Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny) (12 page)

As Kristen danced with her present partner, Lord Bard,
she made a mental note of his immediate qualification. He
was a twenty-nine year old viscount with merry gray eyes and
blonde hair, he was most pleasing to the eyes and could hold
an intelligent conversation, and he also seemed to think she
was more than she was letting on if his teasing were any
indication. All in all, she could see getting on with this one
famously and would have to discuss him as a serious
possibility with Mel. Kristen scanned the ballroom as she
twirled, and frowned when she noticed the glowering look she
was getting from Derrick.

"Lord Bard, forgive me if this is much too forward, but I
wonder if I may inquire as to what it is you do?" She asked
lightly, smiling.

Lord Bard quite forgot himself for a moment looking into
that smile of hers. He tripped over his own two feet, and
Kristen had to catch him before he went sprawling across the
floor.

"Oh yes. I'm quite well, thank you. I'm terribly sorry,
though. I fear I must sit down."
"Yes, of course." Kristen agreed and helped him to the
edge of the crowd.
Derrick watched her as she danced and laughed at the
silly fops who gave her any attention at all. His mood had
become foul for he'd been unable to steal her away for a
dance. He tried to ignore her, going into the card room with
other gentlemen of his acquaintance, but that only proved to
further his irritation because it solicited conversation about his
actually being in attendance. He left the card room in hopes of
catching Kristen with a free dance.
He saw her standing across from him in the ballroom,
fanning herself and laughing at whatever Lord Bard had said
to her. It infuriated him, it did. Derrick left his spot against the
wall and stalked toward her, a dark scowl on his face. Even
his brothers had managed to get a dance with her, so he knew
she was purposely blocking him out. When he got a hold of
her, he would wring her bloody neck!
Seeing what was about to occur, Mel caught up with
him half way across the room. “Lord Shane, would you be so
kind as to give me this dance?” She grabbed his arm and
yanked him toward her.
Derrick gave her an irritated glance as she dragged him
to a spot on the dance floor. Still, his eyes roved back to
Kristen. She was still laughing. He was still seething. And, now
Mel began to scold him.
“Do you realize that you could have ruined her chances
with Lord Bard?” She demanded quietly.
A churning sensation started in Derrick's stomach and
grew until it rose to his chest. He would bloody well kill the fool
for so much as thinking he had a chance with Kristen.
“Madam, I don't know what you're referring to.” He
replied staunchly, moving with all the grace many women
suspected he had on the dance floor, but never actually knew
since he didn't normally dance.
“You know perfectly well what I mean, sir, and fie on
you for playing the innocent. You had your chance and let her
go, so what difference does it make to you whom she
marries?"
"I care nothing of whom she marries, Mel. You of all
people should know that." Derrick said flatly.
"Would it make a difference if I told you that she
wouldn't care?"
"You don't know that."
"I do know that because I know her. You're making a
mistake where she is concerned, but she has enough trouble
in her life, so if you don't intend to marry her, then kindly step
aside and allow her to find someone who will."
She abruptly left him standing in the middle of the
dance floor as she sauntered off, a slow grin spreading across
her face. She didn't mean to meddle, truly she didn't. But, she
knew Derrick would be exceptionally good for Kristen, even if
Kristen chose to ignore that just now. Mel had most assuredly
planted the seeds of jealousy, and now the game was left to
him. She could only hope that he would prove to be just as
capable of falling for the fairer sex as her Guy had been. Oh
the stories Guy would tell of his and Derrick's days together.
The memories made her laugh, and she realized she was
missing Guy more than usual this trip. Then, she stopped and
frowned, obviously lost in thought.
Meanwhile, Derrick was silently fuming. What kind of
troubles did Kristen have? And how was he supposed to win
her over if she was determined to ignore him? Not to mention
the fact that Mel was certainly meddling. He wanted Kristen,
but certainly not as a wife. Perhaps his luck would improve
once she married, and he should help her find a husband. The
minute that thought entered his mind he quickly, and quite
ferociously, discarded it. He knew he would wipe the floor with
anyone who so much as laid a finger on her. And, to top it off,
he wasn't even sure why he felt the way he did. As he
sauntered over to a nearby wall and leaned against it, he
watched Kristen as she left her circle of admirers to speak with
Mel.
