Chapter 6

Six

S elena sat at the vanity in her chamber while a maid skillfully adorned her golden-brown locks with delicate seed pearl pins. A few soft curls were left to cascade over her shoulders and frame her face, like enticing strands that begged to be touch. Despite the maid's efforts and the promise of the evening ahead, Selena found herself unable to summon any excitement for the masquerade ball. She would much rather forgo the fuss of a ball gown and the endless rounds of dancing.

"Almost done, milady," the maid said as she placed the final pin, securing the elegant chignon in place. She stepped back to admire her work before continuing, "Now it is time for you to dress. Let me fetch your gown."

Selena offered a faint smile and nodded. Her gown was undeniably lovely, a far cry from the mended dresses she had worn in seasons past. After years of garments that had seen better days, slipping into something new and made specifically for her felt like a quiet triumph.

The gown was a stunning emerald silk trimmed with chiffon, its bodice and hemline accented by rich dark green velvet. Even her slippers had been crafted to match, their silk embroidery gleaming faintly in the candlelight. The ensemble was as close to perfection as she could imagine.

Her mask, however, was the pièce de résistance. Framing the upper half of her face, it was a creation of silver adorned with glittering diamonds across its top edge. On the left side, a spray of white, feathery plumes floated delicately, curling upward and cascading down to partially obscure her face. The mask added an air of mystery and allure, completing the ensemble with an elegant touch that even Selena couldn’t deny.

Still, she sighed softly, her fingers brushing one of the loose curls at her shoulder. She could look the part, but could she truly embrace the night’s festivities? Her thoughts drifted to that kiss in the library. Would he kiss her again? Would he even ask her to dance? And, more importantly…did she want him to? The uncertainty gnawed at her, unsettling the firm convictions she had once held about herself and her future. She had not taken into account that she might very well meet a gentleman that would make her question everything. Let alone one she had been acquainted with for years now. She had believed she knew exactly what she wanted in life—solitude and independence. Yet now, a single kiss had left her questioning everything.

The Duke of Castlebury was the last man she had ever expected to make her feel this way. As her cousin’s friend, he had been a familiar but distant presence, one she had barely given a second thought to over the years. None of David’s friends had seemed like the kind of men she might consider for anything beyond polite conversation. Now, after that exhilarating kiss, she had to wonder: Had she been too hasty in dismissing the possibility of something more? But to be fair, she hadn’t thought any man would want her…

The maid returned, carrying the emerald gown with care. “Stand, milady, and I will help you dress.”

Selena rose and allowed the maid to slide the gown over her chemise and stays. As the fabric settled around her, she contemplated what she truly wanted from the evening. When she had first learned of Emma’s plan for a masquerade ball, she had been anything but eager. Unlike the other surprises Emma had sprung on her guests, this event had been announced well in advance so everyone could prepare their costumes. But preparation had not equated to excitement, at least not for Selena. Everything else had been a surprise—including the snowball skirmish that Selena had abstained from.

“I am almost done with the buttons, milady,” the maid said, her voice cutting through Selena’s musings.

Selena blinked, realizing she had been lost in thought. The gown was nearly fastened, and soon she would have no excuse to delay. She would have to venture down to the ball and face whatever the evening held. Perhaps she might even find answers to the questions that had been plaguing her since that kiss. It had been so long since she had danced, and the rarity of such invitations weighed heavily on her mind. She could count on one hand the number of dances she had shared in her three seasons, and still not use all her fingers.

“You look beautiful, milady,” Mary said, stepping back to admire her. “So lovely. I am sure you will dance all night.”

Selena nearly rolled her eyes at the maid’s enthusiasm but restrained herself. “Perhaps,” she said simply. “Thank you, Mary.”

“Have a wonderful evening, milady,” Mary said. “I will wait up to help you undress after the ball.”

“No,” Selena replied firmly. “Retire for the evening. I can manage on my own.”

“Are you certain?” Mary asked, nibbling her lip. “It is no trouble at all.”

“I am certain,” Selena assured her with a smile. “I do not want you waiting up all night. If anything changes, I can always ring for you. I do believe I shall manage fine on my own though.” She had been doing so for many years now. Even in a gown with as many buttons as her new one had. It was amazing how inventive one could get when they had to learn how to take care of their own needs.

“Very well, milady.” Mary curtsied and left the room.

Selena turned back to the mirror for one final glance. She could not fault her appearance—her hair was perfectly coiffed, and the gown flattered her figure. With a steadying breath, she set down the hand mirror and exited the room.

The grand staircase led her to the ballroom, which glittered with candlelight and festive decor. Since it was a masquerade, no formal announcements would be made, allowing each guest to revel in anonymity. Holly adorned the walls, and mistletoe hung at every entrance and several other strategic locations. Selena’s lips twitched into a wry smile. What game was Emma playing? The abundance of mistletoe was practically an invitation for scandal.

