Melbourne’s gaze danced over her face. “You’re the most beautiful demon I’ve ever seen,” he said, his voice rumbling.
“Have you seen many, then?”
“In the mirror.”
“And here I thought you a hungry wolf.”
“For you, I am ravenous.”
His muscles bunched beneath his doublet as he spun her around and lifted her in time with the music. His strength was alluring. The touch of his hands on her waist and shoulders was lingering, possessive. Kara liked the feeling of his hands on her.
“How long are you to be in Lerathil, Lord Melbourne?”
“For a time. Depending on my impetus to stay. I heard you were husband hunting.”
“The rumors are true, I’m afraid.”
“And what qualities do you seek in a husband?” Melbourne purred.
Kara thought for a moment. “A partner. Trustworthiness. Someone willing to share the entirety of themselves with me, and I with them.”
“I’m jealous already.”
They made a swift turn to avoid bumping into another couple, and Kara winced at the pinch in her toes.
“What’s wrong?”
“My feet hurt. I made poor choices in footwear.”
“We could take a turn around the garden, and you could take your shoes off. And whatever else you’d like.”
“Trying to get me alone?”
“Of course.” Melbourne winked behind his mask, and Kara’s heart flopped over in her chest.
She was strangely tempted to take him up on his offer. “There is something I’d like to ask you.”
“Anything.”
Kara took a deep breath, steeling her will. She conjured to mind the image from the bowl. “I’ve been told that it’s not uncommon for marked women to ask the men at court to help them with their keening. Mine approaches.”
The wolf went still, faltering in his steps for the first time that night. His lips wrinkled with displeasure, and his hands tightened on her.
Was he upset that she was marked? Perhaps she shouldn’t have told him. She could’ve taken him to bed without declaring the fact.
“So I’ve heard,” he said, his voice tight.
“I’m in want of a…companion.”
“And are those qualities you seek in a husband the same you’d like of yourcompanion, Lady Grey?” His eyes hardened on her, no longer the soft, enraptured expression of a moment ago, and his voice bit.
Kara considered her answer, then shook her head. She didn’t want Melbourne to think she was looking for a long-time partner. “I’d need discretion. Flexibility. Impermanence.”
“Are you waiting for someone, then?” He studied her eyes with his, searching for something. The waltz was lulling down, the dance almost over. Their spinning had led them to the center of the dance floor, midst the swarms of other couples.
“No.”Not anymore.
Melbourne yanked her closer to him until her body pressed against his. He was all steel. He lowered his head to hers and pulled her hair aside to whisper into her ear, his breath tickling her neck.
