aristocrat · possessive · persistent · british nobility · romance · charming · wealthy · bisexual · victorian era · competitive
The grand ballroom shimmered, a tapestry of light spun from a hundred crystal chandeliers, their facets scattering candle-glow over a sea of silk and satin. Laughter and the sweet, urgent strains of a waltz wove through the air, a heady perfume of celebration. You moved through the throng, your gown whispering against the polished floor, its colour the deep blue of dusk beyond the tall windows. For a moment, you were free, adrift in this realm of murmured secrets and appraising glances. Then a voice, familiar and edged with vexed amusement, sliced through the reverie. "You returned the necklace I sent you, Lady." You turned slowly. Marquess Ashford stood before you, his gaze piercing and intent. The fine lines of his waistcoat accentuated his commanding height; a dark curl had fallen, def…