Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny)

by K. Young

  She was guarded, he knew, because of what had happened earlier. Mel, sensing that either would provoke the other soon if they didn't leave, interjected to keep the peace.

  “Well then, shall we be off? It's not at all proper to be late for your first ball, m'dear. Derrick, would you care to ride with us in my coach?” She asked as she linked her arm through one of his and motioned Kristen to do the same with his other arm.

  Kristen didn't want to touch him. She had seen what could happen when she touched him. But, under the circumstances, she didn't have a choice and she was hoping that with Mel there he would behave himself. Remembering that she needed to be a lady though, she conceded with a warm smile. This time it reached her eyes, and it caused Derrick's heart to stop for a full two seconds before it resumed its normal rhythm. He was overcome with a sense of dread because he thought he might just kill any young buck that dared come too close to her.

  Clearing his throat, Derrick realized he hadn't yet answered Mel's question. “Madam, it is very kind of you to offer the use of your coach, but I wouldn't be a proper escort if I didn't offer the use of my own. I do so now if it is agreeable to Kristen.” He turned those amber eyes on her and Kristen melted. She was sure she could get lost in those eyes.

  Kristen grinned. He was enjoying the game, but he didn't know her plan. “That is very agreeable to me, sir, and we thank you for the offer.” She curtsied just to drive her point home.

  Derrick was slightly disappointed that he had been unable to get a rise out of her tonight, but he surmised that by the end of the night her temper would be close to boiling. He would have his fun then, but in the meantime, he'd play along with her.

  The three left Mel's home on Grosvenor Square in the comfort of Derrick's carriage. Not surprisingly, Kristen was stuck sitting next to Derrick. Her pulse began racing as his leg bumped into hers, her heart was pounding so loud she was sure both Derrick and Mel could hear it. She was beginning to dislike these unfamiliar reactions she had around him, but there was no hope for it. She promised Mel to behave tonight and she intended to do just that. She just prayed that Derrick would behave, as well.

  They arrived at the ball without incident, which substantially relieved Kristen's mind. Derrick stepped out of the carriage and then helped the ladies down, taking their arms and leading them inside. Once they were announced, a hush fell over the ballroom as all eyes turned toward them. Kristen wasn't sure she was up for it, but she had no choice as Derrick, the insufferable man, casually descended the stairs. She couldn't very well yank her arm away from him now, though that was her fondest wish at the moment.

  “Kristen, I believe all eyes are for you.” Derrick said, sensing her fear.

  “You flatter me, sir, but truly, I believe they were merely curious about you. Wouldn't you agree, Mel?”

  "Indeed. It is most unfair of you not to attend more of these soirees, Derrick. Come to think of it, if not for me, poor Kristen would be the talk of the ton. Being seen in your company is a rather calamitous thing for a lady's reputation.” Mel said in jest, though Kristen's eyes grew wide in panic.

  Derrick patted her hand. “She's teasing, my dear. I may be a lot of things, but I am discreet, and I don't cause undue gossip or my family would have my hide. Your reputation is quite safe.”

  Somehow that didn't make Kristen feel any better.

  Mel smiled. “Still though, you would be the life of the ball. All the young ladies would dance attendance “

  The look of abject horror on his face had Mel laughing softly. “Bite your tongue madam. There is only one young lady I wish to have attention from, and she is most assuredly on my other arm.” He tossed Kristen a carefree smile.

  Kristen blushed a pretty shade of pink that was most becoming with her dark blue gown. She knew exactly what he was insinuating and it sent her heart into a fluttering mess. But, there was work to do this evening, so she locked those idle feelings away and continued to walk down the stairs to greet their hostess, pretending she hadn't heard him. Mel smiled at his audacity, but decided it was good for Kristen. It had been some time since Mel had seen that happy glow on her friends face, and wasn't at all surprised to see the same glow on Derrick. She wondered what she could do to see these two along to the end they so obviously wanted, though were desperately trying to pretend otherwise.

  ***

  Kristen was quite the belle of the ball and was enjoying every minute of it, though she hadn't expected to like it quite as much. She managed to remain remarkably ladylike the whole time, as Mel pointed out with a certain amount of pride. She also managed to secure every dance on her dance card, as well. Kristen had partners aplenty, all vying for her attention and she was happy to note that the young bucks were simply infatuated with her.

  Having met Derrick's brothers, Oliver and Charlie, she could see why every woman in the room was quite envious of her, too. She overheard several conversations with ladies lamenting the fact that the Shane brothers were so elusive., but it was a great shock that Derrick was there at all. She even heard some not so pleasant things said about her, having arrived on his arm, but she paid them no mind. She was not interested in the jealous banter of women who were no more interesting than a vat of animal dung.

  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, good heavens, sir. Are you alright?" She asked.

  "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 nor
mally 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 a
way 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.