Green Eyed Monster (2)

"Miss Strauss likes to overstep her place," I sneered.

"It's good to know how jealous you are, my love," Max growled holding me tighter against him. "I can't stand the sight of you in another man's arms, especially Radcliffe's."

"At least he doesn't kiss me," I mumbled.

Max's face darkened his eyes staring at me intensely. "No, he just leaves you with bruises."

I blushed and looked away, I wanted to cry thinking about the pain Radcliffe had caused me. Max hooked a finger under my chin and brought my gaze to meet his. He looked at me worriedly.

"You are not at fault for that," Max said softly. "I shouldn't have said that."

"He is a monster and I want him out of my life." Max continued to guide me around the dance floor effortlessly and I held onto him tightly.

"Is there any way you can find a different suitor, even if it's just for pretenses?"

"I haven't thought to ask Grandmama that," I murmured. "I shall try."

He whispered sweet nothings in my ear making me blush hard. "I can't for this month to be over," Max murmured to me. "I want you to be my wife even more now."

I shivered at Max's bold words and he grinned at me like a lovesick puppy.

With the dance coming to an end Max bowed to me and kissed my hand. I curtsied back and walked away to find Grandmama.

I found her sitting with Lady Euphemia, they were in deep conversation and each had a glass of red wine in their hands.

"Grandmama, Lady Euphemia," I greeted them with a curtsy. "May I have a word, Grandmama?"

"Is it something about the arrangement?" Lady Euphemia asked curiously.

I nodded, "My current suitor other than Mr. St. Clair has been rather rough with me so I was going to ask my grandmama if there were any other suitors I could have for the remaining time." I felt strangely compelled to tell the whole truth to Lady Euphemia like she could tell if I didn't.

"I could see if that could be arranged," Grandmama said thoughtfully.

"Such a shame to turn away a willing suitor," Lady Euphemia said with a fake smile. "It is not good to be rough with a young lady though."

"Thank you, Grandmama," I said and nodded to Max's mother. "I shall take my leave the, I owe someone a dance."

I curtsied and left the elder women to talk.

I walked to the dance floor staring at my dance card to see who I was to dance with next when I bumped into a solid chest. My eyes widened in surprise when I saw Jacob staring down at me with a sad smile.

"Aurelia, it's good to see you," he said, his eyes lighting up.

"You as well, Jacob," I said politely.

"I have some news," Jacob announced grimly. "Can I have this dance to tell you?"

I nodded and he grabbed my hand. He led me in a dance that was fast-paced and lively. He held my upper waist and hand respectfully.

"So, I have asked Evelina for an annulment," Jacob explained. "I couldn't be with someone who lies to me as she did. I tried to look past it but couldn't."

I stared at him in shock. I couldn't believe it, I was shocked to hear that he would do that to Evelina but she truly deserved it.

"When did this happen?" I asked.

"The day after the last ball" he grimaced.

My eyes narrowed. "That's the same day she sent a letter to my grandmama, Max's mother, and Ben."

"She did what now?" Jacob asked bewildered.

"She gave false witness to Max and me being inappropriate with each other," I explained. "So, now we have to be away from each other and court other people for a month."

"I am so sorry Evelina took this out on you," Jacob apologized.

He held me tighter and I stared at him. "She deserves to be alone after what she did so don't feel bad about her lashing out."

"I would never want you to be in pain because of me," Jacob said sadly.

"You may be able to help me another way," I said, an idea popped into my mind. "You could be my other suitor for the month."

"I would do anything for you, Aurie," Jacob said softly with tender eyes.

"I will talk to Grandmama about it then," I beamed.

He twirled me in circles and it reminded me of the dream I had of us dancing the morning I heard the news of Jacob's marriage to Evelina.

When the dance ended Jacob bowed to me and I curtsied to him.

The ball was ending and I found Willa saying goodbye to Robert. She walked over to me with a dreamy look on her face. I was happy she was engaged to such a kind man.

"My sister," Willa hummed. "I can't wait to be married."

I smiled. "Of course you can't, you'll make a beautiful bride."

Ben, Lord Radcliffe, and Grandmama walked up to us. Ben hooked arms with Grandmama and Willa, which left Lord Radcliffe to escort me to the carriages. He held my arm tightly in his but he didn't cause any discomfort this time. He made sure we trailed behind my family a little bit by walking slowly.

"I hear you want a different suitor," Radcliffe whispered in my ear as he led me through the doors of the manor. "That simply won't do." His voice sent unwelcome shivers down my spine.

"It is my choice who I court and who I do not," I murmured.

"That is where you are wrong," Edward said, stopping before reaching the carriages. He turned me to face him, he glared at me harshly. "You will be mine even if you don't want to be."

I felt like all the life in me drained out when he said those words, the finality of them made my stomach churn.

"I will not be yours," I whimpered.

"We shall see about that," Lord Radcliffe said in a clipped manner. He led me the rest of the way to the carriages and only let go of me once I was stepping foot into the carriage.

I wanted to cry but I wouldn't let him be the cause of my tears. He would never have me as long as I lived.