Kristen approached her friend, concerned that Derrick
had said something to upset her since she looked terribly
worried.
“Mel, promise or not, do you tell me that Derrick has
said something to upset you, I will have words with him.”
Kristen said quietly, but still with anger lacing every word.
"What? Oh, no. It's not him. Kristen, love, I think I might
be pregnant." Mel said with a bemused expression on her
face.
Kristen broke out into a sparkling smile so bright, the
beauty of it consumed her face. "Really? I'm going to be an
aunt?"
Mel nodded excitedly. She was certain she hadn't
miscalculated. She grinned at Kristen, wanting nothing more
than to hug her, and jump up and down as they did when they
were children.
"Oh, Mel! That is so exciting! How far along are you?"
"About two months."
"Goodness, I'm just so happy for you."
"Well, don't get all emotional or you will have everyone
wondering what the devil is wrong with you."
Kristen laughed, but tried to calm her excited emotions
before she cried with sheer happiness for her friend. Mel had
always been the one to want children. Kristen wasn't
necessarily opposed, but she had always thought Mel would
be the better mother.
"So, what were you and Derrick talking about?" She
tried to ask casually, though she should have known that Mel
knew her better than that.
"Interested are we?"
"No, just curious."
"Uh-huh. Well, if you must know, I was telling him that if
he didn't wish to marry you, he should back off."
Kristen arched a brow at that. "What did he say?"
"He said no." Mel knew he didn't say any such thing,
but Kristen believing he did meant that she would go have
words with him, and that meant a dance.
"He what?" She demanded.
"Seems he likes you."
"Nonsense. He thinks I'm a toy. I shall have to set him
straight on this matter, once and for all. Excuse me."
And with that, Kristen whirled to find Derrick. She
spotted him across the dance floor, leaning casually against
the door to the conservatory, a stance she had previously
noted he favored, and made her way around the crowd
Chapter 13

Derrick saw her coming. He watched as her smile
attracted the attention of every male within a five foot radius of
her, and it was all he could do to remain standing where he
was, and then the smile faded and anger took its place. He
was certain she was coming to have words with him, but for
the life of him, he couldn't move from that spot. Devil take him,
but he wanted her and he wanted her to come to him willingly.
He was definitely going about it the wrong way, though, for
she wouldn't come willingly with passion when she only came
willingly with anger.

When Kristen was upon him, her frosty eyes glared
knowingly at him. She seemed removed from speech for
several moments, so he thought to help her along.

“Well, you seem to have something you wish to say.
Have I upset you again?” He asked casually, glancing around
and wondering if she would make the scene he so desperately
tried to provoke earlier.

“Lord Shane, I seem to be free this dance. Would you
do me the honor?” She asked coldly.
He raised a brow questioningly, but motioned for her to
precede him to the dance floor. Once there, he pulled her a
little closer than was appropriate, but in her state of anger she
didn't notice.
“I must say, I didn't think I would have the chance to
dance with you this evening, what with all of your admirers.”
He said.
“Mine are not so many as yours.” She returned evenly.
Nicely done, he thought and smiled at her. He used the
smile known to melt even the most frigid of hearts.
“My dear, you simply cannot know what you do to me.”
He whispered beside her ear, fanning it seductively with his
warm breath. His fingers spread out to touch more of her.
Kristen closed her eyes to steady herself. His touch,
even his voice, was creating sensations that shot down her
spine and settled in her toes, and they were most
overwhelming. She desperately tried to regain her composure
before she spoke, but it still sounded breathless, even to her
own ears.
“I did not ask you to dance so that you may use this
time to play your games.” She said.
“Didn't you?” He teased.
