A Kiss With Scandal (Scandals & Secrets 4) by Janelle Daniels

think he would answer for a moment before he finally said, “A friend. Someone who joined around the same time as me. After a few years, we’d become best friends.”
    “What happened?”
    His jaw clenched. “He was killed in a raid a few years ago.”
    “A raid on what?” she asked, knowing she didn’t really want the answer.
    “The Black Dahlia.”
    Her heart iced as fear flooded her system. She wanted to probe him for more information, but didn’t.
    “Do you see your mother?”
    Her eyes sifted through the crowd. Her mother manically fanned her red cheeks on the side of the room as she watched Charlotte dance with the viscount. Charlotte winced. “Yes.”
    “When the music ends, we’ll go straight to her, fending off all other conversation.”
    “All right.”
    After the last note, she curtsied so deep her knee skimmed the floor.
    Derek tucked her hand in his arm, squeezing with reassurance. “Smile,” he whispered close.
    His hot breath tickled her ear and down her neck, but she plastered a serene smile to her face. She had to make this believable.
    Escorting her to her family, he bowed low over her hand. “It’s been a pleasure, Lady Charlotte,” he said loud enough for others to hear.
    “It has. Thank you, Viscount Lawrence.”
    He brushed a kiss over her gloved hand, and goose bumps shot up her arm. Sugar lumps!
    Derek grinned at her mother in a way that should have been illegal, or at least immoral. No one could resist that smile.
    “Lady Langston, might I have a moment of your time?”
    Her mother preened, fanning her flushed skin with quick flaps. Charlotte stifled a groan.
    “Indeed. Is there something I can do for you, my lord?”
    He glanced at Charlotte wistfully, and her stomach flipped. Time away with him at his estate would prove a greater challenge than she’d originally anticipated. If his acting abilities in the last ten minutes were any indication, she’d have to guard her heart closely. She could easily forget it was all a ruse and mistake his acting for reality.
    “Yes.” He nodded to her mother. “This is a bit unorthodox. Pray, forgive me. Today, I’ve decided to return to my estate for a country party. I plan to leave tomorrow, and my other guests have agreed to the impromptu journey as well. I hoped your family could join us.”
    Her mother glanced between Derek and Charlotte. “I see.” A smile curved her lips. “We are delighted, of course. How exciting. I’ve been longing for a respite from town, and this is just what I think we all need.”
    “Excellent. I will have directions delivered to your residence tonight.” Derek bowed low over her mother’s hand before stealing another glance at Charlotte.
    Purely for her mother’s benefit, naturally.
    His eyes twinkled in a private joke. It had been as easy as he’d predicted.
    “Until tomorrow, Lady Charlotte,” he said before moving into the crowd.
    It was as if the room had held a collective breath, straining to hear their interaction, and once their conversation ended, the room once again buzzed with energy.
    Her mother hooked Charlotte’s arm with her own. “It was kind of him to invite us to his gathering.”
    Charlotte choked. “Yes. Yes, it was. It’ll be nice to leave the city.”
    “Mmm.” Her mother’s eyes teased.
    “I’m parched after all that dancing. I think I’ll get a glass of lemonade. Would you like me to fetch you some?” Charlotte was grateful when her mother turned her down.
    “Will you be all right on your own?”
    “Perfectly. I’ll stay within view.”
    Her mother nodded, already distracted with a conversation taking place next to her. No doubt their impromptu trip would be the on-dit for the night.
    Once at the refreshment table, she turned away from the crowd as if unaware they all gossiped about her and selected a flute of lemonade. She sipped the too sweet drink and wrinkled her nose. Truth be told, she couldn’t stand the beverage. She preferred champagne, but until she