French Angel

V. Chapter five

The very same day although much later, Angélique was getting ready for yet another ball. This time though, her gown was the same sapphire colour as her eyes, making her look like a sea siren.

To tell the truth, Angélique was quite anxious. Her mind wandering to the moment that has sealed her destiny. After innocent, and sweet caress Angélique and Richard agreed on days, time, and everything he wanted in return.

Now Angélique had no other choice but, to grant him whichever dance, whenever he so chooses. One half of her could not wait to be in his strong arms again, whilst the other wanted to hide in her bed-chamber and never step a foot outside.

But she took comfort in the knowledge that he did not tent to attempt those exquisite balls. Therefore, she was in no danger of falling into his spider web of desire and passion. She did not want that, not at all.

As soon as Angélique reached the room in which the event was held, her eyes scanned the sea of people for her friend, Rose. But Angélique was not expecting to find her so easily. She knew her friend tented to stay in the shadows, spending her time more efficiently – with a book in her hands.

Therefore; Angélique was surprised to spot Rose on the dancefloor. She and her dance partner were stoically moving to the rhythm of the music, emitting almost tangible tension that Angélique could not fight a frown which formed on her forehead.

The gentleman holding Rose to his a few inches taller body was a stranger to Angélique. He had a detached look on his face, features contracted into a stolid mask. Looking at the pair, closely, Angélique could see the similarities between the two of them. Surely, he was no relative of Rose's. At least Angélique hoped.

His attire was very fancy, instead of a suit, he was wearing leather – what looked like a new pair of – shoes, expensive-looking fabric trousers, a shirt made of shiny material, and a long-decorated robe with pearls, diamonds, and sapphires. Outward, he looked like a perfect personification of an aristocrat, highest of noblemen.

Angélique was so invested in watching her friend with the mysterious dance partner that, she did not take notice of a man sneaking up to her. Only his deep voice near her ear brought her back to where she was standing.

Angélique turned around and inhaled sharply. Her eyes were met with a muscled chest. That alone was enough to tell Angélique who it was. His name echoed in her mind even before she fully rose her eyes to meet his smoky ones.

Duke of Stamford.

"Mon Seigneur!" Angélique squealed, not being aware she had said it in French. She was at a loss of words. 'He was not supposed to be here!' She cried out internally. Or so she thought.

"I see you could not be happier to see me, my Lady." Duke's voice was teasing, with a mocking undertone. Richard heard her mother tongue for the first time, and damn all if it wasn't the most erotic and exotic thing he had ever heard.

"You see, a certain beautiful Lady has promised me a dance of my choosing, and I'd be a fool to let such opportunity slip through my fingers." He shook his head, and a mischievous smirk grew on his lips.

Angélique's own lips curled into a smile. She had to bite her lip to prevent herself from bursting into giggles. "Yes, indeed, you would be so, my Lord." She nodded in agreement, trying to look serious.

"And pray tell, what is this lucky Lady's name? Is she here to fulfil such promise?" Angélique turned away from him so he would not be able to see her smile. She was suddenly in a playful mood, and she wanted the smile on the Duke's face to remain in its place.

"Oh, her name is unique as her personality. You know she is an angel. And I want her to spread her wings and fly with me." Richard stepped closer to her from behind, her skirt teasingly moving, giving him easy access.