“Most certainly not! I'll thank you to keep your mind on
the topic, please.”
“So don't thank me.”
She growled low, a warning sound that Derrick found
incredibly attractive. This woman was nothing but surprises.
Just when he thought he had a handle on her, she changed
course and veered off into a completely new direction.
“Very well, what did you wish to speak about?” He
asked.
“What the devil are you playing at? You're aware of my
need to find a husband, are you not?“
"I am aware of your perceived need, yes." He said
slowly, not sure what she was referring to.
"Then why do you insist on trying to ruin my chances?
I've plainly refused your advances to be anything more than
we currently are, which is nothing if you want the truth of it."
She was being deliberately cruel, and while it bothered her to
be so with him, she knew she had to make him leave her
alone.
Derrick frowned. He had no idea what she was talking
about. It was her first ball, and she had more attention then
she knew what to do with. He decided a different tactic was in
order.
"Well, what if I decided to claim my contract rights?" He
had no intention of doing any such thing, despite Mel's
insistence that Kristen would not be like the others.
If he were being honest with himself, he'd agree with
Mel. But, since the alternative was one he didn't wish to
consider, it was better not to get too attached. For that matter,
it was better he not pursue her at all. But, since he'd started,
he couldn't seem to stop.
Kristen arched a brow and glared at him. "I beg your
pardon?"
"You heard me."
"You're right, I did. And I admit, 'I beg your pardon' is a
rather banal response to such an ignorant question. What I
meant to say was go to hell."
Disgusted, Kristen started to pull away from Derrick but
suddenly went cold. Derrick, still in shock from her verbal
attack, which was quite effective at making him feel like an ass
yet again, noticed the change.
"Is something the matter?" He asked, concerned.
Kristen couldn't speak. Across the room, watching her
carefully, was her stepfather. He walked toward her slowly and
she felt the blood drain from her face. Derrick frowned. He'd
also noticed her go quite pale and turned to see who she was
staring at. Just as he turned, an older man, Ashby he thought
his name was, approached them.
"May I cut in?" He asked politely, albeit a bit icily.
Derrick started to be polite and allow the man in, but
Kristen yanked his hand back. He looked at her in surprise.
"I'm sorry, but my card is full." She returned stonily.
Derrick looked between them and noted the friction.
Whatever history lay there, it wasn't pleasant. He noticed a
slight tremble in Kristen and his protective instincts arose.
"I insist." Ashby tried again.
"I believe the lady has said no, sir. Perhaps you should
find another partner." Derrick added, his eyes beginning to
glow.
Ashby looked like a frightened rodent scouring the
grounds in search of food, and Kristen couldn't help but be
grateful to Derrick. Ashby was a coward most of the time, but
Derrick was pretty imposing when he chose to be. Even she
was intimidated sometimes, though she'd never tell him that.
"As you wish. Another time, then." Ashby bowed and
took his leave, but gave Kristen a look that promised she
hadn't seen the last of him.
Derrick turned back to Kristen, confused. "Care to tell
me what that was about?"
"No." She didn't even look at Derrick as she spoke.
Kristen wanted to make sure Ashby had left before she
considered moving. But, she couldn't remain around Derrick
for too long as he had too many questions.
"That was your father, was it not?" He asked, making
the connection from their last names.
"In a manner of speaking." Kristen hedged.
"Kristen - " He started.
She turned her deep blue eyes on him and frowned.
"Look, thank you for your assistance, but my business is my
own."
Turning away from him, Kristen left him standing in the
middle of the dance floor as she went off to find Mel. She was
suddenly developing a headache and very much wished to
leave. Since they'd arrived with Derrick, and she had no desire
to be questioned further, she decided to ask Lord Bard if he
would escort them home. But, before she got too much
further, a lovely woman maybe a few years older than Kristen,
stopped her for a moment.
"Excuse me, are you Kristen Ashby?"
"Yes." Kristen said politely.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but I noticed you dancing with
Derrick Shane and wanted to offer you a warning."
