Chapter Six

Lillian swept her eyes around the ballroom once more, silently chastising herself for doing so. She knew he was here. She had seen him enter just as every other female had. She felt a sharp stab of jealousy as she remembered how many women had followed him with their eyes. She had been surprised when his eyes met hers and continued on as if she were invisible. Unlike every other time, he had not come to speak with her. She had been confused and angry when he continued across the ballroom without glancing her way again.

Suddenly her eyes fell on him and she felt a quick stab in her heart. He was standing next to another young woman who was in a word, gorgeous. Her long brown tresses were loosely pulled behind her head and her brown eyes were glued to Drake’s.

Lillian told herself to look away that it wasn’t her concern who Drake was associating with. That didn’t stop the flames of jealousy from licking through her and raging bright as the unknown woman reached out and settled her hand on Drake’s arm. She frowned as she watched Drake lean closer to the woman, probably to hear what she was saying over the noise of the ballroom.

‘Or to stare down at the expansion of exposed flesh on the woman.’ She thought acidly as she noted how low cut the woman’s dress was. She forced herself to turn away, not wanting to watch as Drake drooled over another woman. She didn’t even try to reason with herself tonight. There would be no argument strong enough in any case. She knew that it was foolish and she had no right to be, but she felt hurt. And there it was…her feelings were hurt. She had known better than to get too attached, but it was impossible to reason with one’s heart. It did whatever it wanted to and nothing could stop it.

She sighed and stared over at the woman one more time before looking down at her own gown, wondering if she had chosen wrong. No, the attention she had gotten from every other suitor proved she had chosen wisely. Her gown was white with a thin veil over the skirt that was the newest fashion. Anytime she moved the veil would glimmer and it looked like there were thousands of diamonds stitched in the skirt. Beautiful and half the cost if there actually were jewels sewn in. The waist was tight, leading up to her chest which was being pushed up by the fabric, showing off a decent amount of her own bosom.

She had blushed, embarrassed as she had first put on the dress. Afraid that the display was unladylike, but the seamstress had been adamant that this was the fashion. Plus, earlier that evening Lillian had chosen the gown with Drake in mind. She had wanted to impress him and hadn’t worried as much about her shyness. Now that he was ignoring her though she felt self-conscious once more as the many men in attendance ogled her chest openly.

She looked over to her aunt who was conversing quietly with another patron, Lady Cambridge or something…Lillian couldn’t recall the elderly woman’s name as she hadn’t been paying much attention when being introduced. Her eyes had been attracted elsewhere. At this moment Lillian was alone, all the suitors having grabbed a partner for the upcoming dance. Lillian heard the familiar music and her eyes turned to Drake once more. It was the waltz. Surely now…her heart shattered as he offered his hand to the woman before him and led her to the floor.

The whole reason that Lillian was alone right now was because all the other men had given up. They knew that each time the waltz was dance, Drake would claim her hand. So they knew better than to hope and instead chose other ladies to lead through the steps. She turned away from the floor, forcing herself to keep her back straight. She would not let the wagging tongues around her see her despair. That was what her pillows were for as her mother used to say.

“Has my little lamb been left unattended?” A deep and familiar voice whispered behind her ear. She gasped and turned to stare up into the laughing, blue eyes of her favorite person in her life.

“Allister!” She laughed and threw her arms around the man’s neck, not caring at the strange looks she was probably receiving. Allister laughed and caught her easily, hugging her close. She pulled back and had to wipe away the moisture starting at her eyes. She beamed up at him and asked,

“When did you get back to London? What happened to staying in Scotland? Father said you wouldn’t be here for the Season.” She asked with almost a single breath, continuing to smile brightly at the man. Allister gave her his cheeky smile and gently lifted her chin, making her blush as usual. Allister always had a unique way of handling her, she believed he just enjoyed to embarrass her. He leaned in closer and whispered,

“I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see my favorite cousin shining like an evening star now could I?”

Lillian giggled as he released her chin before picking up her hand and safely tucking it into the crook of his arm. He then turned them and surprised Aunt Harriet, who had not seen the man sneak up on them. Harriet lit up the instant she looked up at her nephew, giving him a gentle peck on his cheek. Allister was the only son of Thomas Winters; the older brother of Elizabeth, Lillian’s mother, and younger brother of Harriet. Allister and Lillian and practically grown up together. Whenever their fathers would leave on some business trip, Allister was brought to their small home to stay. She absolutely adored this man and saw him as the brother she never had.

