The Ball- Part 2




I’ll admit that Colin Firth isn’t really what I see in my mind when I think of either of my characters in this story. But he’s good-looking and dressed in regency clothes, so I thought I’d put him up. 🙂 Here’s the next installment of The Ball.

The Ball (c) 2006 T.A. Chase.

Here I am again. Another ball on another night. But where I had been dragged to the others, this one I am willing to make an appearance at. My uncle, the Earl, is bringing his oldest daughter out and as her cousin, I must show support. Besides my uncle is the only one of my family I feel remotely comfortable around. Maybe it’s because he cares for nothing other than his horses.

I swing the young lady I am waltzing with around and a shot of heat runs down my spine. Lifting my gaze from the blank face of the girl, I feel lust burn through me as my eyes land on him. He enters the room as if he owns it. This time there are no shadows to hide me and he meets my stare with a nod. I stumble.

The lady protests and I mumble my abject apology. I am a complete failure at many things, but I pride myself on being a marvelous dancer. Here is my chance to find out my mysterious lover’s name. When I ask my dance partner to tell me who he is, she looks at me like I’m an idiot. I get the feeling she is wondering what rock I’ve been hiding under. She tells me and shock strikes me dumb.

We finish our dance in silence and I return her to her mother. I manage to leave the ballroom without running into anyone or making a bigger fool of myself. No more gardens for me. I find there is no longer any comfort for me in the darkness of crumbling ruins. I lost my heart in a garden and haven’t been able to find it again.

The library offers the solace I’m seeking. I slip into the dark room and make my way to the window. Staring out, I study the couples wandering in my uncle’s garden. They are bathed with silver moonlight. A pretty world I can’t be a part of.

How did he know I would accept his touch? What told him I’d willingly give my lips to him without protest? I rub my chest. My face is reflected in the window and I search for the brand that marks me. There must be something somewhere on my face that tells people of the horrors I hide inside. Some symbol letting those who would hate or mock me know I am a helpless scapegoat for their cruelty.

My breath fogs the window as I sigh. Yet there was no cruelty in his lips and no hatred in his touch. I can still feel his skin warming my chilled body. In my dreams, I relive the moment his mouth gave me my first kiss.

The snick of the door shutting causes me to whirl around. There he stands with his golden hair glinting in the darkness like the stars in the night sky. My voice gets stuck in my throat as he moves towards me. He shouldn’t want me. He shouldn’t sully his hands by touching me.

He is Lord Greyson, Duke of Northhamptonshire. He’s the confidant of kings, princes and prime ministers. He’s the prize every gold-digging mother and fortune hunting father look for. To me, he is a god and as such, is as out of reach as God is to a fallen angel.

He is perfection. I am a monster.

17 Responses “The Ball- Part 2”

  1. T.A.Chase says:

    Hey Jennybrat!

    Great to have you stop by.

    The next installment is all ready..just waiting for Tuesday. 🙂

  2. snowflake says:

    I can’t wait to read the next installment.

  3. T.A.Chase says:

    Thanks.

    There’s something about my hero in this story that has really captured me..not sure if it’s because I can totally sympathise with how he feels or if he’s just that strong a character. Though now that I’ve named his lover, Greyson has been chiming in with his background as well. He seems about due for some happiness..lol

  4. S. W. Vaughn says:

    You are so right, T.A. No wonder this is so strong. And I’m with everyone else here on those last two lines — they kicked me right in the gut. Beautiful stuff.

  5. T.A.Chase says:

    I’m happy to open your eyes to the good qualities of a genre, Paige…lol. But I think there’s some more timeless about this story…Two men who love each other and can’t show it. While being gay is more acceptable nowadays, there are still places where C and I wouldn’t be able to hold hands or show affection in anyway. I think that’s where some of the emotion comes from for this story. 🙂

  6. Paige Burns says:

    Gosh I love this tale, and I’m not a regency fan, but damn TA if you’re not gonna make me one!

  7. T.A.Chase says:

    Mine too. 🙂

  8. Jenna Howard says:

    Dark tortured heroes are my fave.

  9. T.A.Chase says:

    Smoochesback at ya, babe.

    Those last two lines made me tear up when I wrote them. Because to be honest, who hasn’t felt like that at some point in their lives?

    I had to admit this story is a little more angst ridden than NGH or HBD..though Kael in the first part of HBD tends to wring my heart.

  10. Jenna Howard says:

    Oh T.A. (sigh)

    Those last two lines. I cried, baby. They were beautiful. Simply beautiful.

    I can’t wait to read your stories from cover to cover.

    Smooches babe on a job well done.

  11. T.A.Chase says:

    S.W…I always try to keep my promises. 🙂 I’m glad you liked this one. There will definitely be more of my hero and his lover.

    As to my pic, Paige sent it to
    me and I’m not sure where she got it from. lol Not sure where the other ladies got theirs either.

  12. S. W. Vaughn says:

    P.S. I need one of those sexy pics for my comments. I feel naked here… 🙂

  13. S. W. Vaughn says:

    Shivers. Lots and lots of lovely, beautiful shivers.

    I like a man who keeps his promises. It’s Tuesday, and here’s the next installment — twice as yummy as the first. Spectacular writing, TA. Keep it coming!

  14. T.A.Chase says:

    Think I’ve found my calling? 🙂

    Thanks, Kate. I’m glad to know you’re feeling what I’m trying to get you to feel with my words.

  15. Kate Lang says:

    Honey you should be a writer or something. 🙂

    As always so emotive and beautiful…a reflection of your soul.

  16. T.A.Chase says:

    Thank you, Sherrill. I have to dig through my collection of eye candy to see if I can find a pic of Greyson and the main character (haven’t picked a name for him yet)

    I’m sympathising with the angst he’s feeling.

  17. Sherrill Quinn says:

    Can’t wait for more, T.A. This is sooo good. 🙂

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