Kristen watched the woman carefully. The fact that she
was trying to remain hidden behind people told her she didn't
want Derrick to see her. Kristen had no doubt that Derrick was
watching, and he'd be very curious to know who had stopped
her. But, the elegant raven-haired beauty with snowy skin was
trying to remain a mystery. Since Kristen was especially
annoyed with Derrick just now, she'd let him wonder.
"Go on." Kristen prompted.
Alice smiled. It would be all too easy to ruin Derrick's
chances with Kristen, and all too easy to ruin her chances with
any gentleman in society. But, for now, she'd settle for
destroying Derrick first.
"Has he asked you to be his mistress yet?"
"I beg your pardon?" Kristen asked in uncomfortable
shock.
"Oh, don't worry. It's his game. He's a confirmed
bachelor, you see. I just wanted to let you know, in case you'd
set your cap on him that he's a bit unreliable in the honor
department. He promised to marry me more times than I can
count, and now I'm completely ruined for a good marriage."
Alice forced tears to her eyes for dramatic effect.
Kristen gasped and reached out to grab Alice's hands.
"Oh, you poor dear. I'm so sorry. But, rest assured that I want
nothing to do with the likes of Derrick Shane. He can rot for all
I care." Kristen gave her a conspiratorial wink.
Alice grinned. If she didn't have orders to kill Kristen
and return her head to the king of Norway, Alice thought they
could be very good friends. Kristen was funny and charming in
her own idiosyncratic way, and Alice found her warm
personality a refreshing change from the vapid women of
London society.
"Thank you for your concern, but I really just wanted
you to know. I must be going now. Take care."
And with that, Alice vanished into the sea of silk and
lace. Kristen stood on her toes and tried to see where the lady
had gone to, but she couldn't make her out from all of the
other faces in the crowd. Kristen grumbled to herself. How
anyone enjoyed these bloody balls was beyond her. It was hot
and stuffy, and frankly, there were far too many people
pressing up against her. With all that had happened in just the
last few minutes, she was ready to explode. She spotted Mel
off to the side chatting with Lord Bard and made straight for
them to request they leave.
Derrick laughed to himself. Two women had left him on
the dance floor in the middle of a dance within half an hour of
each other. He was getting strange looks from those closest to
him, but he paid them no mind as he slipped past the
remaining dancers. This would definitely increase the number
of invitations he received, and unfortunately, the number of
unsolicited offers. Far be it for him to understand the way of a
woman's mind, but it seemed the more undesirable he was by
society standards, the more women wanted him. It wasn't
working on Kristen though, which was incredibly frustrating.
“That's twice in one night a lady has left you standing in
the middle of the dance floor, and damn me if it won't make
you more popular. Some guys just have all the luck.” Derrick's
youngest brother Oliver said teasingly as he joined Derrick at
the refreshment table.
“Put a lid on it, youngun.” Derrick said affectionately.
“You wouldn't happen to be losing that special touch we
Shane men are famous for, now would you?”
Derrick chuckled. “Not likely.”
"Well, what the devil was that all about?"
"A minor disagreement, that's all."
"Uh-huh. Well, that minor disagreement is making the
rounds, don't you know? People are talking - "
"Oliver, be quiet!" Derrick snapped.
Derrick's mood quickly soured as he saw Kristen and
Meloney leaving with Lord Bard. That bloody sod. Derrick
would rip him limb from limb. Oliver followed Derrick's gaze
and noted the same thing, wincing slightly.
"Well, don't just stand there. Go claim your lady." Oliver
prodded.
He got a quelling look for his efforts, but Derrick didn't
stick around to say anything else. Derrick moved through the
crowd like a predator, and the dark scowl on his face had
people jumping out of his way. He heard Oliver's laughter
behind him, but ignored it as he reached Kristen before she
could leave. Any hope he had of being tactful was gone.
“And just where the hell do you think you two are
going?” He blurted out, giving Lord Bard a hard stare.