Allister looked down at her and winked, making her giggle once more. At least now she wouldn’t be alone, and she couldn’t ask for a better companion. She continued to talk excitedly with Allister, asking him about his last trip, begging for all the details. He had taken over for his father in their business, and with his insights they had been able to expand even further into the Indies. He smiled down at her,

“I can’t possibly leave without a dance from you darling.” He purred and she nodded enthusiastically. She grabbed his hand eagerly, making him laugh as she practically dragged him to the floor. She took her position and Allister smiled brightly as he took her hand.

“You seem so much brighter than I remember my dear. I wonder what has put such light in your eyes.” He asked and she smiled up at him.

“You being home of course. Please tell me you’ll stay longer this time.” She pleaded with large eyes and he chuckled, shaking his head.

“We shall see little lamb.”

She pouted at this, but when he pulled her against his side making some patrons gasp it made her smile again. Allister was purposely putting on a show and she could only shake her head and smile up at him. How she love this man! Her earlier melancholy was completely forgotten and all she could focus on was the man at her side. They finished the dance in an unusual way as Allister wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, dipping her slightly.

Lillian blushed and told her cousin with her eyes that she would kill him later. He merely lifted her and winked once more. She chanced a peek around her and could see several of the older patrons talking behind their fans. She swallowed a groan, knowing that this man’s antics would make her the talk of the town once more. However, she also noticed that many of the younger ladies were watching Allister with longing. They were fanning themselves profusely and leaned close, hoping to catch his eye.

Lillian giggled as she took Allister’s arm and allowed him to lead her back to their aunt. When they were back to the side she decided to scold him for that last maneuver.

“You need to behave Ali. This isn’t our living room and there are rules here.” She whispered and he smiled gently at her. He leaned in until he was breathing into her ear,

“Everything I do is with a purpose little lamb. And in a few seconds you shall find out why.”

She frowned at him, trying to understand what he was trying to accomplish. She felt a prickling on the back of her neck and instantly tensed up, knowing the cause. Since she was on Allister’s arm he felt her tightened grip and looked down with a knowing smirk. Before she could open her mouth another voice interrupted,

“Good evening Miss Evergreen. I was hoping for a chance to speak with you tonight.”

She turned and looked up into dark eyes that haunted her dreams. She swallowed and forced a small smile on her face.

“Oh, g-good evening Lord Drake. It is a pleasure as always.” She said in a small voice, lacking the usual enthusiasm whenever she saw him. His eyes darkened and she thought it was in anger. Well how else was she supposed to act when he had been the one to ignore her for most of the night? The only reason she wasn’t giving him a dressing down was…

Allister cleared his throat breaking into her thoughts and bowed his head to Drake.

“Forgive me my lord, but I do not believe I’ve had the pleasure. I am Allister Winters, and you are the Duke of Wilshire am I correct?”

Drake turned his eyes to the man and nodded, also bowing his head slightly. He didn’t smile and the way he held himself would make most people shrink. But Allister was never one to be easily intimidated, so he continued to smile pleasantly. Lillian looked between the two males nervously, growing anxious at the sudden tension filling the air. Finally Drake turned to look at her and gave a small smile, holding out his hand.

“I was hoping for the honor of your next dance Miss Lillian.” He asked and she wanted to snort in response, but resisted. The next set was a country dance, something she had never seen Drake partake in before. She started to point this out,

“Since when do you-”

“I’m afraid dear Lily has expressed her desire for some fresh air and I promised I would escort her onto the terrace for a short while. Please excuse us Lord Drake, it was an honor meeting you.” Allister purred as he swept Lillian away with a gasp. She chanced a peek at Drake as they moved off and noticed a look akin to murder lingering in his eyes. Lillian took a deep breath and frowned up at her cousin.

“What was that?” She hissed and he chuckled as he glanced at her. He did as he said and took her out onto the terrace and moved them to the side, away from other couples. He grinned down at her and winked making her puff out her cheeks in annoyance. He laughed and leaned closer to her, whispering in her ear.

“Oh little lamb, you have so much to learn about the male species. Especially ones that you have your heart set on.” He teased and she blushed before punching him in the chest. He chuckled and rubbed the spot she had hit, pouting slightly.

