Chapter 106

“Uh huh,” Mendora nodded, not paying any mind to the repetition on Solaire’s part. Viewing it as an opportunity to delve into her thoughts without interruption or push back. She segued immediately with, “we can formulate a savoury story as to why the marriage cannot be held and eventually we’d both be free to pursue other conquests.” Her tongue weighing down in her mouth as the sentence came to an end.

Was it easy to think of Solaire lusting after another woman? No. Did she want to have it done before her own eyes. Of course not. But she planned to leave once Teresa is married and spend her days with her brother. It would dull the pain of seeing Solaire. Although, she could not tell which was more painful, seeing him or the thought of not seeing him at all.

This was the right decision though. She could not hold a man to a promise when he didn’t love her, especially when she was yet to deal with her own fickle emotions.

“Then are we to pretend in the meantime?” her jaw was clenching, his palms sweating to dampen the rising temperature of his skin.

“We’ve never been above a good charade,” the waltz was coming to an end and she stepped out of his touch.

“And what are we to pretend to be then? Lovers turned enemies?” he needed clarification on where her mind was. Did she truly hate him now?

“An apt description is it not?” her smile dropped and he was afforded a glimmer of her true feelings. A clear display of disappointment and weariness.

“Is that truly what you desire?” he stepped closer, aware that to everyone staring that they were having a disagreement. Her back undeniably steeled, the rise and fall of her shoulders visible to the naked eye and every macocious bystander. And he knew he appeared absolutely livid. “to pronounce to the world that we are over?” How could she proclaim to love him and now decide to toss him aside without a chance?

“I would think my running away would have been clear that it was over.” She swallowed hard, “especially since I had not reached out to you,” and nor had he tried to reach out to her. There was no word of it, from her conversations with everyone it seemed that life carried on as usual in her absence which she should have expected. It still hurt though.

Solaire grinned, his chest reverberating from the action as his eyes roamed the ceiling above her head, “Dearest Mendora,” the words vibrating with his laughter until his eyes were drawn to hers once more, he leaned down further, “Its only over if I say it is.” Not a hint of the humour left on his person as he breathed the words against her lips. Mendora instantly stepped back, taking a view of the room.

“Show a little decorum,” she hissed, praying to the Gods that he alone heard the words. Her chest heaving, the neckline of her dress pressing into her skin with every breath she inhaled. Repeating to herself that she could not get drawn into him again. It would not be right. No matter how much her body seemed to be betraying the logical workings of her mind.

“I think the time for that has gone,” he weaved his arms behind his back, straightening as a reminder to himself to not touch her in public. She was right even if he didn’t want to admit it. He could not be made to touch her carelessly in the eyes of the ton, not while they were yet to be wed. And wed they would be. “we made a promise to each other, Mendora,” he exhaled bit of frustration overflowing in his chest. “You’ll not be able to break it by simply running away for a bit. I am many things and I assure you patient is one of them,” especially now that she was within his reach and if she were to disappear again he’d have clues on where to search.

“I’d sooner marry another man before I marry you,” her arms crossing over her chest instinctively. A barrier between them to prevent him from noticing just how much she was shaking.

“Ohhh,” the sound bled into a menacing laugh, his eyes reducing to slits, “I fucking dare you,” If she thought that he’d sit back and allow her to forsake him, she was sorely mistaken. He loved her, she loved him. That was not a connection he’d allow to float away so easily. Neither will he ever silently be made to watch her be with another man.

“You’re lucky I take marriage seriously, because I am not above defying you just for the sake it,” her eyes narrowed in turn and she exhaled, a gust of air relieved from her lungs.

Solaire licked his lips in preparation for his own response but instead another voice permeated the space.

“Miss Garrick,” they both turned to the source heralding Mendora’s attention, “should you need a partner for the next dance?” It was Finn and his eyes were not trained on Mendora. Not in the slightest. He fixated himself at her side, sizing Solaire up.

So this was the infamous Marquess. As much as Finn did not want to admit it. The man posed a marvellous sight. Almost God like with his towering height, broad shoulders and jarring jaw line. It was not difficult to understand just why women flocked to him. All the stories Finn had heard of the man’s power to draw the female attention was instantly marked as truth in his mind. This was a man who had it all. A fierce title, youth and good looks. Not to mention his proficiency, which made him an inspiration to many men in the ton too.

But Finn himself was not an unsightly man. Regardless of his looks and accomplishments Solaire could not see any other colour but red. There was a familiarity in the way he moved beside Mendora and more disturbingly, in the manner she relaxed at his side.

“Weren’t you otherwise preoccupied tonight?” Finding his presence completely a surprise, Mendora hadn’t time to really internalise the question posed to her through his interruption.

“I thought my mind would be better appreciated here,” Finn responded, turning his attention easily to her, aware that his gaze was softening. He truly meant that he would serve more purpose for Tristan but however it came off to the Marquess was of no consequence to him.

Solaire lowered his head and stifled his smile. “I do not believe we’ve been introduced,” Finn rotated to formally acknowledge Solaire.

“We haven’t,” Solaire could not wipe the smug grin off his face, “Solaire Gideon Demaris, The Marquess of Lansdowne and,” he shot Mendora a challenging smirk,

“Mendora’s betrothed,” he cleared his throat following the rise in his voice on the last two words, “I am certain you’ve been introduced to at least that fact,”

“Vaguely, yes,” Finn answered nonchalantly. “Finn Grueland,” he introduced himself, although he had a sneaking suspicion that Solaire already knew him. The Marquess’ reputation preceded him as a man who was not particularly prone to emotional outbursts. His response came pretty close though and the questions Finn had regarding their relationship swarmed his head once more.

“Good,” Solaire nodded, “then you’ll be capable of understanding that Mendora cannot accept your offer to stand up with her in the next sequence,” He pronounced her name as if he had coined it and as if it belonged on his lips alone. To Solaire both could very well be true.

“One dance is harmless,” Finn returned his gaze to Mendora but she was eyeing Solaire through hooded eyes. A usual aura emanating from her. Finn had never seen this side of her. In edge and unable to relax. To find that another person was able of drawing her out from her easy-going façade was boggling and a bit troubling, if he was being fair to himself.

“I assure you it won’t be,” His gaze stony, eyes begging Finn to defy him. To insist on so much as holding her hand.

“Solaire is right,” Mendora broke the spell between the men and Finn could not help but notice her use of his name, “The ton is rather chatty, and it’s better not to end up in any gossip pages when we are trying to quietly end the engagement,” another bomb to Finn and he could not understand their relationship. Not from the pieces he’d been forcing to fit together.

“For the last time, ending the engagement is not on my list.” Solaire brushed her ridiculous comment away and he needed Finn to note his interest. His determination.

“Your list matters not to me, “ Mendora rolled her eyes.

“I thought I mattered to you,” sending a secret code via their gaze and Mendora knew he was speaking of the night she foolishly confessed to be in love with him.

“A misinterpretation of my feelings,” she pushed the words out through clenched teeth.

“We’ll see,” Solaire responded with an optimistic smirk.