A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,65

suggesting anything of the sort. While aware his reputation as a rogue was well deserved, it no longer defined him. “Who is she to say anything?”

“You’re right,” Annabelle said after a brief pause.

Yet her verbal acknowledgement wasn’t enough. He needed to see her true response in her eyes. He led her into an alcove along the edge of the ballroom that allowed them limited privacy and turned her to face him.

“Do you have news?” The hopefulness in her tone made him sigh with frustration.

He was beginning to wonder if always changing the subject to the murders was merely a way for her to avoid speaking about their relationship. The mystery was a priority for him as well, but not above his concern for her. “Not as of yet. We hope to within the next day or two.” Neither he nor Aberland had been able to discover where Sir Alexander would be or when. His servants were apparently tight-lipped or else he didn’t follow an expected routine. But if he had to follow the man himself, he would.

“Time is running out.” She bit her lower lip, a sign of worry he recognized. He liked the realization that he knew her well enough to be familiar with some of her mannerisms.

“Need I remind you that even if another death were to occur, it wouldn’t be your fault?” He ran a finger along her jaw, halting at the corner of her mouth, and she released her lip.

“It feels as if it is.”

Her whispered confession pulled at him, making him wish he could halt whoever was behind the murders and bring him to justice. Thus far, that hadn’t been possible, if it ever would be. He was trying his best, but he was a rogue with no experience in such matters, nothing more. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to remind her of that.

“It’s not.” He held her gaze. “We will make it through this. Together.” Their betrothal might not have originally been part of his plan for the future, but he was enjoying her presence in his life. The thought of having her at his side forever brought a strange sense of peace that settled over him. Her imagination, intelligence, and resourcefulness were traits he admired. Her beauty and wit were the icing on the cake. How she was still unwed, given how delightful she was, remained a mystery, but he was grateful for it and even more grateful that she’d soon be his.

Her gaze fell to his mouth, and he couldn’t resist a brief kiss. Surely a betrothed couple was allowed that, but he hoped no one witnessed it. He didn’t want to cause Annabelle any issues. He drew back, pleased the odd light in her eyes had faded and the tightness in her expression had eased.

“Shall we dance?” he asked, though he wished there wasn’t a ballroom full of people to observe them. He simply wanted to hold her in his arms until both of them were comforted. She soothed his soul, and he hoped he might do the same for her someday.

She smiled, this one more genuine, then nodded. “I’d be delighted.”

They’d lingered long enough that a set was already in progress, so they waited until the next one began, watching the dancers until the music finally ended.

At last it was their turn. She was the perfect partner compared to most. Her graceful moves were a sight to behold. She followed his lead as they joined hands to turn before releasing each other.

It didn’t take long for desire to rise as her gaze held his. He searched for something to say, hoping conversation would distract him from the need pulsing through his body. The sooner they married the better, but for now, he needed a distraction.

“I nearly forgot to mention the progress on your latest creation,” he said, careful how he chose his words, not wanting anyone who listened to realize of what they spoke.

Her eyes widened, but the dance prevented her from speaking until they joined together again. “And?”

He frowned, unable to resist teasing her. “I don’t know how you did it.” He paused both for effect and because the dance took them apart before bringing them together. Her frustration was nearly palpable as her gaze held on him. “But it’s even better than the first. I couldn’t put it down. Your talent amazes me.”

To his shock, she blinked back tears. That wasn’t the reaction he’d intended. She glanced about as if to see if anyone noticed her reaction.

“What is