The Prince & The Rogue

by Skyler Grey

  Florence screeched with anger as she flew across the floor toward Catherine. Her hand rose as she reared back in fury. But Catherine was ready for her and easily stepped aside, causing the angry young woman to slap the marble pillar instead of her face.

  The girl shrieked in pain as she cradled her injured hand.

  Catherine clucked her tongue as she circled the whimpering girl. “Now look what you’ve done. You’ve probably broken a bone, not a good thing considering it’s how you’ve been known to entertain some of your suitors.”

  Florence hissed as she glared up at her. “Bitch!”

  Catherine chuckled. “You and your sister had best learn to keep your mouths shut when it comes to me, Florence, for I will no longer keep quiet. I warn you, you will regret it severely if another word is said against me.” Turning, she left the girl alone on the balcony.

  Looking around, she spotted Hilary and grinned. One down, one to go!

  Making her way across the large dance floor, she gave a radiant smile to everyone in her path, greeting some with a small handshake and others with a polite nod. Let the ones who had never met the Lady Catherine find her to be charming and wonderful. She was determined to make sure that the sisters’ poisonous rumors were laid to rest and the girls were made to look like the outrageous liars they were surely known to be.

  Just as she was about to reach Hilary, a tall, thin young man cut her off. His shirt burst with ruffles down the front like the linens on a baby’s cradle and she found herself barely keeping a straight face as her eyes swept down his long, spindly legs, which were encased in white, socked leggings. Reaching for her hand, he pulled it to his lips.

  It was all Catherine could do not snatch it back. Pasting a tight smile, she allowed a look of annoyance to cross her face.

  “And, you are?” she asked tartly.

  The boy grinned; his crooked teeth peering out from beneath thin lips. “Forgive me; I’m Rodney Crain, son of Sir Rudolph Crain, at your service.” He dropped her hand, puffing up to his full height, and then bowed low before her.

  Catherine quickly tucked her hand beneath her arm. As if searching her brain to recall the name, she then smiled. “Oh yes, Mr. Crain, I do seem to recall the name now. You are, I believe, one of lady Florence’s admirers, are you not?”

  The boy blushed as he stepped back. “I, uh, am a friend. Yes.”

  Catherine gave him a knowing smile. “Yes, a friend.” Then looking over her shoulder toward the balcony she added, “I think that the lady Florence just might actually be in need of a friend right now. She’s out on the balcony.”

  The boy looked startled then slowly grinned as his eyes shot toward the balcony’s open doors. Licking his lips, he nodded before making his way across the room.

  Catherine shivered at the thought, and then turned her attention back to her main goal. She smiled when she saw Hilary had been watching them, a look of annoyance on her long face.

  Just as Catherine approached Hilary, the girl’s mother interceded. “My Dear, how lovely to finally see you out and about. I have been after my girls to have you visit for the longest time. They said that you’ve been ill. I’m glad to see you’re looking healthy; you must be feeling better. Your cheeks are practically rosy.”

  Catherine was taken aback at the woman’s kindness. She certainly seemed genuine, which was far from what she had expected of the sisters’ mother.

  Looking at Hilary, Catherine gave a polite smile before curtsying. “Thank you for inviting me, Lady Montgomery. It is most kind of you.” Then looking at Hilary, she added sweetly. “I’m not sure exactly what you mean by illness, though; I’ve never been healthier in my life. But it’s certainly kind of you to ask.”

  Catherine did not miss the glare the Lady shot her daughter.

  She quickly took Catherine’s hand and led her over to a group of anxious young men. “My Dear, these wonderful gentlemen have been begging for an introduction all evening.” Leaning in, she whispered. “I believe it’s your beauty that’s held them at bay. Ha! Boys! They can be so silly, don’t you agree?”

  Catherine let out a charming laugh as she smiled warmly. “Yes, Lady Montgomery, I certainly do. I have a male cousin, so I can easily attest to the fact.”