Squaring her shoulders, Selena stepped into the ballroom, ready to face the night and whatever surprises it might bring.

Kingston stood off to the side of the ballroom, a solitary figure dressed in simple yet striking black. He was dressed in all black from his boots, to his breeches, all the way up to his waistcoat and cravat. All he wore was that waistcoat over a black shirt He had deliberately chosen to forgo a jacket, opting instead for a rakish, wickedly informal look. A plain black domino mask, secured with dark ribbons, completed his costume, adding an air of mystery to his commanding presence.

He waited, but not for the ball to commence; his anticipation was reserved for her. Selena . The name echoed in his mind like a melody, and he could think of nothing else but seeing her again, holding her in his arms, and dancing her across the ballroom floor. He cursed himself for not asking what her gown would look like—spotting her amidst the throng of masked revelers would now be a challenge. The memory of their kiss in the library burned in his mind, igniting a fire he could not ignore. He needed to feel her lips against his once more, to steal her away to some secluded alcove where he could kiss her senseless. He wanted more than just a dance; he wanted to begin a proper seduction.

The ballroom gleamed in the soft glow of countless candles. Kingston surveyed the room with a grin. He would have to ask Ardmore how much mistletoe his Emma had hung in the manor. The ballroom had so much that it would be fairly impossible to escape being caught under a sprig. The room was practically draped in the festive greenery, offering ample opportunity to steal a kiss from his lady. Suddenly, another lady entered the ballroom. She stood at the entrance almost hesitant to step inside. Her gown was a rich emerald silk that clung to her curves in ways that made his breath catch. The bodice framed her bosom so perfectly it that his hands envied the silk. He knew her immediately despite the mask and feathers that obscured her face. Kingston suspected he would always know her. His Selena… Something primal stirred within him. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was his —a claim he couldn’t quite explain but felt deeply in his soul. How had that happened so fast?

Crossing the ballroom with purpose, Kingston approached her. He extended his hand and offered a wicked grin. “My lady, may I have this dance?”

The timing was perfect; the previous dance had just ended, and the first notes of a waltz filled the room. Selena lifted her gaze to his, her lips—those tempting lips—curving into a smile. “You may,” she said, placing her hand in his. “But only if you promise me something.”

He led her to the dance floor, her hand resting lightly in his. He would have promised her the world in that moment. “And what promise do you wish of me, love?”

She tilted her head, mischief sparkling in her eyes. “You seem certain you can grant it. What if it is beyond your ability?”

He bowed, and she curtsied, their movements elegant and precise. As they began to waltz, he drew her close, his hand firm on her waist. “Darling,” he murmured, his voice low, “there is nothing I would deny you.”

Her smile deepened, and his heart swelled. “You may regret those words one day.”

“Perhaps,” he admitted, “but not today.”

Selena’s laughter was soft, like a melody meant only for him. They moved effortlessly across the floor, the world fading away until it was just the two of them. Kingston waited, eager for her to share the promise she wished to extract. Whatever it was, he was certain he would grant it, for he was completely ensnared by her.

“What if I asked you to take me out of this room?” she asked, her voice tinged with daring. She licked her lips, and he nearly groaned aloud. “What if I wanted you to take me somewhere we could be alone?”

His pulse quickened, but he kept his composure. “Then I would have only one question for you.”

“But you haven’t answered mine,” she countered, her tone playfully mulish.

“Answer my question first,” he said, his lips curving into a teasing smile. “Then I’ll answer yours.”

She bit her bottom lip, and this time, Kingston did groan, the sound barely audible over the music. “What is your question?”

“Your bedchamber or mine?” It was a bold question, but he was certain they were of the same mind. This house party, with all its stolen moments and flirtations, had led them here. He wanted her, and he was convinced she wanted him too.

“Mine,” she said with an impish grin. “It will be easier for you to sneak out of my room. You require far less to dress than I do.”

His gaze darkened, the possibilities swirling in his mind. “I hope that means you’re requesting my assistance in removing your costume.”

She arched a brow, her tone husky. “And if I am? Would you be willing to play the lady’s maid for me?”

He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. “I promise, my darling, it is a role I will gladly fulfill.”

The heat between them was palpable. His heart thundered in his chest, and he could feel his cock harden, urgent and insistent. The thought of unfastening the buttons of her gown, loosening her stays, and baring her to him made him ache with anticipation.

“Then lead me away from here, Your Grace,” she whispered, her voice like a caress. “And show me how skilled you are.”

Kingston drew a sharp breath and expertly guided her across the floor. Reaching the edge of the dance floor, he led her toward a discreet exit, one few of the guests were likely to notice. His mind raced with thoughts of what awaited them in the privacy of her chamber. Soon, he would have her—all of her—and he would ensure she never forgot this night.