“Prue.” He turned to face her, blocking her from the view of anyone who might walk past. Her gloved hands trembled as he took them in his. That made him angrier. “What happened with Waltham?”
She bit her lip, her gaze holding on his cravat as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world. “It was three years ago. A lifetime, really.”
Clearly not for you. But he didn’t say that. Instead, he waited to see if she’d share more.
“Far too much emphasis is placed on debuts.” She drew a deep breath. “Mine was going as well as could be expected until Waltham requested a dance. It was clear he’d had too much to drink, but I was flattered he noticed me, let alone asked me to dance. So I said yes.”
“Of course, you did.” She shouldn’t blame herself. Refusing dances was nearly impossible for ladies, especially debutantes.
“He held me far too close and became angry when I tried to keep my distance, then he grabbed me and tore my gown.” She briefly closed her eyes. “I shoved him out of self-preservation, I suppose, and he stumbled. As you can imagine, everyone stopped and stared. Waltham called me a clumsy girl and left me on the dance floor.”
“I am so sorry. The man’s an oaf. I have never liked him and now have even less reason to.” He kept his tone gentle, doing his best to hide his anger.
“As I said, it was years ago.” She shook her head. “Unfortunately, people’s memories are long. From that moment on, I was...avoided and spent most balls watching the dancing rather than participating.”
“It ruined your first Season.” He couldn’t imagine how distressing that must’ve been.
“Yes. It still shadows me. Mother insisted I try again this year, but it’s already clear my prospects are few.”
He didn’t understand how unattached gentlemen didn’t see how lovely Prue was. How kind and honorable...and unique.
He released her hand to place his fingers along her jaw, needing to look into her eyes and help her see the truth.
She reluctantly met his gaze again, the sadness in her eyes tugging at him.
“Men like him should not be allowed anywhere near ladies like you.”
“Rogues, you mean?” Her attempt at a smile failed abysmally.
Guilt settled heavily on him. “He is a rogue of the worst sort.” He shook his head. “You will never be a wallflower in my eyes. Not when you’re so beautiful inside and out.”
Another smile curved her lips, this one genuine. “You are too kind.”
“I am only being honest.” His gaze dropped to her lips, but he held back, aware he’d already taken liberties with her that he had no right to. “You are amazing and everything that anyone with intelligence could want.”
She stared up at him in the dim light, pulling one hand from his to place on his chest. “When you say such things, I almost believe them.”
“You should,” he said fiercely.
“Silas.” She bit her lip, then before he had a chance to guess her intent, she lifted onto her toes and kissed him before easing back. “Thank you.”
With a mutter, he took her mouth with his, determined to show her how desirable she was.
Her lips parted as if eager to take what he offered.
His tongue swept inside her mouth, and he released the tight hold he’d kept on his desire, wanting her to understand what she did to him. He reached for her waist to pull her firmly against him. She fit him so perfectly, her lithe curves enflaming his senses.
The feel of her hands sliding around his neck and the eagerness of her kiss were enough to cause him to moan.
Unable to resist, he lowered his hands to the curves of her bottom to press her against his body. She stiffened at his gentle assault then held him even tighter, her tongue moving in tandem with his.
Passion flared ever higher, and Silas needed more. He reached to cup her breast and squeezed it gently. His breath caught when she arched into him.
He drew back, wanting to see if desire held her as well. Her rosy lips matched the color high in her cheeks, and her eyes were dark with the same need that drove him.
“Prudence. You are lovely and very desirable.” He tipped his forehead against hers, needing the contact as he attempted to regain his senses.
They were at a ball. He had to stop this madness before they were caught. As much as he wanted her, he had to marry an heiress to turn his family’s fortunes. If only he could remember she wasn’t his.