What Have I Gotten Myself into?

I was honestly too shocked to do anything but agree to the dance. He took my hand leading me out onto the dance floor. In the background, I could hear Isabella begin one of her tantrums. "I don't care what you have to do, just find out who she is. NOW!"

He swished me around the dance floor. I had never felt more graceful than I did when he was leading me around the floor. His steps were smooth, sure, confident. He held me close enough with his arm on my back.

I hadn't managed to bring myself to look back in his eyes. I was mesmerized by the movement and his scent. It was a mix of cedar and bergamot, citrusy and earthy. I was so lost in my own thoughts I barely registered that the song had ended.

"Would you do me the honor of dancing with me again?" He asked which brought me out of the trance I was in. "Perhaps a while later?" I managed a nod and a smile before turning quickly on my heel. I needed to step out and get some air. I caught a glimpse of Isabella swooping in to dance with Christian as I moved through the crowds.

I rushed quickly, accidentally knocking into a few people on my way out but I felt like the walls were closing around me. This isn't what I had planned for. This would draw far too much attention. Hell, Christian is the most sought-after eligible prince here. Besides that Isabella had him in her sights which meant I would certainly be on the losing end of her wrath.

I managed to make my way to my favorite oak tree. I knew climbing it would be out of the question in this dress. Sitting was also quite difficult so I resorted to leaning against the rough bark and staring up at the stars. I was lost in my thoughts when I felt someone tap my shoulder.

Startled I turned quickly, I gasped as I realized it was Christian and he had sought me out. "I have been looking for you. I was hoping we would be able to have that second dance."

"I am not sure that is such a good idea."

"Well, then I will have to insist upon it. You milady, are the only one I have any interest in getting to know. So either you come willingly or I may just have to pick you up and carry you on my shoulder." His lips curled up in a devilish smirk.

"That won't be necessary, but I do implore you to change your mind." Goodness, what could I say to dissuade him? Not that I honestly wanted to. He was an extremely handsome man. Tall, muscular, tanned, I loved the way the scruff on his face made him rebellious to the formalities of the ball. When I was in his arms his touch made my skin tingle.

"How about a friendly wager? I will consider leaving you alone if you give me one good reason as to why I should. If you cannot come up with a convincing argument you will spend the remainder of the evening dancing with me," his eyes narrowed in on me. "And only me."

"I, I, I am not a very good dancer."

"Good thing I am and can lead."

"There are much prettier women you could be dancing with."

"That is a flat-out lie, you are by far the most beautiful woman in that room. Last chance!"

"I am not actually a princess, and if you dance with me I will end up getting caught by princess Isabella. I am her lady-in-waiting."

He raised an eyebrow and remained silent for a moment. "That is a predicament, but you see, I still don't believe that is reason enough to leave you alone. Your mask will keep your identity safe, and I am unbothered by the fact that you are not royalty. Perhaps that is precisely why I find you intriguing."

"But."

He held up his hand, "I heard you out, and I have made my choice. Come with me willingly, or not. Either way, I have a feeling I will enjoy it." He smirked again as he winked at me.

The audacity of this man. It reminded me of the arrogance Isabella it must come with being royalty. He just expects me to go along with whatever he wishes. There is no way he would actually pick me up and carry me. I glared at him crossed my arms and with all the confidence I could muster. "No."

"So be it," He took a step towards me and like I weighed no more than the feathers on my mask hoisted me over his shoulder. Flabbergasted I was stunned for a moment but after he had taken a few steps towards the ball I began to pound my fists against his back demanding to be put down.

He chuckled, "Will you come willingly?"

"Fine, just put me down this instant," I demanded knowing full well it was futile. He was going to do what he wanted.

He leaned forward and placed me gently on my feet. I smoothed out my dress the fabric making a snapping sound under my harsh movements. I looked up with ferocious hate in my eyes. "You sir, are an ogre. I promise if you attempt that again I will scream bloody murder and call the attention of anyone within earshot."

"You are a feisty one! I like that, but bear in mind it is your reputation that would be ruined if you were discovered to be alone with a man."

I stepped up to him astonished by my own brazen attitude and poked his chest as I spoke. "Well then if you like me so much I suggest you keep your barbaric tendencies to yourself. So I do not have to risk my reputation to escape you. Maybe you should bear in mind, I am not a royal princess like you are used to dealing with. The risk of my reputation is not the threat you think it is."

"Please accept my most sincere apologies milady," He made a ridiculous bow. "Forgive me, I am used to getting exactly what I want when I want. Being denied is not something I handle very well."

He leaned in so close I could feel his breath against my face as he used a crooked finger to lift my chin. So that I was looking directly into his eyes. "And like it or not milady, you are something I want very much." He quickly leaned in and pressed his lips to mine.

I had to remind myself of how the pretentious prick had treated me so far because his lips caused a tremble through my body. I pushed him away. "Try that again without my permission and you will be short an appendage."

Which of course only produced more full belly laughs. "OK, OK, I will behave myself." He offered his arm so as to escort me. He spoke below his breath but I heard his words anyway. "For now."

What in the world was I going to do. None of my attempts to discourage him were working. Even threatening his manhood only amused him. I needed to find a way to get myself out of this situation.