Free Web NovelChapter 7: Faint Of Heart
SOPHIA ƒreewebɳovel.com
"By the way," said the Duke. "You look even more beautiful in this dress than I imagined."
I looked up at him. "You imagined me in this dress?"
"I bought it for you on my last visit to the Western Realm. You’ve always looked so pretty in this color. You’re quite stunning, Miss Pagemoore."
His compliment made my heart race, and my skin flush with pleasure. "I love your present," I admitted. "But this seems an odd gift for a man to give another man’s wife."
"An engagement is not a marriage. You hadn’t taken vows with Willowmarch. I had hoped I might offer myself as an alternative."
"You ... wait. What?"
"I wanted this to be your engagment outfit," he admitted. "For me. I had planned to snatch you from that ingrate, but something happened in the Western Realm that required me to stay. By the time I was finished with my business, you had already walked down the aisle."
"Duke Stonehart, what do you mean you planned to snatch me?"
"I didn’t want you to marry that idiot. He doesn’t deserve you."
None of this had happened in my previous life. In fact, the Duke hadn’t attended the Hunter’s Ball. So how was he was here now? And this confession ... I had never known that Duke Stonehart had feelings for me.
How much did changing my fate affect people in this life? What was it called? The butterfly effect?
"Honestly, I had planned to take a permanent post in the Western Realm. But I realized that I didn’t want to be apart from you. Even if I have no right to you now, Miss Pagemoore, I will never abandon you again."
I frowned. "Again?"
"Ah, I think that troublesome husband of yours is coming our way," said Duke Stonehart. His warm breath skittered down my neck, and I felt an electric pull in my belly.
For a moment, I didn’t process his words. I only felt his hand on my waist, his lips too close to my ear, his strong body pressed against mine. I couldn’t quite catch my breath, and I hadn’t done anything other than hold onto the Duke as he whirled us through the ballroom.
I looked up, and saw those piercing dark eyes on mine. His face really did appear as though a sculptor had carved the visage of a deity. I’d never seen a more handsome, intimidating man.
It took me a moment to realize that I’d lifted the hand pressed on his shoulder so that I could ... oh sweet goddess. So I could do what? I paused, my face flushing with heat. Was I really going to run my fingers along the jaw of Duke Stonehart?
"Your cheeks are a charming shade of pink," he said. He seemed to be aware of what I’d almost done. "What are you thinking about, Miss Pagemoore?"
I dropped my hand back to his shoulder, and sucked in a shuddering breath. Being in this man’s arms was dangerous. My heart was pounding so hard, it rattled my ribs. And for him to basically admit to liking me ... I couldn’t believe such a thing was true.
"What did you say earlier?" My voice quivered. How annoying. I cleared my throat. "Something about my husband?"
"We’re coming up on a turn. You’ll see the brigadier general near the orchestra fuming at us." He leaned closer, so close, his cheek brushed mine. "Shall we give him a reason to be jealous?"
I laughed. "Him? Jealous? The only woman he truly cares about is Penelope Shire."
"Then divorce him, Miss Pagemoore."
"My family would find that an unforgivable sin."
"Will you live for your family obligations, sweet girl? Or will you choose your own happiness?"
I had no time to answer the question because the song ended. The dancers stopped, and everyone in the ballroom clapped politely. I remained in the duke’s embrace, my feet still on top of his.
"Thank you for the dance," I said, feeling reluctant to leave his arms. It felt so nice to be held like this. Jace had never hugged me. Not once. "I should’ve married you," I murmured.
"You still can."
Stunned, I met his gaze. I saw that strange tenderness again. As if I already belonged to him. As if I was the most precious thing he’d ever held.
Stop imagining things, I told myself. Why on earth would Duke Stonehart marry you?
"You’re joking," I said. "It’s rather cruel."
"I would never be cruel to you, Miss Pagemoore. And I most certainly am not joking."
"Sophia."
Jace had managed to cross the dance floor and now stood beside us. His voice was tight with tension, and his gaze narrowed. I knew well that look on his face. He was irritated with me.
I sighed. I’d spent three long years dealing with Jace’s disappointment, resentment, and casual cruelty. From now on, I had no intention of putting up with his snide behavior or his constant neglect.
"I’ve come to claim my wife," he said stiffly. "Would you please release her, Your Grace?"
"The hunt will begin soon," said the Duke. He picked me up by the waist and gently put me onto the floor. "I hear this year’s maze is even more elaborate than Flowerby’s last year." He grinned, though it was more like a baring of teeth. "Beware someone else claiming your wife, Willowmarch." He bowed slightly. "Until we meet again, Miss Pagemoore."
I curtsied. "Your Grace."
After the Duke stepped back, Jace put his arm around my shoulders and guided me out of the ballroom. We entered the foyer, but didn’t stop. Instead he led me down the hallway into the empty parlor. He shut the door and then grabbed me by the wrist. freewebnøvel.com
"Have you forgotten that you’re married, Miss Pagemoore?"
"Yes," I said, yanking free of his grip. "After all, I haven’t seen my husband in three months. He left on our wedding night and never returned."
Jace let his arms fall to his sides. "Yes, well. I’ve been busy." He wasn’t exactly apologetic. He wagged a finger at me. "Still. How dare you use your maiden name. You’ve embarrassed me."
