Angel’s Seduction-Part Twenty-Six



Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Twenty-Six:

“Angel, will you join me tonight?” Greyson’s tone is causal, but I can tell he’s nervous about asking me to go with him.

A shiver of fear races through me. Where does he want me to go? He has gone to balls and other parties without me since I moved in with him. I’ve never wanted to go and he’s never asked me. “Where?”

“I’m attending the Marquis of Beckenworth’s ball tonight. He’s an old friend from my school days. This is his wife’s first society party. I promised I would come.” He tugs on his cuffs and I smile at his nervousness.

Does he really want me to go with him? Is he afraid I’ll say no?

“I’m not sure it’s a good idea. My father could be there.” I fear seeing Father again. I don’t believe I’m strong enough to fight if he’s there.

“You’re going to have to face him at some time, love. You’re free of him.” Greyson kneels in front of me.

He’s right but for so long my father ruled me and controlled every aspect of my life. I fear giving him a chance to capture me again. “I know but I’m afraid.”

I’m not afraid to admit that. I know he’ll support me no matter what my decision is.

“I know you are. You’re strong enough to deal with him.” He takes my hands in his and stares up at me. “I’ll be there.”

That statement plus the feeling that he wants me to go makes me decide to take a chance. I’ll go out into the world where I never fit in. I’ll face the people who laugh and gossip about me because of the golden god in front of me. Maybe it is time for me to start proving I can run my own life. “I’ll go with you.”

“Thank you.” He presses a gentle kiss on the knuckles of my hand and stands. “Would you like to pick out your clothes or should I?”

“You chose.” I’m trying not to panic. I’m shaking at the thought of seeing Father again.

Thirty minutes later, I’m ready. The butler opens the front door and I see the carriage waiting for us at the bottom of the steps. I take a deep breath. For the first time since I ran from Society, I’m willingly returning all for the love of the man standing beside me. I’m making him happy. For now that’s all that matters.

We settle in the carriage and the footman closes the door. Greyson sits next to me and takes my hand.

“I wanted you to come so you could meet Harry.”

I squeeze his hand and stare out the window. I calm myself. Greyson is here. He won’t leave me to face them alone. Even though he can’t hold my hand, I know he’ll be supporting me.

To take my mind off the ball, I ask, “Why do you want us to meet?”

“Harry’s my oldest friend. Our estates border each other and we’ve grown up together. I want the man I consider my brother to meet the man I love.”

A tingle fills my heart like always when he says he loves me. “The Marquis knows about you?” I find it hard to believe the Marquis tolerates Greyson’s preferences.

“Yes, he does. He’s known for a long time. He helped me deal with my marriage and made me let go of my guilt.”

I run my thumb over his knuckle. I know Greyson still feels shame and sadness over the truth of his marriage.

“I’d be honored to meet your friend.”

He brings my hand up to his mouth and kisses my palm. “Harry will like you. Maybe you can befriend and help Alice, Harry’s wife. She’s young and rather shy. I think you’ll have much in common with her.” He tugs off one of my gloves.

“Was theirs an arranged marriage?” I moan as he sucks one of my fingers into his moist heat.

“No,” he replies, resting our hands on his thigh. “It’s a love match. Alice’s father wasn’t happy about it. Harry had a reputation as a rake. Her father figured Harry would break her heart, but Harry’s madly in love with her so there’s no worry about that.”

The carriage stops outside a magnificent house. The windows are bright with light and people are making their way up the steps to the front door. Greyson hops out and I follow more slowly.

He walks ahead of me and I must fight back the urge to touch him. We may do as we wish in private, but in public we must not show any more affection for each other than two friends would.

“Angel,” he says in a low tone.

Looking up, I see he’s made his way to the front of the receiving line. I hurry to join him.

“Harry, this is Angel.” Greyson gestures to me.

The Marquis of Beckenworth is a dark-haired roughly handsome man. He smiles and shakes my hand. “The mysterious Angel we’ve been hearing about. We’ll have to talk later.” The Marquis turns to his wife. “Alice, this is Greyson’s Angel.”

As I take her hand and bow, she says, “I believe we’ve already met.”

I look up into kind green eyes. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, my lady.”

“I’ll save a dance for you.” She smiles as we move farther into the ballroom.

I don’t feel as nervous now. It feels like I have a friend of my own aside from Greyson. I glance at the duke as we start to mingle in the crowd.

“I’ve talked to her before at one of the balls. Now I know who told you my name.”

“I’d watched you for a few nights. I figured Alice would be the best choice to approach you. You didn’t seem as nervous around women.” He winks at me.

“It wasn’t nerves. It was fear.” I search the crowd to see if I can spot my father.

“Angel, I see someone I have to talk to. Would you excuse me?” Greyson nods towards the other side of the room.

I look around quick and spot an alcove I can hide in. “Go ahead. I’ll hide out here.” I gesture to the wall.

“Good. I’ll find you later.” He strolls off into the crush.

I stomp down on the twinge of fear hitting me. I can deal with being by myself for a while. I don’t need him spending all his time with me. There is no way my father would make a scene here if he should arrive.

I watch as the dancing starts. Harry leads Alice out on the floor and I marvel at the love shining in their eyes. It’s obvious that they care for each other deeply. I edge out of my hiding place and start to move around the edge of the dance floor. I nod to people whose gaze I meet, but I don’t stop to talk to anyone.

“Angel, there you are. I’ve been looking for you. Will you be my partner for this next dance?” Alice places her hand on my arm and smiles up at me.

There is no way I can say no. Nodding, I escort her out on the floor. Our steps are perfectly matched as we waltz. At first, she is content just to dance. After a minute, she looks at me.

“Are you happy?”

8 Responses “Angel’s Seduction-Part Twenty-Six”

  1. T.A.Chase says:

    JJR,

    I love Angel like I would a little brother who’s growing up and testing his wings. Greyson’s all man and is confident. Maybe that’s why you love him a little more than Angel.

  2. T.A.Chase says:

    SW…I thought it would be a good cliff-hanger ending. 😉

    Do you think Angel’s happy?

  3. Anita says:

    Beautiful…just beautiful. Grey is such a great guy. I think I’m a LITTLE more in love with him than Angel…something just screams out at me about him.

    Can’t wait til Thursday! Glad I don’t have to work that day either.

  4. S. W. Vaughn says:

    I know I am (drooling on the monitor, that is… 🙂

    Lovely! I’m so happy for Angel! And what a great way to end this segment.

    Hurry up, Thursday. I want to know if Angel’s happy!

  5. T.A.Chase says:

    Jenna,

    Yep..he’s finding out that other people might like him for himself, not just because he’s Greyson’s love. 🙂

    Are you drooling on your monitor?

  6. T.A.Chase says:

    kechara,

    I hope you have a great week. Thanks for stopping by. The pic is pretty yummy, isn’t it?

  7. Jenna Howard says:

    Phew…Tuesday. *wipes hand over brow*

    Look at Angel…getting brave. Getting friends, people in his corner. Go Angel! Whoot!

    Oh and that pix? *wipes off monitor* I’ll get back to you…

  8. kechara says:

    Lovely; just the fix I need to make my week better.
    awesome pic. 🙂

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