He scowled. “Now you’re making assumptions. I’m not so vain as to believe I’m irresistible to all women.”
“Aren’t you though?” She lifted a brow. When he didn’t answer, she said, “I stand by my conclusion.”
He remained quiet as he twirled her around the floor effortlessly. Teddy had never actually danced at a ball. Her sister’s husband had offered, but Teddy had declined. If the viscount had given her a chance to refuse she would have with him a well. This dance, with him, left her breathless. She hated to admit it, but she was enjoying being in his arms. The dance was exhilarating, and the thrill would stay with her always. It would probably be the only time she danced, so she might as well take the time to memorize every detail.
“You’re very adept at misdirection,” he said. He sounded almost contemplative as he spoke. “You intrigue me.”
Teddy didn’t like the sound of that. Intrigued meant he would not give in easily. She had to find a way to discourage his attentions. Teddy was not in the market for a husband—even one as gorgeous and eligible as Viscount Carrolton. Though she doubted the rogue before her was about to propose marriage. It would be more likely for him to steal a kiss, or something more scandalous. She didn’t want to be a conquest any more than she did a wife. “I don’t mean to be fascinating, my lord. I’m sure your interest will wane in time.”
“It won’t,” he said with assurance. “Tell me something.”
“I make no promises,” she replied. “They’re too easy to break, but I’ll say this much: I’ll give your question consideration; however I may not answer.”
He chuckled softly. “I do adore your candor. What I’d like to know is why Lady Evelyn Andrews seems shocked I wanted to dance with you. Why is she acting as if you’re an outcast?”
“I am not certain I’ve made the acquaintance of that particular lady. The truth is I don’t pay much attention to societal norms and don’t care what any of them think of me.” His question had taken her by surprise, but only momentarily. She didn’t much care for any ladies of the ton or what they might think of her. “I’m here for my sister. I promised her I’d attend one season. After that, I plan on retiring to the country and living my life as I please.”
He quirked a brow. “You don’t wish to marry well and live a life of luxury at you husband’s expense?”
She laughed. A loud throaty chuckle that she couldn’t contain.
“Why do you find that hilarious?” he asked. He had a perplexed expression on his face. He must not be accustomed to ladies being contrary with him. Good. She hated doing what was expected. It was much better to keep people guessing. They were more likely to tread lightly or else be caught unawares, and in her experience, they also were more likely to leave her in peace.
“Not all women want to be trapped inside a marriage where a man has complete control over their life. I’d rather not be tortured in such a manner.”
He truly seemed puzzled by her answer. Most people she explained her belief to were, so it didn’t surprise her. “You have an interesting view of marriage. I’ve heard there are benefits to it.”
“For the men, perhaps.” She snorted. “My sister seems to be happy with her choice of husband. Marriage works for some, but I do believe that is the exception. Most marriages are ones of convenience, not love. My sister loves her husband and he adores her in return. I’ve not witnessed anything like it before. I don’t expect I’d be as lucky as her.”
“You don’t believe you are loveable?” His grip tightened a little at her waist and he missed a step. He corrected it immediately, but it hadn’t gone unnoticed by Teddy. Her assessment of her belief of love must have surprised him.
She tilted her head to the side. “I didn’t say that.” What was he trying to suggest?
“You implied it.” He twirled her around the floor again and then stopped at the edge of the dance floor as the last strands of music came to an end. “I think you’re giving up too soon. I admit I haven’t witnessed too many love-filled marriages, but I do know they exist.”
“I know they do as well. They’re too rare for me to risk entering into a marriage of my own. I cannot chance trapping myself and regretting it later.”
They walked along the edge of the dance floor. Something caught her attention and she turned toward it, then froze momentarily. It was him. The man who had attacked her. It was a face that she’d never forget and often found its way into her nightmares. She hadn’t crossed paths with him since that night, but then again, she rarely went out in society before this season. Of course her luck would have to run out…
She had to run. If he saw her… Teddy shook as she stared at him and prayed he didn’t glance her way. When he did what she feared most, she thought she’d collapse with the fear coursing through her. She reached for Viscount Carrolton and grasped his hand in hers and squeezed it tight. “Don’t leave me,” she whispered.
Ezra glanced across the room and frowned. What was she so afraid of? He couldn’t see anyone or anything that could have garnered such a reaction. He said the only thing he could. “I didn’t plan on going anywhere.” Her face had gone white and now had quite the crestfallen look to it. He removed his hand from hers and tucked her arm in the crook of his and
