Waltz of Seduction (Completed)

Chapter 8. 1815

Karina watched as her uncles face went from pale to bright red with fury. Her heart began  pounding as she watched his furious eyes fall directly on James. She was hoping and praying he wouldn't use his torture ability on the young gentlemen.

Francis growled viciously. "So Bedford, you decide to ruin the happiness of my niece by killing her intended?"

James felt his mouth drop and his eyes flash with rage. "Albert Whitfield was not Karina's intended!"

Francis raised one eyebrow. "No? I do believe he was because he gave her that bracelet."

James snarled, throwing himself at Francis and pinning him roughly against  the wall. "No you bastard, Whitfield didn't  give her the bracelet. You told him to give her the bracelet, knowing damn well that she was very sensitive to silver."

Francis struggled against the Dukes grasp, attempting  to push him away. "Yes, I did! And I don't understand why she was rejecting the man!"

James. "Because she is mine!"

Francis felt his stomach twist, feeling James project nothing but anger and fury towards him. And pain, he realized. He swallowed hard, feeling the Dukes fingertips squeeze his throat. "All right, I suppose Karina does belong to you. But Mark my words, if she doesn't give you a son first, I will take that child and destroy her like I did my daughter."

Karina watched as James absorbed her uncles words, noticing his face becoming pale. She knew she was going to have to tell him exactly what happened to Matilda and her daughter. She took a deep breath before looking at Francis. "I suggest you leave uncle, his grace and I do not want you here."

Francis growled before pushing James away. "Very well, but I hope that you heard my words as well." He turned and left the room.

James slowly turned around to face Karina, his eyes wide at his face still pale. His voice shook. "That bastard killed his own daughter?"

Karina climbed out of the bed, pulling on her glove and moving towards her beloved. She took his hands, squeezing them gently. "Yes, he did. But he didn't just kill his own daughter, but her mother as well."

James. "What?"

Karina. "My uncle was married to Matilda Baxter, and she was expecting his first child. He was hell-bent on having a son first and foremost so that his estate could be secure. But a year ago she gave him a daughter, and he was furious. He tortured the baby to death, strangling her until she couldn't breathe. Matilda had a heart attack shortly after, and Francis did nothing about it. Once both his wife and daughter had been buried, he married his mistress, Charlotte. He has twin boys from her, and he is over the moon with joy."

James shook his head with disbelief. How could anyone kill their own wife and child? How could any father kill their own daughter? He took her face between his hands, his eyes fixed with hers. "I swear to you, no matter if you give me a son or a daughter first, I'm going to love them unconditionally. No harm is going to come to you or our children."

Karina gave him a soft smile, reaching up to stroke his cheek. "I know your grace, you are a very wonderful man."

James. "And you are an incredible woman. Would you like to return to the ball?"

Karina shook her head. "I believe we have some unfinished business to take care of first.

James chuckled. "The business that you speak of should be conducted someplace more romantic than a bedroom."

Karina giggled. "I agree. Shall we go out onto the terrace?"

James agreed, and the two of them quickly made their way out of the bedroom and towards the terrace once again. Thankfully, it seemed no one had noticed their absence. They did, however, ran into Arthur and Margaret, and told them what happened. They asked that no one disturb them, and that they would return momentarily.

Once they were alone out on the terrace, James brought Karina against him, his eyes locked with hers in a gaze of pure intensity. He came closer, his breath fanning across her face. "You are exquisite."

Karina smiled, stroking his cheek. "And you are magnificent."

With those words spoken, their lips came together for a soft and sweet kiss. Their arms went around one another, their bodies pressing together as their tongues started dancing in a delicious waltz. They knew Francis wouldn't be out of their lives completely, but for the moment, that didn't matter. What did matter was the fact that they had found their beloved.  And Francis wasn't going to be able to tear them apart, no matter how hard he tried.  After several more minutes, they reluctantly came away from one another, their eyes glowing.

James caressed her cheek. "I believe the waltz is calling us Miss Rochester."

Karina giggled. "I do believe you're right your grace."

With their fingers intertwined and their hearts overflowing with love, James and Karina walked back into the ballroom just as the waltz began. Thankfully, they didn't notice Francis wandering around the ballroom. They could finally have a chance to spend time together without being interrupted by him. Arthur and Margaret could also have an opportunity to spend quality time together without Francis intruding on them.

With the glow of several candles cascading around the ballroom, James and Karina held each other close as they danced. Their eyes never fell away from one another's faces, their smiles never leaving their lips. That night, their bond had been further sealed with a kiss. It was only a matter of time before that bond became even stronger. And when it did, it wouldn't be broken by anyone.