Page 5 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“A mother is not the same as a brother.” Olivia shook her head at him. “And in any case, I am sure that an evening away from your dreary London townhouse will do you a world of good.”

Her words were the same she had used all those weeks ago to convince him to attend the ball in the first place.

“You never do anything fun, Alexander, and I want you there,” she had said weeks before. “You are my older brother and dearest friend. I do not want to go without you.”

“I am sure my company will only be a burden, dearest sister.” Alexander touched the scar that ran along the side of his face.

The scar had faded to a pale, thin line in the years since he had first received the wound. It split his right eyebrow in half and ran across his face, culminating in an indent in his upper lip.

At least it doesn’t hurt anymore.

He shook his head, trying not to think about the blade that had given him his monstrous appearance.

The smell of blood and sounds of screams seemed to well up within him. He heard the dying gasp of a man, felt the slick, warm blood on his fingers.

I did what I had to.

“Brother, how can you say that? You, who have always kept me safe!” Olivia reached towards him, her eyes imploring. “Please, please say you will come with me. I am sure it will be a delightful evening. Besides, Emberly House is altogether too dreary to be shut in it forever.”

“I am hardly shut in the house forever.” Alexander folded his arms across his chest, feeling his temper rise. “I am oft away for business. And I visit Emberly Castle almost weekly.”

Alexander knew it was unusual for him to spend so much time in their London townhouse, rather than their family seat. Emberly House afforded him the privacy and seclusion he needed in a way that Emberly Castle simply did not.

“That is hardly the same thing as a social engagement. Life should be lived, my dearest Alexander, not viewed.” Olivia gave him a flat, unimpressed look that made his chest tighten.

The look was his father’s, made all the more unnerving because of her resemblance to their mother. Yet, there was theflat, unimpressed look his father had worn when someone had said or done something disagreeable.

Alexander turned away from her, guilt and anger overcoming him. “What would you know of it? What have you seen of life? There is nothing for me, and I will speak no more of this. Go to the damned ball, but pray, do not beg me to attend with you. I have better things to do.”

He heard her sharp intake of breath and expected her to do as he asked. Shame and fury coursed through his body as he waited for the telltale sound of the door closing.

Instead, he felt her warm hand on his arm.

Olivia spoke quietly, her voice full of kindness. “Brother, how are people supposed to see the truth if you will give them nothing to see? If you would but give them the opportunity to know you as I do, then that would put all the silly rumors to bed once and for all. I am sure of it.”

Alexander moved away from her touch, guilt cutting through his tempest of emotions, quieting his rage. “You only see the good in me, and I love you for that, but the world is not like you. You are too good and pure.” Sighing, he turned towards her. “I must apologize. I should not have lost my temper. You did not deserve such treatment. Will you forgive me?”

I am a monster, and you simply cannot see it.

“I will always forgive you, Brother dearest.” Olivia hesitated, then grinned impishly. “But if you would like to make amends, you will escort me to the ball.”

Alexander gaped at her, then laughed.

Of course, only my little Olive would be so bold.

“Fine, I shall do as you ask. I will accompany you to the ball. Though do not expect me to dance.”

Olivia threw her arms around him, and hesitantly, Alexander allowed her to embrace him.

This is a mistake, but perhaps it will force her to learn the truth about the ton.

“Oh, Alexander! Thank you! I am sure you will enjoy it, too! I will tell Mother.” She hugged him once more and left the room.

The first music notes brought Alexander back to the present. His mother and sister had positioned themselves near the dance floor, each holding a drink and smiling warmly at those around them. For his part, he made no attempt to smile.

What reason is there to smile? I am no jester for their amusement.

The whispering appeared to die down, and for a moment, Alexander let himself relax. But then the next two dances came and went, and still no one had approached his sister. Oh, some had nodded in her direction, but no one had made any attempt to introduce themselves. He saw the hurt on Olivia’s face and felt his heart break.