“Dalton?” She whispers his name as he leans down and captures her mouth in a sweet, gentle kiss.
He is the first to break away, and she immediately feels the distance. Disappointment flashes through her body, “Would you think badly of me if I told you I have a desperate desire to skip the ball and spend the evening in your arms.”
His throaty laugh causes chills to break out over her body. “No, only a fool would have a problem with that, and I am no fool, Cassie. Our timing seems to be off though because I have to be at the ball tonight for business.”
“Of course, Dalton. I understand.” She turns away to put some space between them.
“No, you don't. Thanks to you my meeting went well today, but they are expecting me tonight. We don't have to stay all night, just long enough to appease the shareholders.”
“That's wonderful news. I'm glad I could help, but you did all the work, Dalton.” She says with a soft smile full of pride for him.
“Cassie you shouldn’t smile at me like that.”
Her eyes widen a fraction when he steps toward her, but she doesn’t meet him this time. He jerks her towards him this time with no gentleness. Something in him wants to claim her for himself and make her forget everything but the feel of his mouth.
Their mouths clash, and she feels his rough, calloused hands on her skin. She slips her hands up his neck and into his hair, and now her body is raging with passion and longing. A moan of desire rumbles in his chest, and she moans in ecstasy when his tongue delves inside her mouth.
Finally, he thinks. Mine, his heart tells him. He draws back and stares hard at her. “Next time, Cassie I won’t stop.” He walks off, leaving her standing with a hand to her flushed lips. “It’s time to go.”
She doubts if he will feel that way after she tells him her all the secrets in her past. Cassie collects her wrap and pulls it close around her trying to ward off the chill in her body. She takes a deep breath and follows him to the door. Before he opens the door, she turns to him.
“Dalton, I hope that when this is over, we will part as friends, but I can't give you more than that.”
“We will see, Cassandra.”
Chapter 14
The Palace Ball
The Palace Ball is a political event meant to bolster donations for the war effort. Senators, heads of state, Fashion designers, and the elite of the elite are here ready to have a good time.
The ball opens with the promenade. Couples march around the grand ballroom to the sound of the orchestra. Cassie is very nervous. She imagines a wall around her body to block her mind from everyone's thoughts as the book taught her. In a few days, she will be far away from here and finally begin her new life. The gowns around them are gorgeous, and Cassie is proud to be by Dalton's side.
Dukes and Duchesses present perfect pictures of poise and Cassie decides she would rather be under the stars with Dalton again.
He leans close and whispers, “No one’s on the roof, if we are quick, we could disappear?”
A stunned look appears on her face, did he read her mind? “How did you know what I was thinking?” she asks.
“Cassie I can read you like a book. It was easy, you had a dreamy look on your face. The same one you wore last night,” he teases.
Her blush delights him, and she smiles up at him. “You surely are a mystery to me, Mr. Rivers.”
As they make a second round, he inquires, “Are you fond of mysteries, Mrs. Rivers?” He asks reminding her once again of the charade they play.
“Not overly, but in you, I find a puzzle that screams to be solved.”
“Ah, Cassie, you just have to ask the right questions.” With that, he delivers her to the side of the ballroom reserved for the married ladies. Most married women don't dance and rarely with their husbands.
Cassie takes in all the sights. The dancing is fantastic and mesmerizing to watch. All unmarried ladies are twirling while the men stare in awe. Bare shoulders glisten, and perfume floats through the room. She turns to answer questions about her dress and the designer, her husband's occupation and as soon as she mentions ranching the conversation lags. The ladies talk about fashion and the men talk about the effect the war has had on business.
Most of those here are the elite and everyone has an agenda. Cassie is beginning to feel the pressure of all the people about her. She picks up the snippet of comments and the wishes of those hoping to get a proficient match for their daughters. Some of the men's lustful thoughts regarding some of the young girls break through Cassie's wall, and she starts to shake.
Dalton keeps an eye on Cassie from across the ballroom. In his mind, she is the most beautiful woman in the palace ballroom. How he wishes they were on his ranch, under the stars. He imagines peeling that gorgeous dress from her body and wonders what he would see beneath it? He can almost taste her skin, the salty sweetness that he has come to savor.
Cassie's eyes snap to his, and a smile curves her lips. She wishes they were far away from all the prying eyes and political pressures. She imagines him watching her step from her dress. Would he be surprised to find a
