Chapter 4 #2
“See how she pours the batter? Thin and even! Someone in Paris has taught her well. My granddaughter could run a patisserie if she wished.”
Deena laughed softly. “Grandmother, you exaggerate.”
“I do not! Look at that perfect circle. Lord Bentham, do try to keep up.”
Austin stood at the dowager’s elbow, ostensibly helping her ladle batter, but his attention was fixed on Deena. Every time Bentham leaned too close, his jaw tightened.
For Dominic’s sake, he told himself. Purely that.
“Hold this,” the dowager commanded Austin as a footman approached her with a whispered message. “Ah, duty calls,” she sighed. “I shall return shortly. Your Grace, do keep an eye on things.”
“What do I—”
The dowager winked before she sailed off, leaving Austin with a ladle and no clue on what to do next.
“Lady Deena.” Austin heard Lord Bentham’s cold voice. “Do not mistake this pairing for interest. I am here for an advantageous match. I have no intention of entertaining a woman who once fled the country to escape scandal.”
Deena’s spatula stilled, and heads turned in their direction.
Austin stepped forward protectively. “Lord Bentham.”
The younger man turned towards him with a scowl on his face.
“Would you care for a lesson in how a gentleman behaves? Or shall I simply remove you from the premises?” Austin’s voice was quiet, but lethal.
Bentham’s face reddened as every couple stopped what they were doing and stared at him. He dropped his ladle, causing Deena to flinch slightly, and stalked away.
Austin fought against the temptation to teach the man a lesson with his fists. Instead, he took his place at the station next to Deena.
She glanced up, eyes wary and cheeks flushed. “You are taking this self-appointed role of protector far too seriously.”
“Perhaps,” he said, rolling up his sleeves. “But I’d do the same for any woman under this roof. Dominic would expect no less.”
She arched a brow. “How noble.”
She poured batter into the hot pan, swirling it with a practiced flick and impressing him even more. “You could thank me, you know.”
“Thank you,” she said dryly. “But I don’t need saving.”
“No doubt about that.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I can arrange for you to meet Lady Ann before she tears another dress of mine. She seems lovely. Eager and uncomplicated.”
Austin snorted as they swapped places, and he flipped the crêpe with a quick twist of the wrist. He silently cheered for himself before he continued.
“We need to talk.”
“We are talking,” Deena retorted.
“Properly.” He lowered his voice and tilted the pan until the crêpe slid off and landed onto the plate. “You dropped a rather large confession last night about your little blackmail issue. You owe me an explanation.”
Deena added sliced strawberries to their crêpe. Her movements were precise and he watched in awe of her gracefulness.
“I owe you nothing beyond our bargain.”
“Our bargain now includes your safety.” He leaned closer to reach the chocolate pot; their arms brushed, and heat flared along his skin. “Tell me who is threatening you.”
“Not here.”
“Then where?”
She folded the crêpe neatly. “We finish breakfast first.”
He spread chocolate on the crêpe. Their fingers accidentally grazed as they both reached for the spoon but neither pulled away immediately.
“You cook competently,” she murmured.
“I, too, spent some time in Paris,” he said and she eyed him curiously. “Long story.”
“I’ll bet.”
The air between them crackled. There was so much more he wanted to ask her, but he held his tongue.
“You’re avoiding me,” he said softly.
“I’m cooking.” Deena moved to the pan as if to prove her point, pouring the butter and batter quickly so that the sound blocked his voice.
“No, you’re stalling.” Austin watched as the heat warmed her skin even more, and she flipped the crêpe effortlessly.
She met his gaze and sighed. “Fine, I will meet with you.”
Austin plated the last crêpe, added a dusting of sugar, and slid it to her for the finishing touches.
“Meet me at my room,” he said casually. “Third door on the east corridor, after this meal.”
Deena’s eyes widened. “Your room?”
“It’s private and safe.” He held her stare. “Unless you’d prefer the library again, where anyone could walk in?”
Deena exhaled slowly, her green eyes narrowing as she held his gaze.
“Very well,” she said cautiously. “I will meet you in your room. But only to talk.”
Austin’s brow creased in genuine confusion. “Of course. Only to talk.” He tilted his head, and a faint, teasing smile tugged at his mouth. “Did you imagine I had something else in mind?”
Heat flared in her cheeks, but she lifted her chin defiantly. “With your reputation? It’s not unthinkable.”
“Ah.” He stepped closer beside her until their elbows touched. “I am known for doing the unthinkable.”
“Those crepes look perfect!” the dowager’s voice rang loud and clear.
Austin stepped away from Deena and smiled at her grandmother, who was inspecting their creation.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I live to please even when it comes to cooking.” He gave the dowager his trademark smile, and she smirked at him.
“He is handsome, and he can cook.” She shook her head and winked at Deena. “The table is set, do enjoy your lovely breakfast, you two.”
“I have to eat with him, Grandmother?” Deena looked appalled, and Austin smirked at her.
He would not have minded spending more time with her.
Deena’s grandmother frowned, leaned in and whispered conspiringly, “Be grateful, Deena. Most of the Lords and Ladies here could not even cut their butter, looks like they are eating mortar for breakfast.” She tutted.
“How very disappointing for them. Thank God I got your darling granddaughter beside me,” Austin whispered back, and they both chuckled.
“Well, I best get to it.” The dowager stood up straight, looked around, and made her way cautiously to the next couple.
Austin turned to find Deena’s arms folded across her chest, and annoyance flashing in her eyes. “Yes, now I understand why they call you the Velvet Duke.”
“Enlighten me?” He smirked.
“You’re far too smooth for your own good.”
Austin executed an elaborate bow; one hand flourished dramatically over his heart. “I do strive to live up to the title, my lady.”
She gave a soft huff and turned away, but not before he could see the smile she could not suppress.
“Be careful, Your Grace,” she called over her shoulder as she searched for more strawberries.
Austin snorted. “I am always careful, Dee.”
Deena faced him, holding the strawberries gently in her hands. They exchanged knowing looks before bursting out in laughter.