  Both women shared a light giggle as Catherine caught the daggers thrown at her from Hilary’s gaze. She allowed herself a huge smile as she greeted the group of eager men.

  Some time later, Catherine managed to slip away from all the attention and went once more in search of a now-missing Hilary. She had a few things to say to her and she was not going to miss her chance. After putting Florence in her place, she was eager now more than ever to set Hilary, the leader of the two, in hers.

  Chapter Three

  Catherine became frustrated. Hilary had just seemed to up and disappear without a trace. How on earth could one do that, especially when she was helping host her mother’s soirée?

  Easing from the crowd of people, she slipped into a quiet hall and decided to take a small tour. Hilary was certainly not in the dance hall so she must be around somewhere, she thought.

  She followed the long corridor around a wide bend until she froze, certain that she’d heard something. Edging closer to the door at the darker end of the hall, she held her breath, listening. Taking a quick look around, she placed her hand on the brass handle and gently pushed it open, quickly slipping inside.

  She leaned back against the cool wood, slowly releasing her breath as she gave her eyes time to adjust to the darkness. There it was again, a muffled sound just across the room near the window.

  Catherine’s breath came in short, quick gasps as she tried to calm the excitement welling up inside her. It had been a long time since she had done anything daring; fear of her aunt’s threat keeping her on a short leash. She had no idea what she was about to encounter, but curiosity was killing her. How could she not investigate?

  As she eased away from the door, she heard the unmistakable moan of a woman. The realization that she had stumbled upon a private rendezvous both shocked and mortified her. Catherine felt as though her heart would stop. Quickly, she retreated backward, reaching behind her, desperately grasping for the door handle. In her haste, she knocked over a small table causing it to tip. As if in slow motion, her breath trapped in her chest, she watched the glass tumbling end-over-end, before it shattered across the floor.

  Catherine shrieked, instantaneously yanking open the door, and scrambling through it. She barely noticed the stinging bite digging into the bottom of her foot. In her panic, she continued to run down the hall away from a scene she could only visualize in her mind. The thought alone of what she had happened upon caused her face to heat as she stopped just outside the dance hall. Hastily reaching up, she nervously patted the side of her hair, then resting her fingers at the base of her throat, she took a deep breath in hopes of slowing the rapid beating of her heart. Her eyes fluttered closed. She stepped forward only to hiss as intense pain shot through the bottom of her foot. Gritting her teeth, she looked down and groaned. Blood seeped onto the marble where her foot rested.

  Unsure as to how bad the cut was she eased over to the small settee placed in the hall. Looking back down the hallway nervously to assure herself no one followed, she then lifted her leg, gently inspecting the bottom of her shoe. She cringed when she saw the amount of blood that had soaked through.

  She gasped and bit the bottom of her lip when pain sliced through her foot as she eased her slipper off. Lifting her skirt, she ripped off a long strip of petticoat, wrapping it tightly around the wound. Deciding she didn’t have time to inspect it closer, Catherine winced as she gently replaced her shoe. She released a deep sigh before quietly slipping back into the ballroom.

  Her foot throbbed painfully but she tried not to limp. The pain was becoming almost too much for her to bear as her search for Hilary came to a disappointing halt. Hilary’s reckoning would have to wait another day.

  Irritated she had been so clumsy, she loo
ked around in search of the Princess and Duke to bid them goodnight.

  Just when she thought she was unable to stand the pain any longer, she spotted them far across the room, the Princess waving madly as Catherine made her way slowly to them.

  “My Dear, wherever have you been? The Duke and I thought you left without a farewell. I’m so glad to see you haven’t.”

  Catherine gave a weak smile as she tried not to show her discomfort. “Actually, I was just getting ready to leave. I’m feeling terribly exhausted. But I did want to thank you both for being so kind to me tonight.”

  The Duke reached out and took her hand, giving it a small squeeze. “It’s been a pleasure, My Dear. Now promise that you’ll come visit with the Princess, and soon. I won’t take no for an answer.” He cocked his head in a cute way that caused Catherine to laugh.

