Except the balcony was empty.
Crickets.
Nada.
Nobody.
"Huh.." I straightened up and cleared my throat, letting the glass doors close behind me as I plodded across the vacant balcony. This was certainly throwing a wrench into my plans.
I leaned against the railing and let out a sigh. It seemed I needed a new plan to approach Lord Pendleton. I'd have to go back into the ballroom and find him again, and then wait for another opening. Boldly approaching him in front of everyone was a surefire miss, considering how hard he worked to upkeep his decent appearance.
The ball was only about halfway over, so hopefully the Lord hadn't left yet after what I'm assuming was a sharp rejection. Even worse, he could have already left with the pink-skirted woman.
I tried not to think about that.
After allowing myself a few more moments of fresh air and peace, I stretched my arms above my head and whirled around to head back in.
"You're already going back?"
A voice startled me as a man stepped out from the shadowy corner of the balcony near the door. I must have missed him when I first entered.
I mean, obviously I missed him, since he was clearly hiding.
Which is super shady.
"Oh, you startled me, My Lord," I put a hand to my chest and glanced away from the figure shyly.
Shady or not, my chance had come at last.
"Hmmm, I'm not sure I believe that-" the man took large strides toward me, forcing me to step back until I could feel the balcony's railing behind me, "-considering you followed me out here on purpose."
He loomed over me, clearly trying to be intimidating. I avoided his gaze and tried to shuffle down the railing away from him.
"I-I'm not sure what you're talking about," I said softly as I moved.
One of the man's large hands clamped down on the railing blocking my path, and then his other hand came down on the other side. I was trapped between his arms and had a little too clear of a view of his face.
He certainly wasn't ugly. But after just being face to face with both Count Graye and Wolf, his face seemed entirely boring. Generic hazel eyes, dark blonde curly-ish hair. Stubble on his chin and around his mouth that seemed maybe two days old. From this close, I also took note that he had rather large pores on his nose and cheeks.
And being close enough to note a man's pore size in dim lighting is too close.
Honestly, this whole setup was perfect for the male and female leads in a spicy romance story. But I prefer a good revenge thriller novel, personally.
Lord Pendleton, however, didn't seem to be on the same wavelength as me. He leaned closer to me, his lips coming dangerously close to my cheek—really leaning into the whole romance bit.
"Drop the act," he whispered. "You followed me here on purpose. Your eyes have been on me all night."
Haaaa, I guess it was time for me to lean into the romance nonsense as well.
Deep breath. Ready, one two.. and..
Action!
I pressed my cheek against his so my lips were closer to his ear. "You caught me. I have been watching you."
Next, I used my index finger to trace a line down his chest. (Again, wish I had those gloves.)
Leaning even closer to him, I lowered my voice until it was hardly a whisper. "But you like that, don't you?"
"Ha. You.." One of his arms slid around my waist. "What was your plan once you got me alone then?"
My plan was to make him fall madly in love with me, invite me back to his place, search his room for damning evidence, and ruin his entire life.
But, for the sake of the scene, I leaned into his arm, arching my back, and put a finger to my lips. The same one I had touched his chest with. This is a small detail but very important to manipulating the male psyche. Ladies, take note.
"What do you think?" I smiled, locking my eyes with his.
His eyes lit up and he moved one of his legs in between mine. Why must he tempt me by putting his tender region in such a perfectly kickable position?
Then he slid his cheek against mine, bringing our lips close together.
Ew. Ew. Ewwwww.
I tried not to cringe as I waited for the last moment before turning away.
I glanced back nervously over my shoulder. "On second thought, My Lord, I'm not sure about this after all."
The dark gardens behind me were empty, but I still pretended to scan them nervously.
Lord Pendleton moved in again.
"You don't have anything to worry about," he murmured.
Well, nothing besides his egg breath and stubbly face that was scratching mine.
"No," I pushed him away and turned around. "It's too risky here. I am a married woman, after all."
I couldn't see the Lord's face, but I knew exactly what expression he was making. Similar to the expression of someone who just won the lottery.
Seductive dress? Check.
Mysterious but bold personality? Check.
Married? Check.
This man's ideal type of woman to play with had just fallen into the palm of his hand.
Now, the question was: would he take the bait?
I continued staring out over the garden—mysteriously, of course—counting the seconds. I could almost hear the gears turning in Lord Pendleton's little brain.
Finally, he made a decision.
He stepped forward, placing his hands on either side of me on the railing (again) and put his lips practically on top of my ear.
"Ten minutes. Be out front."
Then he straightened up and disappeared back into the ballroom.
"Ha. Hahaha-HAHAHA," I let my body relax against the railing as I cackled. What a stupidly simple man. I wiped at my ear to get rid of the wet egg breath residue, and then turned back toward the ballroom.
"You really ought to work on your character, Lord Pendleton," I snickered, smoothing out my dress. "I believe, that's checkmate."