Why did he even ask such a question of a libertine like Dare? “It wasn’t that much of a spectacle was it?”
Dare smirked. “No, the true spectacle followed after you left. Your little scene was the catalyst for others to retrieve their wives. Scores of women hoisted over their husbands’ shoulders and swept off home.”
“Bloody hell.” This was the first he’d heard of that. At the time, he’d been too distracted to care about the consequences and he didn’t follow the gossip rags. He’d acted out of instinct. No woman should be dressed like that and step foot outside.
His gaze shifted back to Selena. He froze. Where had she gone? She’d been there a few seconds ago.
His gaze tracked the crowd and found her just in time to glimpse her disappearing through the doors at the opposite end of the ballroom.
“What’s over there?” Warrick asked Dare, pointing in the direction Selena had gone.
“Cardroom, if I’m not mistaken.”
What was the wily woman up to now? Hopefully not something that required him to hoist her over his shoulder again. The shape of her curves had already haunted him enough. However, he could not help wondering whether she hadwitnessed that black widow trying to weave a perilous web for him. It shouldn’t bother him. The touch meant nothing. Would lead to nothing. But he also didn’t want any misunderstandings to arise because of it.
“Say, have you glimpsed Saville tonight?” Lady Theodosia was here so it stood to reason Saville should be here somewhere as well.
“I can’t say that I have.”
“Strange.” Warrick handed his glass to Dare.
“What am I supposed to do with this?”
“Don’t care,” Warrick said as he patted the man’s back. “There’s a prickly thorn I need to pluck from my side.”
Chapter Four
She felt him—orperhaps his scent wafted over to her, giving him away—right before he stepped into her path. Tall and broad shouldered, the earl was one of those men who commanded the gazes of all women he passed. Whether he was aware of this was not clear, but any man would enjoy such attention. And usually, an indulgent smile played across his face. That smile was not present at the moment.
Rather, he looked annoyed.
At her.
She bit back a smile. The oldmission accomplishedran through her head. But the mission had recently changed, and she needed to remember that they could be considered allies at present. As for how long this fellowship would last, only time would tell.
“You look vexed, Warrick. Whatever can you be displeased about?”
“You must take infinite delight in mocking me.”
“I cannot deny that the urge flares to life in your presence.” The previous night’s dream suddenly flitted across the inner walls of her mind like a butterfly. Selena flushed.
Good grief! None of that!Not now.
It had been the first time she had dreamed of a man kissing her. And no matter how hard she hoped the scene would fade from her memory like most other dreams, this picture clungstubbornly to her mind. The shock of the dream kiss had been startling enough. Then came the betrayal...
“Do you believe in dreams?” Selena asked suddenly. “That they are warnings from heaven.”
“No.”
“But you believe in curses. How strange.”
“I am careful of curses, there’s a difference.” He surveyed the card tables filled with activity. “Are you here to play cards?”
“Oh, no. I’m no good. I’m watching Theodosia play a hand while I study the players.” She leaned closer. “Have you found information about the matter we have an agreement on?”
A short pause. “Yes.”
“Well!” Selena cried, giddy with surprise and delight. “Spit it out.”