“My dearest Lily, don’t try to deny it. I know you too well for you to keep any secrets from me. I saw where your eyes were when I arrived. I could tell instantly that you are attracted to the duke.” He teased and Lillian sighed and crossed her arms as she glared at him.

“Suppose you are correct and I do care for the man. Why would you drag me away from him then?” She asked and Allister laughed before patting her on the head like she was a little kid again. Why did everyone keep doing that to her? She pouted and it only made him grin wider as he explained,

“My darling little lamb. That is precisely why I stole you away like I did. Now that the duke thinks he has competition, he won’t idle around any longer.” He said while his eyes glanced to the side unnoticed by her.

“Ali, as usual I have no idea what you are talking about.” She sighed in exasperation. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist, dragging her against him and making her gasp. He lifted her chin in one hand and lowered his voice so only she could hear.

 “Do you trust me little lamb?” He asked and she blushed, remembering how it was that same sentence he had whispered before stealing her first kiss when they were children. She was sure he wasn’t going to kiss her here, but she still wondered at his plan. Like he said Allister was clearly up to something and she had a feeling it involved Drake. She swallowed and nodded, making his eyes shine in mischief.

“Good. Then do exactly as I say and by the time I leave your heart’s desire shall be yours.” He whispered and he eyes widened in shock.

“Allister I-”

“Lean your head against my chest.”

“What!? Why?” She frowned, but at his sharp look she rolled her eyes and rested her head against his chest. Instantly relaxing as she breathed in his familiar scent, despite the way he was being, she was still so happy he was here.

“I missed you Ali.” She whispered and felt his chuckle as he stroked the back of her head. He spoke to her again, the teasing tone gone, replaced by his sincerity as he held her tight.

“And I you Lily. You are my favorite person on this planet. Which is why I feel so protective of you and don’t want to see you hurt. Tell me…is he really what you want?” He asked and she lifted her head to look up at him, her heart shining in her eyes and he chuckled. He stepped back from her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

            “Then I shall be here for you, to help in the only way I know how.” He said, the teasing returning to his voice. She giggled and shook her head, afraid of what he was thinking, and knowing it would probably backfire. His optimism though was admiring and Lillian relished in his strength, knowing that he would not allow her to stumble. He had always been the confident one and she appreciated his friendship right now during this confusing time. They reentered the ballroom and made their way towards Aunt Harriet.

            Lillian noticed that Drake was not still standing there and with a subtle glance she realized that she couldn’t locate the man at all. Which would most likely spell trouble for her in the end. She gave Allister’s arm a squeeze and frowned up at him while mouthing,

            ‘You better know what you’re doing.’ To which he winked and replied.

            “I would never lead you astray little lamb.”

Author's Note

Hi! Wow I'm excited that I'm getting these chapters done so quickly, yay! So I hope you enjoy this and as always feel free to leave a review. I really appreciate feedback and would love to know if there are any areas that you think could be improved (except grammar cause I know I'm horrible and I apologize *bowing*) Well until next time!

Reviews

[Melodycraft]

Gaw! This was fun. Glad the cousin is good at running some games cause Lilly needs to help. She is not one of those calculating ladies good at manipulation. Which is nice actually. Is it bad that I think the cousin is kinda adorable and am kinda rooting for him a little now? It would be cool to find out they aren't so officially related related to give us two guys to consider for Lilly. Dark, brooding, seductive, mysterious vs. Familiar, amiable, cuddly, charming, amusing.......then let the angst slowly seep in. Or maybe that is what you are doing? Well whatever is going on, I'm enjoying and I like the addition of this cousin character :).

[AtomicPuffin]

thank you. you cant know how much I appreciate your reviews and feedback and now thanks to rereading the chapter and you review I know how to fix ch 7 which I was stuck on so thank you again!

[Melodycraft]

Ah so cool. You don't know how much I appreciate how you keep me in a steady supply of good stories. You had me hook, line, and sinker with your "Love or Power", great romance...it has been reread and embarrassing number of times, also really funny and sweet bromance which I think would be tricky. Anywho, you write it, and I'll read it. Glad if any of my random ramblings help you in any way.

[AtomicPuffin]

ah so this is you, I knew it lol. well thank you for transitioning with me from fanfiction to real works. Although I might still write some random fluff for Fairy Tail lol. I still appreciate your continued support so thank you again!