He braced himself for her touch, but it made no difference. Once Tilly’s hand slipped into his, he felt himself soften toward her, and the walls fell.
“Lady Mischief,” he said, teasing. “Don’t worry, I’ll lead.”
“You are excellent at skipping,” she said, her smile spreading wide. “It’s a shame you don’t like dancing.”
They spun around the last couple, still holding each other’s hands before returning to their positions in line.
“Only with you,” he said, leaning in close to whisper.
The red blush on her cheeks bloomed, spreading down to the low cut of a beautiful dark-blue gown.
“Always with me,” she replied, her eyes meeting his.
“Always.”
He released her hand, instantly regretting having to do so. He fought the urge to glance at her again for the rest of the dance, then excused himself once the duke finished playing.
It was no use.
Henry couldn’t pretend he had no heart when she had very clearly stolen his.
CHAPTER 8
Tilly wiped at her nose and sniffed back her tears. She wished to be home. She wished to have Ethan tucked safely into the tightest hug.
But damn it all, what a horrible wicked man!
She raced down the hallway to her room, then slipped inside as she fumbled with the latch.
He pounded at her door.
“Go away, Roger.”
“Do not cause a scene,” he said, his voice a low menacing growl. “Open this door.”
Drat, the latch was stuck.
She threw her weight against it as he pushed it open. In the commotion, she heard a snap as he pushed the door into her back, and she stumbled to the floor. Tilly grasped her nose, gasping as she felt warm blood trickle through her fingers.
“Stand up,” he ordered.
Tilly scrambled backward, pushing to her feet and ducking around him to escape. “You can’t be in my room, Roger. You can’t…”
“You acted like a whore tonight. You try so hard to keep your reputation perfect when you and I both know the truth and now they do, too. They all know and so will London soon.”
“I have only ever done what you asked of me.”
“No, not everything.” He hauled her back, gripping her hair in his hand and whipping her head around to face him.
She bit back a scream, pain shooting down her neck.
“Not everything, but let me make this incredibly clear. You are disgusting. You haven’t an ounce of talent, and I am tired of carrying you for the rest of London. No, I will let you fail now. I will enjoy every second of your downfall. Women like you do not deserve happiness.”
He reached back and slapped her across her face. She stumbled away, then raced out of the room even though everything blurred before her, and she struggled to focus her vision. Dots flashed in front of her eyes as she raced forward, nearly tripping over her skirts.
She must find him. He would allow her to stay for a moment until she could gather herself.
Drawing up to Henry’s door, she wiped at her face, as she gasped and struggled to catch her breath. Her heart was pounding against her chest, and her nose was still bleeding, and now the left side of her face throbbed. She knocked against the door, trying her best to be quiet, to not fall apart.
All she wished was to disappear.
Henry grumbled from inside.
She knocked once more. If he didn’t answer the door quickly, another houseguest might discover her in the hallway.
Henry opened the door with his shirt unbuttoned, his tall body shadowing the doorway as she stared at him, struggling to stay calm.
Words froze on her tongue, and she waited for anything to happen before Henry reached for her and hauled her into his room, throwing his arm around her shoulder and drawing her close. Once inside, he stepped back and scanned her body, his eyes filling with rage.
“Please,” she whispered, trembling. “I need only a moment. I don’t wish to disturb you.”
“You will never bother me, Tilly. I need to know one thing.”
She nodded, tears brimming at her eyes as she gulped down another breath.
“Are you well enough for me to leave for a moment?”
