The Rake and the Rose (Wicked Desires Book 3) (Completed)

Chapter 6. 1875 

The following evening, a ball was held at the home of Lord and Lady Bradley. It seemed the entire London ton was at the event, knowing it was one of the highlights of the social season. Michael and Stephanie had quite the reputation for hosting lavish balls.
Standing against the far wall of the ballroom, Rachel was anxious. She hadn't seen Garrett for the last two hours, and wasn't sure if he was attending. She had danced with a couple of gentleman who were nice but not able to connect with her on a personal level. Her gloved fingertips started playing with the dusty blue silk of her gown.
Margaret squeezed her shoulder. "Don't fret, he will be here I'm sure."
Rachel. "I hope so."
Margaret hugged her gently. "I still cannot believe that you are being courted by a viscount."
Rachel giggled. "Don't forget, you are married to a Barron."
Margaret smiled, her blue eyes sparkling. "I still cannot believe I am married to a baron. I never thought I would meet a gentleman as kind wonderful and loving as Arthur."
Rachel. "And I never dreamed I would meet anyone so sweet and compassionate as Garrett."
Margaret. "Is that what his name is?"
Rachel was about to reply, but then heard the announcer clear his throat. She turned her head toward the double doors of the ballroom.
Announcer. "The right honorable Viscount Chester."
Rachel felt her heart fly right out of her chest as she saw Garrett step through the doors. He was wearing a three-piece black silk suit with a dusty blue button up shirt white cravat and black boots. She felt her knees grow weak as his dark green eyes fell on her, and a smile grazed his lips.
Margaret. "My word Rachel, he is very handsome."
Rachel smiled. "He certainly is."
Garrett moved through the crowd, his eyes never leaving Rachel. He was going to make sure that every member of the ton knew that she was his. He was hoping that she had at least one dance saved for him.
Margaret smiled before turning around and leaving the two of them alone. Her gold gown swirled around her as she left. She was hoping that her sister was going to find happiness with Viscount Chester.
Garrett smiled at Rachel, taking her gloved hand and brushing his lips gently against her knuckles. "Good evening Miss Martin."
Rachel smiled back before dropping into a curtsy. "Good evening to you my Lord."
Garrett. "I'm sorry I am late. My carriage decided to lose a wheel."
Rachel. "That's terrible. Was the carriage driver able to fix it?"
Garrett nodded. "Yes, which is the reason I was delayed. But I am here now, and I am hoping for a dance with you."
Rachel smiled, raising her left wrist which had her dance card attached with a dusty pink silk ribbon. "Well my Lord, you are in luck. It just so happens that I have two dance slots reserved for you."
Garrett smiled brightly, signing his initials into the dance slots. "Perfect."
They smiled at each other just as the quintet of violinists began to play a quadrille. They decided to sit that dance out, knowing that the final two dances they would share would be a pair of waltzes. They moved toward the double doors leading out onto the terrace, wanting to be alone and have some privacy.
Garrett. "You look beautiful."
Rachel smiled, blushing. "Thank you my Lord. And you look very handsome. How does it feel to be a viscount?"
Garrett chuckled. "To be quite honest it doesn't feel that different. Although, I have only been a Viscount for a day and a half."
Rachel. "So you don't feel any different?"
Garrett. "A bit. I do feel a sense of power now that I have a title, but other than that no."
Rachel smiled. "I'm glad you don't feel much different."
Garrett moved them away from the ballroom and toured the shadows. He pressed her up against the wall gently, his eyes fixed with hers. "However, if there is one thing that has changed, it's the fact that I'm going to make sure no other gentleman even looks at you."
Rachel felt her heart flutter. "What do you mean?"
Garrett brushed his thumb across her lips. "What I mean is that you have bewitched me. You have awakened a desire that I never thought I would experience. And I am going to make sure that every gentleman knows that you are mine."
Rachel felt as if she was going to faint. Garrett Bradford was wanting her. She had awakened a desire in him. She took a shaky breath. "You have awakened a desire in me as well my Lord."
Garrett smiled, his eyes turning dark. "Have I?"
Rachel. "Yes you have. I never thought I would experience the feelings that I am."
Garrett took her hand, leading her away from the wall of the terrace and into the garden. "What feelings are you experiencing?"
Rachel swallowed, her heart pounding. She wasn't sure exactly what she was experiencing, but she knew it was strong. "So many feelings."
Garrett brushed his lips against her neck. "Such as what?"
Rachel couldn't think straight. She felt as if her body was going to explode into flames. So many feelings were flowing through her body, feelings that she couldn't identify. "Desire."
Garrett caressed her cheek. "I feel the same way."
They moved further into the garden that was surrounded by dewdrops and roses. Brilliant diamond beams of moonlight cascaded along their silhouettes. It was just the two of them, completely alone.