On the other hand, why should she care whathe thought?
The music ended and Carlo straightened andhelped Juliette to her feet so that they could take their bows. Theapplause was deafening and she smiled gratefully before leaving thestage and making her way back to the dressing room. She pushed thedoor shut behind her but it was stopped. She turned and recognizedCarlo’s hand grasping the edge. He was the last person she wishedto speak with at the moment.
He pushed it open and stepped inside.
“Please go.” Her emotions were too raw frombeing hurt by Acker and now angry with Carlo. She wanted to yell,scream and throw things. Never had she wanted to do this before butthese two made her want to display all forms of irrationalbehavior. Perhaps that is why her mother kept them from beinginvolved with men, who apparently were untrustworthy.
“I would have a word with you, Juliette.” Thedoor clicked as he closed it behind him.
Juliette stiffened her spine and glared athim. Perhaps it was best to have this discussion now. “Why did youkiss me?”
He stepped further into the room, his eyesdarkened to almost black. “Don’t you know how much I desireyou?”
Juliette couldn’t keep her mouth from poppingopen. “Pardon?”
He slipped his hands around her waist andpulled her close. “I’ve longed for you for so long and I am tiredof waiting to declare myself.”
He lowered his face toward hers and Julietteturned her head before his lips could touch their intended target.They landed on her cheek instead and she pushed against his chest.“Let me go. You do not know what you are speaking of.”
“Yes, I do.” He muttered, his lips grazingher neck.
His arms were like a steel band that shecould not break from. “Let me go,” she yelled.
Carlo straightened. “Why, so you can be withyour English lover?” He scowled at her.
“He is not my lover,” Juliette defended.
“I saw you with him, yesterday andtoday.”
“You saw us talking.”
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. “I was inthat room before you knew I was there. He had you laid out, hishand up your skirt.”
Heat infused her face.
“I retreated to save you the embarrassmentand was louder in my return.”
“You are mistaken,” Juliette offered weaklybut how could she deny the truth.
“He wasn’t wearing his jacket, waistcoat orboots. Most gentlemen remain fully clothed when calling on a woman,unless he has other intentions.”
“I was attempting to teach him ballet. Hisclothing was too confining.”
Carlo snorted and clearly didn’t believe her.“Today he had his hands on your breast while you sought shelterfrom the rain.”
Oh Lord, he had seen. “Are you followingme?”
“It was not my intention to do so. I justhappened to come across you.”
“It was a mistake,” Juliette admitted.
Carlo loosened his hold. “I knew he would useyou for his pleasure.”
“It is not like that!”
“No?” he raged. “I’ve danced with you formonths. My hands have caressed almost every inch of your body. I’veached for you and your mother denied me the opportunity to courtyou.”
The venom of his tone struck her. “Mymother?” Juliette stepped back until her legs were pressed againstthe dressing table.
He prowled toward her. “I was not goodenough.” Carlo yanked her to his body again. His hard lengthpressed against her stomach. She had never experienced such fromhim and never expected that Carlo wanted her.
“It appears only a lord is worthy enough. Atleast my intentions were honorable. I would have married you. Heonly wishes to turn you into his whore.”
Juliette got her hand free and slapped hisface. How dare he call her such a vile name? She had done nothingto deserve this behavior.
He didn’t react but grasped her hand. “Let melove you, Juliette.” His tone softened and he let loose of herhand. “I’ve loved you for so long.”
Juliette pulled back and stared at him. Shehad never considered that Carlo felt anything more than friendship.Had she, would their relationship have deepened? Would she haveeven noticed Lord Acker?
As much as she tried, she could not see Carloin the role of her lover or husband. Her feelings for him were notamorous. Besides his temper was volatile and she did not want tolive a life where she feared doing or saying something that wouldbring about his anger. “I am sorry, Carlo.”
His eyes darkened and his grip tightened onceagain. The fear she experienced earlier returned. Certainly hewould not harm her over a rejection, would he?
“Unhand her now.”
Juliette glanced over Carlo’s shoulder tofind Acker standing in the doorway. She had not even heard him comein.
Carlo loosened his hold and slowly turned.“She does not want you, Viscount.”
Juliette took the opportunity to slip awayfrom Carlo and edged to the side of the room, away from bothmen.
“Apparently she does not want you either,”Acker smirked.
“Both of you please, go.”
They turned in unison to look at her.
“I am not going to leave you alone with him,”Acker insisted.
Juliette wasn’t so certain she wanted to bealone with Carlo, ever again. She certainly would never share thestage with him after tonight. “Please go, Carlo.”
He lifted an eyebrow and smirked but did notmove from his spot. “Are you so certain?”
A crowd of spectators had gathered outside ofher door and were peering in. Oh, she wanted the lot of them gone.The day had been trying enough and now this. “Please go?” she askedagain.
Carlo stepped toward the door. “We are notdone, you and I.”
Juliette closed her eyes and sank down onto achair. There was a soft click of the door. It was too much to hopethat Lord Acker had left as well.
“He did not hurt you, did he?”
Juliette shook her head. “No.” She stood;ready to leave once she changed her clothing. “I had no idea. ..”
“You did not realize he wanted you?” Ackerquestioned as he settled into a seat beside the door.
Juliette wheeled on him, frowning. “Of coursenot. He said nothing and we have been partners for months.”
Acker chuckled. “Do you know so little aboutmen?”
His question struck a chord within her.“Apparently,” she snapped and turned to get her dress and stopped.Her dressing room was empty. All of her personal items and clothingwere gone. The only things that remained were her boots, cloak
