Page 32 of Brazen

“You are quite beautiful, my lady,” he whispered.

Her mouth parted in surprise and he had the sudden urge to kiss her. Her gaze dropped to his mouth. By God, was she thinking the same thing? They separated and backed up. A gentleman danced around her while a lady danced around him. The two met in the middle, but Magnus only had eyes for Mia.

When the dance finished, she curtsied. Magnus bowed, then offered his arm and led her off the dancefloor.

“You are a very good dancer,” he said.

“It is one of my better accomplishments,” she replied.

He looked down at her. “That and growing strawberries and mothering hens.”

She grimaced. “I cannot grow a strawberry to save my life.”

“Not according to your aunt.”

“Aunt Leana made that up.”

“Why?”

They reached the wall near the front entrance stairs.

“Because…” She hesitated. “I suppose you will have to ask her.”

“I see.” He wanted very badly to walk with her in the garden, but that was sure to give the gossipmongers the ammunition they needed to insist that she’d been compromised beyond repair.

“It’s quite warm in the ballroom,” she said.

Was she hinting that she wanted to take a walk in the garden? Should he chance even escorting her out to the balcony? His heart raced at the prospect of being alone with her. Then reality hit like ice water. He had miscalculated greatly in escorting her into the ballroom. Christ, what would the old biddies say about them talking, drinking champagne, and dancing together?

“We could take a short talk in the garden,” she said.

Magnus couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was she truly so naïve as to not understand how that would completely ruin her reputation? An image flashed of her in moonlight, staring up at him as he bent his head to kiss her. He knew what those full breasts felt like pressed against his chest. His bollocks throbbed. If they went their separate ways, then met—

He broke off the thought. He’d lost his mind. To even consider a clandestine meeting in the gardens was madness.

“Where is your brother?”

She frowned. “My brother? I do not know.”

“He should escort you to your chambers.”

“But I don’t want to go to my chambers. It is such a nice night that—”

“My lady, tongues are wagging enough as it is. I shouldn’t have danced with you. We cannot chance more gossip.” Magnus scanned the room and caught sight of Lady Chastity. He cupped Mia’s elbow and started forward. “I see Lady Chastity. She can ensure you reach your rooms safely.”

Mia frowned. “But I thought—”

“You didn’t think at all. That is the problem.” He was being unreasonable, and knew it, yet the devil compelled him to add, “If you will not take care for your reputation, then I must.”

After all, he’d probably already ruined her.