Kingston stoodoff to the side of the ballroom, a solitary figure dressed in simple yet striking black.He was dressed in all black from his boots, to his breeches, all the way up to his waistcoat and cravat.All he wore was that waistcoat over a black shirt He had deliberately chosen to forgo a jacket, opting instead for a rakish, wickedly informal look.A plain black domino mask, secured with dark ribbons, completed his costume, adding an air of mystery to his commanding presence.
He waited, but not for the ball to commence; his anticipation was reserved for her.Selena.The name echoed in his mind like a melody, and he could think of nothing else but seeing her again, holding her in his arms, and dancing her across the ballroom floor.He cursed himself for not asking what her gown would look like—spotting her amidst the throng of masked revelers would now be a challenge.The memory of their kiss in the library burned in his mind, igniting a fire he could not ignore.He needed to feel her lips against his once more, to steal her away to some secluded alcove where he could kiss her senseless.He wanted more than just a dance; he wanted to begin a proper seduction.
The ballroom gleamed in the soft glow of countless candles.Kingston surveyed the room with a grin.He would have to ask Ardmore how much mistletoe his Emma had hung in the manor.The ballroom had so much that it would be fairly impossible to escape being caught under a sprig.The room was practically draped in the festive greenery, offering ample opportunity to steal a kiss from his lady.Suddenly, another lady entered the ballroom.She stood at the entrance almost hesitant to step inside.Her gown was a rich emerald silk that clung to her curves in ways that made his breath catch.The bodice framed her bosom so perfectly it that his hands envied the silk.He knew her immediately despite the mask and feathers that obscured her face.Kingston suspected he would always know her.His Selena… Something primal stirred within him.She wasn’t just beautiful; she washis—a claim he couldn’t quite explain but felt deeply in his soul.How had that happened so fast?
Crossing the ballroom with purpose, Kingston approached her.He extended his hand and offered a wicked grin.“My lady, may I have this dance?”
The timing was perfect; the previous dance had just ended, and the first notes of a waltz filled the room.Selena lifted her gaze to his, her lips—those tempting lips—curving into a smile.“You may,” she said, placing her hand in his.“But only if you promise me something.”
He led her to the dance floor, her hand resting lightly in his.He would have promised her the world in that moment.“And what promise do you wish of me, love?”
She tilted her head, mischief sparkling in her eyes.“You seem certain you can grant it.What if it is beyond your ability?”
He bowed, and she curtsied, their movements elegant and precise.As they began to waltz, he drew her close, his hand firm on her waist.“Darling,” he murmured, his voice low, “there is nothing I would deny you.”
Her smile deepened, and his heart swelled.“You may regret those words one day.”
“Perhaps,” he admitted, “but not today.”
Selena’s laughter was soft, like a melody meant only for him.They moved effortlessly across the floor, the world fading away until it was just the two of them.Kingston waited, eager for her to share the promise she wished to extract.Whatever it was, he was certain he would grant it, for he was completely ensnared by her.
“What if I asked you to take me out of this room?”she asked, her voice tinged with daring.She licked her lips, and he nearly groaned aloud.“What if I wanted you to take me somewhere we could be alone?”
His pulse quickened, but he kept his composure.“Then I would have only one question for you.”
“But you haven’t answered mine,” she countered, her tone playfully mulish.
“Answer my question first,” he said, his lips curving into a teasing smile.“Then I’ll answer yours.”
She bit her bottom lip, and this time, Kingston did groan, the sound barely audible over the music.“What is your question?”
“Your bedchamber or mine?”It was a bold question, but he was certain they were of the same mind.This house party, with all its stolen moments and flirtations, had led them here.He wanted her, and he was convinced she wanted him too.
“Mine,” she said with an impish grin.“It will be easier for you to sneak out of my room.You require far less to dress than I do.”
His gaze darkened, the possibilities swirling in his mind.“I hope that means you’re requesting my assistance in removing your costume.”
She arched a brow, her tone husky.“And if I am?Would you be willing to play the lady’s maid for me?”
He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear.“I promise, my darling, it is a role I will gladly fulfill.”
The heat between them was palpable.His heart thundered in his chest, and he could feel his cock harden, urgent and insistent.The thought of unfastening the buttons of her gown, loosening her stays, and baring her to him made him ache with anticipation.
“Then lead me away from here, Your Grace,” she whispered, her voice like a caress.“And show me how skilled you are.”
Kingston drew a sharp breath and expertly guided her across the floor.Reaching the edge of the dance floor, he led her toward a discreet exit, one few of the guests were likely to notice.His mind raced with thoughts of what awaited them in the privacy of her chamber.Soon, he would have her—all of her—and he would ensure she never forgot this night.
Seven
When they reached Selena’s bedchamber, she opened the door and stepped inside.Pausing in the entryway, she turned to look at him, her lips curving into a slow, wanton smile.Lifting her hand, she crooked her finger, beckoning him to follow.Kingston hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside and closing the door behind him with deliberate care.The soft click of the lock turning echoed in the quiet room, sealing them in solitude.
“Are you certain?”he asked gently, his voice low.“There’s still time to change your mind.”
Selena tilted her head, studying him with quiet intensity.“If this is not what you want, you are free to leave.I would never want you to feel obligated to stay.”
“Darling,” he murmured as he closed the distance between them, “obligation is the last thing I feel for you right now.”His hand lifted to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing softly across her bottom lip.“There is nowhere else I would rather be than right here, with you.”
“Then you are exactly where you should be,” she replied, her voice trembling slightly with the weight of her desire.Turning her face into his palm, she closed her eyes briefly, savoring his touch.“I want you with me,” she whispered.Selena wanted him with her always.She felt…wicked, and perhaps she was in this moment.“I need you.”
