Chapter l48

Chapter 0048

Without thought, I placed my hand in Nicholas’s waiting one, and let him tug me away from Julian’s arms

and into his own

He was good at leading, even more so than Julian, Watching him, trusting his quidance, I didn’t need to count my steps anymore. I simply followed him as we danced around the ballroom.

Despite our closeness, he didn’t utter one word. In fact, he seemed mostly irritable, glaring at the rest of the world while pointedly avoiding looking at me.

I felt guilty and unsure. Why would he choose to dance with me if he didn’t want to?

“We could end our dance early.” I offered.

His grip on me tightened: “No”

Okay

wracked my brain for something to get him to speak to me. Or, at the very least, look at me.

Then I remembered, this was the perfect time to mention Elva’s fears. Here, I had his ear away from the

other girls

“Elva has been a bit upset,” I said.

Finally, his gaze snapped to me “What? Why?

Lena disapproved of Elva waving at you the other day. Things were said Now Elva believes you don’t

like her anymore, no matter how much I try to talk her out of it”

do like her,” Nicholas said, indignant

Vamled a little “i know, but it’s much harder to convince her.”

culas thought on it for a moment, his face stem with concentration

My whole rat med He was treating her worry with such careful consideration Surely he many other

Stangs

ngs to worry about

Thdance with her next he said at leat with rality

My fondness for by

ip of l

“The servants might not like the change in whether

“They’ll work around it,” he said. “I’ll apologize later.”

“You don’t have to do that. You can wait for later.”

He searched my face. Tm already breaking the order, Piper,”

I supposed I already knew that, deep inside my brain, but to hear him openly acknowledge it sent me for loop I had to double check to make sure we weren’t flying.

There was something about this place, the large ballroom with the live orchestra and everyone in their gowns and tuxedos. It felt magical, almost. Like anything could happen.

Even forgiveness

Nicholas looked especially handsome tonight, wearing a form–fitting black tuxedo with golden, princely embellishments I could have stared at him for hours. I could have danced with him well into the dawn.

But too soon, our song ended and it was time to change partners.

I was disappointed until I remembered his proclaimed next partner.

He held his arm for me, then led me to the edge of the floor where Elva was spinning around with the nanny. After nodding at me, he let my arm drop.

Then he approached Elva. He dropped to one knee. “Princess, may I have this dance?”

Her eyes were wide as saucers. She smiled so big she laughed. “Yes!”

Elva wasn’t included in the dance training, so she knew none of the proper moves. That mattered little to Elva or Nicholas

He spun her whichever way she wanted to spin, then lifted her up into his arms to lead her in the dance Her legs dangled, kicking a little as she mimicked the steps.

“He’s going to make such a great father,” one of the girls said, swooning.

I couldn’t help but agree. He was so sweet and gentle with Elva and her fragile little heart that I began to tear up

Twished Nicholas could have been in her life from the start. Maybe she wouldn’t have known so much heartache if she had a father figure like him to keep her safe.

To keep us both safe

shook the thought away. Whatever relationship I could have had with Nicholas was long gone Bul maybe he’d be willing to keep being friends with Elva?