A Rose For A Rose

Chapter 3

The evening was starting to cool. Mixed with the heat of all the dancing bodies and the flames from the lights, it was starting to create an uncomfortable atmosphere.

After a couple of dances with Dimitri, and then Andre, I stepped away from the floor and wandered along the garden. It wasn't common for a woman to walk alone in the evening, but I needed a break from the noise and bluster. As much as any girl loved the party, I needed a bit of quiet too.

I let my hand trail over the fern hedge as I walked, the feeling of my lace gloves scratching against my palms. As I walked I could smell the garden, mostly the smell of hyacinth and roses. Lady Badica was known for her spectacular garden, and she never disappointed.

But that wasn't the only sensation I could think about. I kept thinking about the sensation I felt when my hand was in Dimitri's. It seemed silly to linger on the thought, but I couldn't help but feel a tingle in my hands when we touched. It was almost like the feeling of touching something metal after shuffling your feet, a slight zap. But this didn't hurt, it just lingered in my skin.

It didn't just linger in my skin. It crept through my body, my veins. It made me feel warm in a sense. I smiled to myself as I thought about it, and another thought crossed my mind before I scolded myself. It wasn't an appropriate thought and was unbecoming, but it flitted its way through my mind like a shot of lightning.

I jolted out of my thoughts where there was a brushing of leaves behind me. I had wandered further into the garden than I had anticipated. I stopped and turned, finding I was no longer alone. Instead, I was in the company of the last person I wanted to be. I tensed up for a moment before turning again and started heading through the garden, quickening my pace to get back to the party.

"Where are you running off to, little mouse?" he called out as he followed. I didn't think of how silly my actions could have been but being found out alone with him was the last thing I could want. It would not only ruin my reputation but could look badly on Lissa's. Not to mention, if Jesse Zeklos decided to say that something happened, it would be his word against mine.

And nobody would believe mine.

Just like nobody believed Natalie Dashkov when she said that Ralf Sarcozy made unwanted advances on her. Now she's been saddled with him and his three children, miserable as ever.

"If we are to play a game little mouse, the chase is my best game."

I took a deep breath and darted out to the left after stepping around a high hedge, hoping to throw him off my trail, only to run into a solid form. I made a noise that resembled a squeak and a shriek when hands stabled me. I looked up and let out a sigh of relief to find a familiar face.

"Rose, are you alright?" Lady Belikova asked looking from me to her son. I looked at her and took a shaky breath before looking up at Dimitri.

"Rose?"

"Little mouse!"

I flinched and risked a glance at Lady Belikova. "I went for a walk and wander a little too far," I said quietly. Dimitri nodded and let go of my shoulder before stepping around me, gently pushing me towards his mother.

Jesse rounded the corner with a cocky grin on his face before he realized that we were no longer alone. Lady Belikova's hand rested on my forearm, and she pulled me closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I moved towards her willingly. Maybe these two would be able to turn this situation.

"Your Grace, I see you found my Rose," Jesse said.

"I don't believe I found anything of yours, Jesse," Dimitri bit out. "Instead, I find my friend. What were you doing following her?"