  “I would be honored, Your Grace, if the Princess would not mind, of course.” Looking at Lavinia, Catherine grinned.

  The older woman chuckled. “Mind? Of course I don’t mind. You’ve been a breath of fresh air for the Duke and I, and we refuse to let you go. Plus, you haven’t shown me that dance we spoke of earlier and we’ve both decided that we want you to teach it to us.”

  With a wink, she gave Catherine a hug as she whispered, “Are you well, Catherine dear? You look a bit pale.”

  Catherine’s breath caught in her throat but she quickly masked her face, laughing lightly as she waved her hand. “I’m fine, Your Highness. Too much wine, I’m afraid.”

  The Princess gave her an uncertain nod, and then tucked her hand beneath the Duke’s arm once again. They both smiled as they waved her off.

  She had already said her goodbyes to her hostess, thanking her for a lovely evening as she fought not to flee from the house. She could barely wait to crawl into her carriage and return home. Exiting through the front entrance, she breathed a sigh of relief before taking a deep breath. Just as she reached the bottom steps, she was addressed by a deep voice from behind.

  Startled, she whirled with one hand pressed against her middle while the other covered her mouth.

  To her surprise, hidden in the shadows was a man; a very big man.

  “Excuse me, but do I know you?” she asked nervously, her heart beating wildly with fright.

  A soft chuckle came from the shadows. As the stranger stepped into the light, her mouth fell open. He was striking. More than striking, he was sinful. She took a step back as he neared her.

  Before she could stop him, he reached for her hand, brushing his fingertips ever so lightly across the bare skin of her bosom as he pulled it from her throat and to his lips.

  An electric shock bolted up her arm and coursed through her body, causing her a delicious shiver and her chest to rise and fall swiftly in response to the lascivious liberty the man had just taken. She tried to free her hand and was surprised when he refused to let go. She was about to protest when he pulled her closer, curling his hand around hers and holding it firmly against his chest.

  Catherine’s eyes darted along the row of carriages. Only a few footmen stood by, trained not to notice such things. Short of causing a scene, one her aunt was sure to hear about, she whispered fiercely, “Sir, I have no idea who you are or why you are holding me so familiar. But I can assure you, I’m not anyone you know.” Then thinking that maybe that just might be his problem, maybe he’d had too much to drink and mistook her for another, she added in a softer tone, “Maybe I should call someone to assist you to your carriage, My Lord? So far, there’s been no harm done.” Again she tried to pull away, but it only caused him to tighten his grip.

  Fear began to rise, causing her to glance around. What if this man will not release me and I must call for help? How on earth am I going to explain it to my aunt? There would be no explanation! My aunt will ship me off immediately without as much as a second thought.

  Trying once more, she reached up with her free hand to unwrap herself from his clutches. Before she could stop him, he caught both hands in his and smiled, his eyes glittering. His face was dangerously close, mesmerizing as he looked down at her with slate gray eyes framed in long, jet black lashes. His smile caused her body to flush as he flashed perfect white teeth in a boyish grin. His lips were full and sensual, and she imagined them pressed against her own. A slight shadow covered his cheeks and chin, giving him a wickedly delicious look, and she had to force herself not to lean into him.

  His hair was a rich brown, swirled with streaks of sun-kissed blond as it blew softly in the night breeze. Strands had fallen loose from its ponytail as it hung below his shoulders, a bit longer than what was fashionable, but striking none-the-less, complimenting his all-to-handsome face beautifully. She suddenly became aware of the muscles that rippled across his wide chest as her hands pressed against his thin shirt.

  Dizziness filled her as she fought to free herself. His smell was intoxicating, weakening her knees. He easily towered over her, his height at least six two, compared to her five-foot six. Her voice was quiet as she pleaded with him. “Please. Sir, you must release me. You are compromising my reputation and as it stands, it certainly needs no more help.”

  To her relief, he released her and bowed. “Forgive me, My Lady, but to find a rose such as you in a place filled with so many weeds…” He looked around, then up toward the doors leading to the Montgomery’s soiree, raising a dark brow in tease.

