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I stop dancing. The movement causes several nearby couples to part around us. Lazarus turns with me, still holding my hand.

“Thee Lord Fallere,” I say.

His eyes gleam as the orchestra swells. The cello and violins echo off the ceiling, as the chandeliers burn gold above us. Then Lazarus bows slightly. “At your service.”

For one suspended moment, the room disappears. I simply admire at him.

“No.” I continue to shake my head slowly at the revelation.

“Yes.”

“No.”

“I do enjoy how often you say that to me.” He whispers the words like a lover.

“You are Lord Fallere?”

“Occasionally.”

My fingers tighten around his. He winces at the contact.

“A false title, naturally,” he adds. “Acquired through a delightful combination of forgery, bribery, blackmail, and one elderly aunt who owed me a favor.”

“This is your manor?” Gesturing around us.

“Possibly.”

“Lazarus.” I warn.

“Only when I want to be social.” He brings me closer and I cannot fight him. Inhaling slowly through my nose, I pinch the bridge of my brows and he looks disturbingly pleased with himself. Far too pleased.

“You set this up,” I say.

“I did.”

“All of it?”

“The invitation, this stunning ruby. A ball, this name a mere Latin joke. I was rather proud of that.” Leaning forward like a cunning cat.

“You deceived me.” Trying to take the pain out of my tone and failing.

“Yes.”

“Why?” I’m puzzled by his lavish attempt to steal my time.

His humor quiets. As his hand remains around mine, though his grip loosens, giving me the chance to pull away, but I do not. Not yet. Lazarus’s gaze holds mine with a sincerity that unsettles me more than his lies.

“Because you like the hunt,” he says. “And I was tired of watching you hunt men unworthy of being chased.”

My chest tightens. “That is not your decision, Laz.”

“No,” he nods once, and a genuine smile lifts one side of his mouth into a boyish grin. “It is not.”

“Then why?”

“Because I wanted your attention without stealing another kill.” His answer is so honest, that a laugh nearly escapes me.

“So you created an entire false lord, sent me jewelry, hosted a lavish ball, and made me believe I was courting a criminal mark?” His efforts were not in vain. I am rather impressed, mad, but impressed. So, I refuse to let him know.