Chapter Twenty-Two #2
A groomsman in a tidy white and black uniform led Christian’s bay away and he started up the steps. When he entered the ballroom, people stared. Men clapped his shoulder and the ladies blushed behind their fans. More than a few met his eyes with slanted looks.
He was a bloody hero.
By the time he reached the governor’s group, his cravat itched at his throat. Adjusting his cocked hat, he did his best to keep his eyes down but couldn’t help a quick glance at the far wall.
Her hair shimmered in the chandelier light, copper curls cascading down from an elegant bun. The turquoise hue of her dress brought him straight back to the island and the temperate waters they’d—
“She’s a beauty for sure.”
Governor Milledge moved next to Christian and he jerked his gaze from her and to the flute of champagne the big man offered.
“If I weren’t already married, I’d have half a mind to ask her for her hand myself.”
Christian’s gut hardened as one of the men nearby laughed.
“She’d turn you down. Like she’s done every other red-blooded man here.” The man’s hungry gaze hardened. “Something wrong with that one, there is.”
With fists clenched, Christian gave him a level glare. “I found her company pleasant.”
Another laugh. “The only place she’d be pleasant is beneath my covers.” The man tipped back his glass and gave a hearty laugh after polishing it off.
Christian could knock him out with one punch. It would be wasted on the drunk man. And create a stir. He took a slow breath and took the flute from the governor.
“You’re creating quite the name for yourself, Lieutenant.”
Christian turned back to the crown and watched a young woman in a pale yellow dress approach Red. Miss Warstein. God, he didn’t know what to call her anymore.
“Yes, well, Thorne still sails, so don’t be too quick to heap praise on me.”
“I’ve more men and ships on the way from Washington. I’m sure you’ll do us all proud.”
His eyes wandered back to the duo. Miss Warstein’s friend looked his way with flushed cheeks before leaning toward her and whispering.
Shoulders stiff, she turned and their gazes met.
Even across the room, he noticed the flash in her eyes before they narrowed.
And then, she turned away. Dismissed him.
He turned to the governor. “I’d like to mobilize my men as soon as possible. There’s reason to believe Thorne could be here in Savannah.”
He’d posted a group of his men at Warstein’s property the night he’d found Thorne in his study. But so far, no sign of the pirate or his giants. It was as if they’d vanished into thin air.
He didn’t like it.
“All the more reason to get this party started.” Governor Milledge gestured to the band and they wound down their music.
The gathered guests quieted and turned to face them.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the great city of Savannah, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to our celebration of your very own local hero, Lieutenant Thompson.”
Polite applause rang through the room and the governor pulled out a velvet box.
Oh no.
“With unmatched bravery, he rescued Miss Warstein from the clutches of the most feared pirate on the seas, Captain Thorne. In honor of his valor, I present to him . . .”
The box flipped open and the governor swiveled so everyone gathered could catch a glimpse.
“A badge of merit.”
Christian cringed as another round of clapping reverberated through him.
“And . . .”
Goodness, could it get any worse?
It could.
“I’d like to call up the dear Miss Warstein to have the honor of pinning it.”
He raised his eyes to the gilded molding. And when he looked down, there she was. Feet away. Glaring at him.
He bowed. “Miss Warstein.”
She curtsied. “Lieutenant.”
Governor Milledge, oblivious to the tension between them, lifted the fabric heart and handed it to her.
She stared at it. Probably thinking the same thing Christian was. He didn’t deserve it. Not even close. Stepping closer, she flashed him a smile so brilliant, he blinked. But the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. God, he wished it were real.
Her hand stretched between them and his pulse quickened. Slight fingers brushed against his jacket and she slipped one hand beneath it. Right over his racing heart.
“I’m honored, Lieutenant. If not for your actions, I wouldn’t be here.”
A double-sided statement if he’d ever heard one.
She stepped away and left the badge hanging below his collar.
“Splendid.” Governor Milledge clapped his hands and a waltz began. “As our guests of honor, please do us the favor of opening the dance floor.”
Christian half expected her to shun him in front of everyone. But she was a perfect society lady and took his hand when he proffered it. Her face had gone blank, but her fingers trembled in his.
Warmth spread up his arm as he led her out to the floor. Every minute. Every day. He’d thought of her. Dreamed of her. Couldn’t stop rehearsing what he’d say to her. And now, with her in front of him, his throat closed.
When he breathed in, her lemon scent filled his nose. Memory slammed into him. Her in his cabin, touching him so boldly. And in the sea, taking charge of—he shifted and pulled her ever so closer, hoping no one would notice his erection.
Slipping his hand behind her back, he began the dance.
She stared at his chest but followed his lead perfectly.
Candlelight flickered across her hair, making it shimmer with every movement.
Other couples joined them and as they twirled around the room, he noticed the stares.
Stares of envy. Jealousy. The women in the room who so often vied for his attention were not happy.
Her friend in the yellow clasped her hands over her heart with a romantic smile on her face and he snorted. She had the wrong impression.
Miss Warstein glanced up at him and he steered them toward the doors to the verandah. She noticed and, in a flash, took the lead from him and expertly turned them away.
He raised a brow and found his voice. “Afraid of being alone with me?”
“Whatever you want to say can be said here.”
He chuckled. “So you are afraid.” His fingers splayed at her back, and with a tug, he turned and regained the lead. “What if what I want to say is private?”
Color tinged her cheeks and her feet stopped moving. The sudden stop made him stumble. He bent into an awkward bow to make it look intentional.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave.”
Miss Warstein pulled up her skirts and fled out the open door.