Catastrophic Attraction - Eve Langlais Page 0,81

regret it later, but she let her shields down just a little, worried that the other crawling fingers that had been touching since her arrival might sneak in.

Don’t worry. The thought brushed over her, and an even stronger shield settled over her head, easing her mental strain instantly as every other poking presence disappeared. She almost sighed in relief.

“Let’s dance.”

The actual words had her blinking at Roark as they suddenly swept into motion. But she didn’t stumble. She moved in rhythm with him, just a gentle nudge all she needed to follow his every move.

There was a cadence to the movements that followed the tempo from the musicians. She found herself falling easily into it, her feet tripping along with Roark in complicated steps then gaining in confidence. It soon became obvious how she could move her body a little extra to give a snap to the motions. A shimmy that made the sequins glitter. A roll of her hips for that extra sultry hint.

But the most entrancing part of the dance turned out to be his gaze. He kept his eyes on her, his darkness around her like a protective blanket. And she appreciated it.

Her lips curved into a smile, and she moved a bit closer to him like she’d seen the other dancers do. As the music shifted, so did she, whirling to give him her back, her gaze tracking the room, yet all too aware he moved behind her. His hands rested on her hips, and he leaned in to whisper against her ear, “The duke is in the crowd by the bar.”

Her eyes shifted to glance, but her awareness remained on Roark. She wasn’t the only one utterly intrigued.

Whipping around, she cast him a saucy smile. “I really should go check my hair.” She winked and then sashayed away, heading for the bar and the drink she needed after that dancing.

The coldest beverage they had.

As she passed the duke with his sleek hair and square nose, she made sure to ignore the older gentleman and his entourage. Completely.

She waited until she had a drink in her hand before she turned around, hating every moment she pretended. In Emerald, she’d always been herself. Even when she relocated to the Marsh, she didn’t let anyone try and change her into something she wasn’t.

However, Casey of Haven wasn’t what would get the job done tonight. This was a task for the countess. She took a sip of her drink, doing her best to not grimace at the sweetness of it.

She noticed the duke stared at her. She wondered if his white hair was because of age or genes. Charlie’s had a bit more gold to it. With the duke’s attention captured, she waited.

He moved toward her. Those standing nearest fell away to let him approach. She ignored the whispers for the most part, except one to her left.

“The nerve of the upstart bringing his slut.”

Casey turned and stared the woman in the eye. “That’s Countess to you, and close confidant of the king. Who are you supposed to be exactly?” Casey gave a disdainful sniff before the other woman could reply. “No one. Go away. The truly important people need to talk.”

“Why you—”

“Leave,” the duke ordered.

The woman paled. “Yes, Your Grace.” She dropped into a curtsy before practically running off with her friend.

Casey took another sip of the awful wine and eyed the duke. She didn’t curtsy or bow. She wasn’t sure which was appropriate, so she did nothing.

“Hello,” he said. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“You wouldn’t remember if we had,” she said with a smile. He didn’t know how true that statement was given how many people she’d killed.

“Might I inquire your name?”

“Casey.”

“I’m Duke Aqunium.”

“I know.”

“And where are you from, Casey?”

She leaned in close before whispering, “Are you really going to pretend you’re that dense? You know who I came with, and you want to know why.” She pulled away.

He held the same pleasant expression. “We should go somewhere a touch more private to discuss it.”

“By all means. Lead the way.” She looped her arm around his and felt a tickle along her mind.

What are you doing? It felt and sounded like Roark.

She had no idea how to reply, so she thought it. Having a chat with the duke.

They exited the busy room into a hall that grew empty the farther they went. She didn’t worry. The man by her side carried no weapon. Although she did wonder what kind of magic he wielded. His confidence reminded her