonight.”
His concern warmed her heart, making her want to ask the question, but she was still too afraid of his rejection.
“Ash…”
“Yes?”
“Kiss me?”
“Demanding little princess.”
“Only with my soldier.”
Ash smiled, his green eyes flashing as he gently pulled her back into his arms and took possession of her mouth. His tongue was warm; his mouth tasted of cinnamon. She clung to his body, afraid to let go.
“I cannot be without you,” she whispered.
“And I cannot change the stars.” Ash’s face shadowed for a brief instant, and he stepped back. “Now, shall I send Ana up to help you ready for the ball?”
Dismissed, Sofia could only nod and agree.
She had her answer.
He cared for her.
He might even love her.
But not enough to fight — or to even try to find another way out of the predicament she was in.