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“Who is that?” he asked, watching for Michael’s reaction.

It was a risk to bring it up so plainly, but he had waited long enough.

Michael glanced behind him vaguely, his stance completely wrong, all forced indifference when his body language suggested he was brimming with nervous energy. “Who?”

“The lady leaving the room now, the one in the dark blue gown. Do you know her? I saw you looking at her earlier.”

Michael barely spared her a glance before looking back at Seth, his lips trembling a little as his teeth came out to bite his lower lip. “I don’t believe so.”

Seth brought his port up to his lips, fighting to remain calm.

There is no doubt that is Nicole Forsythe, or the woman who called herself by such a name. Michael would recognize her as much as I would, so why is he pretending he has not seen her?

As he watched her leave, she turned, her eyes landing on Michael.

Michael did not see the look she threw his way, but Seth did. He would never forget it for as long as he lived.

It washorrified.

CHAPTER 32

Alicia was enjoying herself immensely. She had never received so many compliments on a gown in her life.

Bridget and Katie flanked her as they watched the dancing couples.

The number of different costumes was surprising. Usually, at least some of the ladies would have come in similar clothing, but tonight everyone appeared unique.

A court jester twirled in the center of the room with a young blonde, who was laughing melodically at everything he said. He was very handsome, tall and well-built, and Alicia watched him circle the room. She knew that he was a friend of Seth’s, but she could not recall his name.

Suddenly, Bridget and Katie stepped back from her, and she looked at them in surprise just as Seth appeared at her side, his hand outstretched.

There was a fire in his eyes—he looked furious.

“Dance with me, wife,” he barked.

Alicia barely had time to give her glass to Bridget before she was dragged into the melee.

The music was lively, and the dance was already in full swing, couples twirling about the floor.

In the effortless way he had done before, Seth seamlessly glided between them and pulled her against him as he fell into step as easily as breathing.

“If you must admire my friends, at least do not do it in my vicinity,” he growled.

Alicia glared at him. “I beg your pardon?”

“I am well aware of Oakley’s charms. I have watched him use them for over a decade.”

“Who is Oakley?” she asked, bewildered.

“The court jester you could not keep your eyes off.”

Alicia deliberately stomped on his foot, and he frowned at her.

“I was trying to recall his name—what has come over you?”

Seth’s jaw clenched, his eyes darting to the doorway. “Nothing,” he bit out. “I simply do not enjoy watching my wife being fawned over by all and sundry.”

“Well, which is it,Your Grace?Am I being fawned over or attempting to pursue your friends? Please enlighten me, so I know which activity to desist from. Or should I simply stand in the corner and face the wall?”