Mel was startled by the anger in his voice, as was Lord
Bard; in fact he was quite prepared to walk away under the
furious scowl he was receiving from the much more
intimidating lord. But Kristen, unafraid as she was, stood
before him with a temper as volatile as his own.
“I've developed a bit of a headache and wish to leave.
Lord Bard was kind enough to oblige taking us home so we
don't disturb your evening's pleasure. Please, don't let us keep
you from your frivolity.” She replied smoothly, linking her arm
with Lord Bard's and stepping around Derrick to leave.
Derrick's scowl was not much improved after such a
comment. He grabbed Kristen's arm and lowered his voice so
only she could hear.
"I believe I've told you before that I would inform you if
you were keeping me from something."
Kristen matched his tone and his fury with her own
tempest. "And, yet you still haven't learned when a lady is
trying to be polite. I don't care for your mannerisms, your
methods, or your practices where women are concerned. I'm
not your toy to be tossed about as it pleases you. Your false
promises and pretty words fall on deaf ears where I'm
concerned, so do yourself a favor and find someone else to
play your games with. Good evening."
Kristen pulled her arm from his grasp as he stood there,
slack-jawed from the set down she'd just handed him. He
watched as she returned her attention to Lord Bard and
bestowed her bright smile on him, Derrick completely
forgotten. Mel offered a smile and a wink, though he was
certain she would be just as confused as he was if she'd heard
what Kristen had said.
Derrick was less than amused that he was so
completely outmaneuvered by Kristen again. It was bad
enough to have left him standing in the middle of the dance
floor, but to have another man take her home, after insulting
him? And what the devil was going on with her and Ashby?
She knew she was antagonizing him, the wench. He raked his
fingers through his hair in complete exasperation. He really
had half a mind to issue challenge to Bard and be done with it,
but he didn't think that would win him any favors with Kristen.
Oliver, having watched the entire scene from not far
away, sauntered over and offered his opinion, wanted or
otherwise.
“Well, brother. I can't say as I've ever seen you so
bloody undone by a woman before.” He said as he offered
Derrick a brandy.
“What in blazes are you on about?” Derrick took the
brandy and downed it in one drink.
Oliver lifted a knowing brow. “Don't delude yourself into
thinking the entire ton didn't just witness that scene between
you and the lovely Lady Kristen. It'll be all 'round the rumor mill
tomorrow morning, you know. They're even saying it's quite
possible you've lost your heart to the lady.”
“Bloody hell.” Derrick snatched Oliver's glass of brandy
and drained it in one gulp, then set both glasses on the
nearest table.
Oliver chuckled. “I take it that's not agreeable to you?”
“Listen, I'm not going to marry the chit, if that's what you
mean. I find her intriguing, that's all.”
“Uh-huh, so it'd be alright with you then if I tried my
hand for her affections? She's damn fetching, you know.” He
asked teasingly, not expecting the reaction he got.
Derrick hauled his brother up by his coat lapels, a feat
all the more surprising since he had never laid a hand on
Oliver before that moment. A black scowl mottled his features
and his eyes were blazing so bright Oliver was a little nervous.
“She's off limits, Oliver.” He said in that deadly calm
voice that brooked absolutely no argument.
Remembering where he was and who he was talking
to, he shoved his brother back in disgust, not at all sure what
had come over him.
“Bloody hell, indeed.” Oliver said as he walked off
laughing and shaking his head, though happy to come out of
that unscathed.
Derrick felt ridiculous. Kristen had managed to put him
on the defensive and cause him to act out of character. The
bloody woman was a mystery, one that he'd like to uncover,
but was also exasperated by. Then he frowned. When Scott
got wind of what happened tonight, especially that bit of
nonsense with Oliver, Derrick would be hounded with
questions; questions that would invariably lead to the
discussion of marriage. Scott would insist that Derrick hold up
his end of the marriage contract, and that was simply
something Derrick couldn't do. Bloody hell.