Forbidden (Scandalous Sirens) by Tracy Cooper-Posey, Julia Templeton Page B

abruptly, releasing a heavy sigh, not even looking at Natasha, who was watching him intently, her lashes fluttering.
    “I will be spending a season with my aunt.” Natasha barely glanced at Elisa as she answered her question. She looked back at Vaughn. “She lives near Hyde Park. I so hope that you can visit.” Then the girl turned her attention back to Elisa, though it was obvious the statement was directed at Vaughn.
    Vaughn smiled softly at Natasha, his finger tracing the rim of his glass, which had been replenished only once during dinner. Elisa stared at his strong hand. His long, tapered finger as it lazily stroked the glass. God, what would it feel like to have those hands on her body.
    She was shocked at the direction her thoughts had taken yet again. And he was watching her with a smile so wicked there was no misinterpreting it—right in front of his father and guests, no less.
    She must stop this, here and now. She must!
    Feeling Rufus’ stare all the way to her bones, she glanced over at him. His customary frown was in place as he looked from her, to his son, then to her once again.
    Oh God. He knew...
    Vaughn’s foot rubbed against hers and she jumped as though bitten.

    “What’s wrong with you?” Rufus snapped.
    Elisa cleared her throat, her mind spinning. “Marianne tightened my corset too much. It’s pinching me,” she said quietly.
    “Perhaps you should loosen it,” Vaughn suggested, his voice lazy.
    “Do you feel light-headed?” Natasha asked, her eyes filled with genuine concern.
    “Actually—”
    “Marianne should be scolded for having been so careless,” Rufus said, completely cutting her off. He took a deep, exasperated breath and stood. “Well, I’m about ready for my cigar. What do you say, Sir William, shall we all adjourn to the parlor?”
    Elisa took a deep breath, stifling her resentment, as everyone around her stood up, her faintness instantly forgotten. Rufus was staring at her impatiently and she rose to her feet and took his arm. Natasha was on Vaughn’s arm, she noted, not her father’s .
    In the parlor they arranged themselves on the settees and couches as Natasha sat at the harp. Her light voice filled the room as her proud father watched with a wide smile on his face.
    Vaughn paced behind them, as though he was too nervous to sit idly by and it unnerved her. She couldn’t see him, yet she could feel him. Wherever his foot had touched her, she burned still. Such a knowing touch…there was little doubt he would be a sensational lover—
    Realizing her thoughts, she flinched as though she’d been pinched. She was truly sick.
    Natasha finished her song. The Baron turned to Elisa and asked, “Madam, would you do me the honor of playing?”
    Elisa glanced in Rufus’ direction and saw his head sat on his chest. Quiet snoring emanated from him.
    “Of course, Sir William.” She stood and went to the piano. She noticed Vaughn stopped his pacing as she took a seat. She was uncertain about what to play. Yet, as though they had a life of their own, her fingers moved over the keys and the music that came to her was a simple, poignant melody of unrequited love she remembered from years before and had once loved. She had memorized the notes and now they came to her without hesitation, giving her heavy, aching heart momentary release.
    She poured herself into the playing. Not once did she look at anyone, especially not the tall, dark man in the far corner, who watched her intently. She didn’t want to look at him, for she knew her feelings would be too easily read.
    Tonight had been the longest night of her life. Tonight she learned that desire and the forbidden went hand in hand. She must have control over her feelings and actions. She must not, as Vaughn’s future stepmother, behave like a jealous lover, for she was not his lover, nor would she ever be.
    In time he would marry someone like Natasha. A young woman who would give him lots of children. A woman who was not