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“It seems that telling the truth bothers you, My Lady.”

“It’s not so much about telling the truth—still debatable, by the way—but you telling it in front of everyone.”

James wanted to say something, something clever, something to tease her and make her blush. But he saw Lord Gretington move toward his father, and his back went rigid. That man was known for his cruel nature.

“I am worried about your well-being, My Lord,” Diana teased. “You passed up a perfect opportunity to torment me. You are not going soft on me now, are you?”

James heard her taunt, and his soul rejoiced at her banter, but he was after a different kind of prey, ready to pounce if his father showed any sign of distress. He would not allow Solomon to lose it and make a fool of himself, dragging his name down with him.

“James?” Diana’s voice cut through the tension. “Is everything all right?”

James heard the genuine concern in her voice, and it wrecked him. He decided to trust Richard to do his job and focused on her. Diana deserved as much.

He exhaled slowly, forcing his grip on her to relax slightly. His eyes flickered back to hers, searching, finding, lingering. She wasn’t merely filling the silence with idle chatter. She wasn’t teasing him for sport. She was asking out of real concern.

“It’s nothing, My Lady.”

“Lying does not become you, My Lord,” she huffed.

“A bold accusation, My Lady.”

“I am quite bold tonight, have you not noticed?” she quipped, tilting her chin up ever so slightly.

James exhaled again, this time smoothing his expression with a smile. A genuine one.

“I am sure you know my father’s… situation.”

“I do.” Diana nodded encouragingly.

“I am not totally certain that this is not… out of his depth. It’s been too long since he was last among the ton.”

“I of all people should know how cruel rumors can be.”

Of course, she would understand. Of course, she, of all people, would know what it meant to be the subject of whispered speculation, the quiet mockery behind polite smiles.

James’s grip on her loosened further. He nodded, and she smiled softly. Then, he pulled her closer with a dark look. He wanted to show her that he was completely focused on her now.

Oh, he was focused alright.

His hand, which was resting firmly on the small of her back, ached to wander, to explore. Like it did back in the gazebo. His eyes strayed to her full lips, and he longed to kiss them so badly, to swallow the little sounds she made when he pressed his body against hers.

“You seem a little tense, My Lord,” Diana teased breathlessly, betraying her desire.

“With you in my arms, how can I resist, My Lady?” He gave her the most seductive smile.

“We are merely dancing,” Diana whispered.

“No. Youmerelydanced with all the other men tonight,” he murmured, his fingers drawing small circles on the base of her spine. “But none of them know how it is totrulyhold you.”

“You are insufferable!” Diana inhaled.

“And yet I am the one suffering.”

“I didn’t peg you as melodramatic, Lord Crawford.”

“Oh, but Iamsuffering.” James’s dark eyes boldly roamed over her body.

“You are being awfully bold,” she scolded, but her voice lacked heat.