  Catherine felt a strong desire to smile back but knew she mustn’t. This man, whoever he was, unnerved her, making it hard to think, to breathe, making him dangerous and she wanted only to get away from him. She heeded to the alarms that were going off in her head and turned to run toward the safety of her carriage.

  But before she could get away, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her back to him. “Why are you afraid? I thought you to be an adventurous little minx. Was I mistaken?”

  Catherine looked at him in confusion. “What? You do not know me, Sir, so how could you guess me to be adventurous? You most assuredly have me confused with another.”

  A wicked smile teased the corners of his mouth as he lifted both brows in disbelief. “Perhaps the fact that you have a taste for snooping around in dark rooms might cause me to think such a thing.”

  Her eyes flared wide and she gasped, trying desperately to pull away. Her face heated to near crimson as she realized his meaning. Could it have been him she had stumbled across?

  Stuttering, she struggled for words. “I…um…I’m sure I have no idea what you mean. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

  He tightened his grip slightly. “No?” Bending, he reached down and lifted her skirt with one hand while he firmly wrapped his fingers around her ankle, forcing her to bend her knee. The touch of his warm fingers on her bare flesh caused her body to tremble. Staring at her injured foot, he glanced up at her, his face smug.

  Catherine’s eyes widened again as she saw the white strip of cloth, now red, hanging from her shoe. She attempted to pull away once more but he held her fast, his hands brushing the sensitive skin of her leg before gently releasing her.

  Standing, he winked, knowing he’d clearly made his point. In a teasing tone, he asked, “What kind of a gentleman would I be if I did not see to your injury and return you home safe and sound?” Turning his head, he snapped his fingers and ordered for his carriage to be brought around.

  Her mouth fell open as she realized his intention. She almost cried out in a panic. “You cannot be serious? I cannot go with you, alone in your carriage. Are you mad?”

  He laughed a deep sensual laugh that caused her blood to rush.

  “Oh, I think that you can, my curious little cat.”

  Catherine paled, dumbfounded; only Devan called her Cat. “How did you know my name?” she hissed.

  Now it was his turn to look confused. “I don’t, but I am most anxious to learn it.”

  She clamped her mouth shut, glaring at him.

  He only chuckled. “I do love a mysterious woman. And since you won’t give me your name, I have
to assume you are refusing to also give me your address, leaving me no choice but to take you home with me and care for your injury there.”

  Horror filled her. Frantically, she pushed him away. “No! You cannot. You are forcing yourself on a lady, Sir, and I will have no choice but to cry for help.”

  The handsome stranger looked around, his face filling with mischief. “Please, cry out. I for one am most curious as to how you’re going to explain our relationship.”

  Catherine shrank back. “What? Our relationship? We have no relationship, you dolt. We don’t even know each other.”

  He laughed once again, his eyes dancing. She saw the enjoyment he received in teasing her and she felt her anger rise.

  “My little golden minx, I think you know me far better than I you. And I also think it only fair we even things up.”

  Catherine felt her heart drop. “Please, you have to believe me, I didn’t see anything. I swear it. I only…I only heard…barely heard noises and left immediately. You know I didn’t see anything, why are you doing this?”

  He gave her a devilish grin. “Come now, what can it hurt? I give you my word that I’ll be a complete gentleman.”

  What could she do? She was certainly in no position to argue. Unfortunately, he held all the cards. Her foot ached and she felt light-headed from the wine. In her state, the last thing she wanted was to return home in a stranger’s carriage with a severely cut foot, slightly intoxicated. Just the excuse her aunt would need to carry out her threat.

  “Since you give your word as a gentleman, I suppose I am forced to accept,” she replied tartly.

  He smiled. Giving her a look of triumph, he gently helped her into his carriage, which was large and lavishly decorated. The cushioned seats were rich velvet of deep purples in paisley print with thick, matching drapes covering the windows for privacy.