Three months later
The breeze wrapped around Sofie, warm in the darkness of the garden. Faint strains of music sounded from Diana’s ball, and she could hear the laughter of others who had sought respite from the crush of the ballroom.
Strong arms snaked about her waist, pulling her back into a hard chest while soft lips brushed the spot beneath her ear. A deliciously deep voice said, “You always did like a garden.”
Wickedness rushed through her as she turned in Michael’s embrace. “They provide so much opportunity for mischief.”
He raised a brow. “The Countess of Edgington has too much dignity to get into mischief.”
Laughter bubbled in her, though she did her best to keep her expression solemn. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m not yet the countess.”
“Only for twelve more hours.”
She lifted a shoulder. “It still counts.”
As if he could no longer contain himself, a smile broke across his face, his eyes alight. “I won’t win, will I?”
“No,” she said, loving that he shared his humor with her. Loving him.
“Well,” he said. “I shall just have to cheat.” And then he set his lips to hers.
His tongue danced along the seam of her lips, seeking entrance, and she opened to him, welcoming him into her as she dug her fingers into his back. He made a sound of pleasure, filling her, making her heated and empty and…. Soon. Soon.
“Miss Hargrove!”
Slowly, the shrill voice penetrated the haze he always created. Michael tensed against her, lifting his head to stare straight ahead as a tick started in his jaw.
Cautiously, Sofie peeped past his shoulder. Lady Darbyon stood before them, a horrified expression twisting her features.
Leaning her forehead against him, Sofie groaned. Dear God, not again.
“Miss Hargrove! I cannot believe this! And with the Earl of Edgington! Did you not learn your lesson the first time?”
Extracting herself from Michael’s embrace, she squared her shoulders and entered the fray. “The earl is my fiancée. Surely we are allowed some leeway?”
“You still have a reputation to uphold. Come.” With that imperious command, Lady Darbyon held out her hand.
“You saw nothing.”
At the cold, hard words, Sofie glanced at Michael. He’d turned to face Lady Darbyon, and his expression…his expression was terrifying.
Clearly uncowed, Lady Darbyon tutted. “My lord, I saw—”
“Nothing. You will not speak of my countess. You will return to the ballroom and you will forget you ever saw us.”
“I hardly think—”
“Lady Darbyon,” Michael said. “Do not test me.”
The lady blanched, her eyes wide, then she hurried away.
Sofie watched Lady Darbyon’s retreating back until she couldn’t see her anymore. “The sky is green.”
Obviously distracted, Michael glanced at her. “Pardon?”
“You said you could convince people the sky is green.”
His expression changed, becoming heavy lidded. “I’d rather convince you to come deeper in the garden.”
“Why, Michael,” she said mildly, her heart racing. “How scandalous.”
A smile lit his face. “We’ve only got twelve more hours. Come, Sof.” He held out his hand. “Let’s cause a scandal.”