Page 66 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

I thought you would never ask.

Her smile made his heart ache, and he scanned the ballroom for his wife. All eyes were on the dance floor, and as he looked in that direction, his heart stuttered.

Rose was dancing with one of the most handsome men Alexander had ever seen. She was smiling. Her easy grace seemed balanced by the stranger’s.

“It is such a shame, look how well-suited they are,” a woman said to her companion.

“Yes, she truly is radiant. I believe the two were about to start courting earlier in the Season,” her companion answered, and it was as though someone had driven a knife into Alexander’s chest.

“It is almost like looking at what could have been.” The first woman was nodding sagely.

Alexander moved away from them, his heart twisting as he tried to force their words away. Yet, he could not. Nor could he tear his gaze away from the sight of Rose in another man’s arms.

The man was shorter than Alexander, and although he was older, his age had only added to his looks. He had cherubic beauty about him that seemed to only accentuate Rose’s loveliness.

They look as though they were made for each other.

Alexander felt something ugly and dark stir within him. He wanted to stride forward and snap the man in half. To fling him away from Rose and tell him never to speak to her again. He saw the warmth that the ton seemed to regard them with and felt something inside him break.

They will never look at us like that.

His anger melted away.

I do not deserve her.

It was true. How could he deserve someone as kind and as beautiful as Rose? He, with his deformed face, so tall that he could not help but tower over everyone around him.

He turned, anger and shame welling up within him. He had let himself believe that perhaps there was something for him. He had been selfish. He could see that now.

He felt a hand on his back and turned, finding himself face-to-face with Nigel.

“Rokesby? Are you well?” Nigel’s face was full of concern.

Alexander shook his head, not trusting himself to speak.

“Come, let us go to the gardens. You look like you could use the fresh air.”

Alexander allowed his friend to lead him out of the ballroom, tearing his eyes away from Rose and her handsome companion.

She does not need me. She does not want me. She will be happier with someone else.

They walked across the terrace, ignoring the stares of people around them, and down the steps into the garden.

“Whatever is the matter?” Nigel asked.

“It is nothing.” Alexander’s voice was flat. “I simply realized how foolish and selfish I have been as of late.”

“I am afraid I do not understand.” Nigel tilted his head.

“Did you see Rose?” Alexander tried to keep his voice neutral.

“Yes.”

“Who was she dancing with?”

“I believe that is the Earl of… Garingbone?” Nigel frowned as he tried to remember the name.

Alexander shook his head. “No, he’s the Earl of Verimoor. Verimoor is within my duchy.”