Chapter 48


    Without thought, I ced my hand in Nichs’s waiting one, and let him tug me away from Julian’s


    arms


    and into his own


    He was good at leading, even more so than Julian, Watching him, trusting his quidance, I didn’t need to


    count my steps anymore. I simply followed him as we danced around the ballroom.


    Despite our closeness, he didn’t utter one word. In fact, he seemed mostly irritable, ring at the rest


    of the world while pointedly avoiding looking at me.


    I felt guilty and unsure. Why would he choose to dance with me if he didn’t want to?


    “We could end our dance early.” I offered.


    His grip on me tightened: “No”


    Okay


    wracked my brain for something to get him to speak to me. Or, at the very least, look at me.


    Then I remembered, this was the perfect time to mention Elva’s fears. Here, I had his ear away from


    the


    other girls


    “Elva has been a bit upset,” I said.


    Finally, his gaze snapped to me “What? Why?


    Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lena disapproved of Elva waving at you the other day. Things were said Now Elva believes you don’t


    like her anymore, no matter how much I try to talk her out of it”


    do like her,” Nichs said, indignant


    Vamled a little “i know, but it’s much harder to convince her.”


    cs thought on it for a moment, his face stem with concentration


    My whole rat med He was treating her worry with such careful consideration Surely he many other


    Stangs


    ngs to worry about


    Thdance with her next he said at leat with rality


    My fondness for by


    ip of l


    “The servants might not like the change in whether


    “They’ll work around it,” he said. “I’ll apologizeter.”


    “You don’t have to do that. You can wait forter.”


    He searched my face. Tm already breaking the order, Piper,”


    I supposed I already knew that, deep inside my brain, but to hear him openly acknowledge it sent me


    for loop I had to double check to make sure we weren’t flying.


    There was something about this ce, therge ballroom with the live orchestra and everyone in their


    gowns and tuxedos. It felt magical, almost. Like anything could happen.


    Even forgiveness


    Nichs looked especially handsome tonight, wearing a form–fitting ck tuxedo with golden, princely


    embellishments I could have stared at him for hours. I could have danced with him well into the dawn.


    But too soon, our song ended and it was time to change partners.


    I was disappointed until I remembered his proimed next partner.


    He held his arm for me, then led me to the edge of the floor where Elva was spinning around with the


    nanny. After nodding at me, he let my arm drop.


    Then he approached Elva. He dropped to one knee. “Princess, may I have this dance?”


    Her eyes were wide as saucers. She smiled so big sheughed. “Yes!”


    Elva wasn’t included in the dance training, so she knew none of the proper moves. That mattered little


    to Elva or Nichs


    He spun her whichever way she wanted to spin, then lifted her up into his arms to lead her in the dance


    Her legs dangled, kicking a little as she mimicked the steps.


    “He’s going to make such a great father,” one of the girls said, swooning.


    I couldn’t help but agree. He was so sweet and gentle with Elva and her fragile little heart that I began


    to tear up


    Twished Nichs could have been in her life from the start. Maybe she wouldn’t have known so much


    heartache if she had a father figure like him to keep her safe.


    To keep us both safe


    shook the thought away. Whatever rtionship I could have had with Nichs was long gone Bul


    maybe he’d be willing to keep being friends with Elva?