“I never said you were.”His voice was a soothing balm.“Look into my eyes, and know I mean every word.”
She met his gaze, feeling a rush of warmth at the sincerity in his eyes.Kingston truly found her desirable, beautiful even.She had known he wasn’t the sort to lie, and it was one of the things she’d come to respect about him.She parted her lips to speak, but when he groaned, she stilled, taken aback.
“You undo me, darling,” he murmured, his forehead resting gently against hers.“And I find I must do this.Forgive my impertinence.”When his lips brushed hers, her entire body came alive.
At first, the kiss was soft, tentative, as though he sought her permission.A few gentle touches, a taste, then a teasing flick of his tongue against her lips.She opened her mouth in a gasp, and he pressed in, deepening the kiss as his tongue stroked against hers.She melted into him, her thoughts scattering as his taste—a mixture of warmth and spice—filled her senses.
She slid her arms around his neck, and she pressed herself against him, desire flaring with each brush of his tongue.His hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him, and she felt his arousal against her, a confirmation of his desire that sent a thrill through her.
He wanted her.That fact was undeniable, and she realized with a jolt that she wanted him just as fiercely.But what was she to do with that knowledge?Should she give in to her desire or flee before things went further?She couldn’t turn back the clock if she gave herself to him.Selena reluctantly pulled away, looking up at him with wide eyes.She needed to leave.This was all happening too quickly, and she needed time to think.
Without a word, she turned and left, her heart racing as she tried to steady herself.Her mind was a swirl of emotions and sensations, and she couldn’t sort through them all with him so close.She struggled to regain her breath, and with one hand pressed to her lips, she climbed the stairs toward her bedchamber, hoping that solitude might offer her the clarity she so desperately needed.
That kiss would stay with her forever.She touched her lips tentatively, they still tingled from his kiss.She would never forget it.Never.
Six
Selena sat at the vanity in her chamber while a maid skillfully adorned her golden-brown locks with delicate seed pearl pins.A few soft curls were left to cascade over her shoulders and frame her face, like enticing strands that begged to be touch.Despite the maid's efforts and the promise of the evening ahead, Selena found herself unable to summon any excitement for the masquerade ball.She would much rather forgo the fuss of a ball gown and the endless rounds of dancing.
"Almost done, milady," the maid said as she placed the final pin, securing the elegant chignon in place.She stepped back to admire her work before continuing, "Now it is time for you to dress.Let me fetch your gown."
Selena offered a faint smile and nodded.Her gown was undeniably lovely, a far cry from the mended dresses she had worn in seasons past.After years of garments that had seen better days, slipping into something new and made specifically for her felt like a quiet triumph.
The gown was a stunning emerald silk trimmed with chiffon, its bodice and hemline accented by rich dark green velvet.Even her slippers had been crafted to match, their silk embroidery gleaming faintly in the candlelight.The ensemble was as close to perfection as she could imagine.
Her mask, however, was the pièce de résistance.Framing the upper half of her face, it was a creation of silver adorned with glittering diamonds across its top edge.On the left side, a spray of white, feathery plumes floated delicately, curling upward and cascading down to partially obscure her face.The mask added an air of mystery and allure, completing the ensemble with an elegant touch that even Selena couldn’t deny.
Still, she sighed softly, her fingers brushing one of the loose curls at her shoulder.She could look the part, but could she truly embrace the night’s festivities?Her thoughts drifted to that kiss in the library.Would he kiss her again?Would he even ask her to dance?And, more importantly…did she want him to?The uncertainty gnawed at her, unsettling the firm convictions she had once held about herself and her future.She had not taken into account that she might very well meet a gentleman that would make her question everything.Let alone one she had been acquainted with for years now.She had believed she knew exactly what she wanted in life—solitude and independence.Yet now, a single kiss had left her questioning everything.
The Duke of Castlebury was the last man she had ever expected to make her feel this way.As her cousin’s friend, he had been a familiar but distant presence, one she had barely given a second thought to over the years.None of David’s friends had seemed like the kind of men she might consider for anything beyond polite conversation.Now, after that exhilarating kiss, she had to wonder: Had she been too hasty in dismissing the possibility of something more?But to be fair, she hadn’t thought any man would want her…
The maid returned, carrying the emerald gown with care.“Stand, milady, and I will help you dress.”
Selena rose and allowed the maid to slide the gown over her chemise and stays.As the fabric settled around her, she contemplated what she truly wanted from the evening.When she had first learned of Emma’s plan for a masquerade ball, she had been anything but eager.Unlike the other surprises Emma had sprung on her guests, this event had been announced well in advance so everyone could prepare their costumes.But preparation had not equated to excitement, at least not for Selena.Everything else had been a surprise—including the snowball skirmish that Selena had abstained from.
“I am almost done with the buttons, milady,” the maid said, her voice cutting through Selena’s musings.
Selena blinked, realizing she had been lost in thought.The gown was nearly fastened, and soon she would have no excuse to delay.She would have to venture down to the ball and face whatever the evening held.Perhaps she might even find answers to the questions that had been plaguing her since that kiss.It had been so long since she had danced, and the rarity of such invitations weighed heavily on her mind.She could count on one hand the number of dances she had shared in her three seasons, and still not use all her fingers.
“You look beautiful, milady,” Mary said, stepping back to admire her.“So lovely.I am sure you will dance all night.”
Selena nearly rolled her eyes at the maid’s enthusiasm but restrained herself.“Perhaps,” she said simply.“Thank you, Mary.”
“Have a wonderful evening, milady,” Mary said.“I will wait up to help you undress after the ball.”
“No,” Selena replied firmly.“Retire for the evening.I can manage on my own.”
“Are you certain?”Mary asked, nibbling her lip.“It is no trouble at all.”
“I am certain,” Selena assured her with a smile.“I do not want you waiting up all night.If anything changes, I can always ring for you.I do believe I shall manage fine on my own though.”She had been doing so for many years now.Even in a gown with as many buttons as her new one had.It was amazing how inventive one could get when they had to learn how to take care of their own needs.
“Very well, milady.”Mary curtsied and left the room.
Selena turned back to the mirror for one final glance.She could not fault her appearance—her hair was perfectly coiffed, and the gown flattered her figure.With a steadying breath, she set down the hand mirror and exited the room.
The grand staircase led her to the ballroom, which glittered with candlelight and festive decor.Since it was a masquerade, no formal announcements would be made, allowing each guest to revel in anonymity.Holly adorned the walls, and mistletoe hung at every entrance and several other strategic locations.Selena’s lips twitched into a wry smile.What game was Emma playing?The abundance of mistletoe was practically an invitation for scandal.
Squaring her shoulders, Selena stepped into the ballroom, ready to face the night and whatever surprises it might bring.
