Chapter 84 A Sensational Appearance
I reached out, wanting to snatch back what was rightfully mine. But before my fingers could graze the glove, Claus pulled it away. His movement was slow, deliberate, as if he were baiting me to show some emotion.
"Change of plan," he said flatly. "I'll keep it. I'll return it at our tenth meeting."
I glared at him, my temper flaring, but he just stared back, calm as ice. As he tucked the glove back into his coat pocket, our fingertips brushed. Just a second. It felt like a jolt of electricity that made my skin crawl.
He's handsome. Can't deny that. That sharp, set face and those piercing eyes could make any girl lose her mind.
But in my head, the sound of iron shackles and the shadow of the gallows were way louder than this ungrateful heartbeat of mine.
He isn't a prince on a white horse. He's a predator who just added my name to his hit list.
"Why?" I asked, trying to steady my breathing.
He didn't answer. He just leaned back, giving me that winning look.
The carriage began to slow down. The rattle of iron wheels on cobblestones stopped.
Turns out he'd brought me straight to the Varannes estate.
A house I used to call my escape now felt like a silent witness to the chaos I'd just brewed.
God knows what happened to my carriage and my driver, who was probably panicking at the harbor waiting for me.
I grabbed the door handle, itching to get out and breathe some fresh air. But Claus was faster. He stepped out first, then stood by the carriage, holding out his hand to help me down.
I had no choice.
But wait, out in front of the gate, Ilse's parents were standing there, frozen. It looked like they were just about to head out in the main Varannes family carriage. The servants escorting my parents suddenly went silent, eyes widening at the scene unfolding before them.
Claus reached out. Without waiting for me, he grabbed my hand. His grip was warm.
When my feet hit the ground, he didn't let go. He raised the back of my hand and pressed a kiss that felt like forever. Polite, elegant, and calculated.
My face burned. Not from butterflies, but from pure rage. He did this on purpose. He wanted everyone here, especially my parents, to know I was under his watch now.
Father looked ghostly pale. Mother covered her mouth with a handkerchief, somewhere between shock and feigned joy. Everyone was watching. Everyone was stunned.
Claus let go of my hand, gave a faint smile to my confused parents, tipped his hat, and climbed back into the carriage without a word.
I stood there, watching the carriage pull away, my face flushed bright red. Damn it. Now the whole house probably thinks I'm involved with the most dangerous Duke in the capital. My plan is in total ruins. And this was only the first meeting.