Chapter 87: LUCIEN - Meralee at a Masquerade

Valentine Manse, Meadowbrook, Grier Country

LUCIEN

Anna’s masquerade was always the event of the season. This year was no exception. The massive ballroom was brimming with a colorful array of gowned guests.

It’s been quite sometime since I’ve been face-to-face with my quarry.

Miss Carter. At the Hallow’s Eve Ball.

Since then the chit’s been watching me with a wary eye. Every ball, every luncheon, every gala of any kind she attended, she’d spot him first thing to study his movements. She knows I’m up to something.

Clever woman.

Tonight, he felt the exact moment she glided through the doors.

Meralee Elaine Carter entered between the large oaken doors of Valentine Manor on the arms of, reportedly two of the most eligible bachelors in London.

Fortunately for me, they’re her brothers. The Lords Carter. From the look on her face, she’d noticed him just as fast.

She senses me. As the night progressed, he lost track of conversations as the lithesome woman moved about the dance floor.

Feral amber eyes tracing her every movement with undisguised hunger. He saw her shiver and spare him a quick glance over the curve of one delicate shoulder.

No promise for seduction in this one. He thought ruefully. Frowning as he slid on his white mask.

The masquerade was loud and flamboyant. An array of hooped skirts and swishing bustles.

The presence of the Lords Carter are not going to make my task any easier. He was aware.

It was well-known, Drake and Noran had a tendency to hover protectively over their little sister.

Which is unfortunate. So, it was that the brilliant lights, the shine of satin, and the glow of flirtation, were doused for Lucien as his frustration at his inability to get closer to the woman, mounted.

Meralee watched the belles of the ball with a cautious eye. A twinge of envy jerking her lips as those girls tittered in laughter.

Blatantly flirting.

Because they’re so freely themselves. He caught her thoughts whisking by.

Why can’t you be freely yourself, Little Viper?

But as he walked the border of the dance floor, his head lowered as he studied her with the assessing eyes of his wolf. He noticed her caution. Her discomfort at being surrounded by the crowd. Her walls unyieldingly in place. And willing to ferociously defend them when someone infringes.

Contrary creature. Envying those open girls. Yet so careful not to be one…He draped a hand along the back of one white pillar. Pressing a cheek to the stone. Wishing he could feel its cold comfort as he considered the complex woman.

This evening is passing dreadfully monotonously. Unfortunately, even as he thought it, he caught giggling laughter close by.

Too close. He turned but before he could escape their path, a gaggle of ambitious ladies closed in.

As they did on Hallow’s Eve. He recognized. Gut sinking.

A few caressed his arm lovingly, sighing breathlessly.

Cringing he tried to sidestep their overt advances, but they preened in response. A glance over one curly head, revealed Meralee’s dark eyes intent on him.

Curiosity written over her face. She inauspiciously made her way toward him. Offering a nod, or a “hello” to those she passed. Eyes on her target.

Me.

What are you up to, Woman?

She wants to know why these women are so intent on me. She’s intrigued. His chest swelled.

Widow Valentine’s red head emerged to intercept the tall brunette. “You came!”

Dammit! Let her come to me.

I was so curious to see what she’d have to say!

“Only because you and Nora are my dearest friends!” Mera smiled fondly at the smaller woman. Opening her mouth but Anna cut her off.

“No Nora tonight.” Anna shook her head.

Mera’s shoulders slumped as she deflated. “Damn Worthington.” She muttered. Worrying her lip.

“You’re over-reacting.” Anna took her hands and gave her a bright smile. “She sometimes retreats to avoid Worthington. You know how she can be. It doesn’t mean he’s threatening her again.”

“Doesn’t mean he’s not.” Mera countered. Eyes narrowing as he tilted her body to keep an eye on Lucien. “She shouldn’t have to worry about him.”

“What’s over there?” Anna pressed her cheek to Mera’s to follow her gaze.

Mera shrugged.

“Oh…” Anna’s dimples appeared. “He’s over there, isn’t he? Lord Sabias?”

“I’m concerned he might be.”

Concerned?

You know full well I am. To emphasize the point, he couldn’t resist stepping through the girls to meet her smooth brown gaze. His white silk shirt flowing around him. Billowing out into long sleeves, buttoned at the cuffs. A striped vest was fitted against his chest and abdomen. Enhancing his tanned silhouette. Black breeches emphasizing long muscled legs.

“Very masculine, isn’t he?” Anna whispered, unaware he could pick up the subtleties of her voice. “Like a dark stallion.” She looked from him to Mera. “Look at how he’s looking at you!”

Precisely.

“I don’t know who that is, Anna. He’s wearing a mask.” Mera said dismissively.

The hell you don’t! You’ve spent weeks watching me. Lucien disregarded the scrap of white shielding his dark eyes and upper nose. A piece he’d chosen because it contrasted with the warm gold of his flesh. Tiny gold hoops dangled from his ear. Proclaiming him a pirate for the night.

“It’s him.” Anna said confidently. “As a brigand. It could be no other.”

“Irony at its best.” Miss Carter’s lip curled.

I’m not missing her meaning.