She stepped out of the duke’s embrace only to get an eyeful of Lord Littleton…of course it had to be this season’s loudest dandy. Her skin prickled as curious stares flocked to them. Oh no, oh no, oh no. Things could not possibly get worse. She was going to swoon.

A cool hand took hers, tethering her to his side. “Since when can’t a man sneak a moment with his betrothed, Littleton?” Rhystan drawled.

“Betrothed? Congratulations, good man!”

Sarani’s breath hitched as none other than the dowager duchess appeared at the balcony doors. Things could definitely get worse. Her gaze narrowed on them as if she could clearly see the cloud of sin around them. “Embry, our host has been looking for you.”

“Oy, Dragon Duchess,” Littleton brayed. “Looks like you’re about to be replaced and put in the dower house, eh?”

The stark anger on her face was brief but ugly, and the sight of it made Sarani lift her chin in angry defiance. She gripped Rhystan’s hand tighter and smiled at Littleton. “We’ve been keeping it a secret, but I suppose the cat’s out of the bag now.”

* * *

Rhystan sat back in the carriage, staring at Sarani and his sister, who had not stopped chattering about her first real ball. His mother had long since departed in a froth in her own coach, leaving Sarani to find her own way back. His carriage was stuffed with two young ladies, both of whom made his blood boil for vastly different reasons.

Ravenna because her high-pitched shrieking was about to do him in, and Sarani…well…he couldn’t think about her without sporting a flagpole in his trousers. Hell, he was still half-hard after the interlude on the balcony. He’d always known she was responsive, but her soft moans…how wet she’d been…how sweetly her body had clenched around his fingers, had combined to demolish him.

His trousers instantly grew crowded. Discreetly, he attempted to adjust himself on the seat but caught Sarani’s eye anyway. Her gaze darted away, dropping to her hands clasped in her lap, a violent blush spreading on her cheeks as she fixed her attention on his sister.

“You naughty, naughty, naughty wretches,” Ravenna was saying. “I honestly cannot believe your antics. Being discovered in flagrante delicto on the balcony. Littleton would have spread it far and wide already. The man is a menace.”

Sarani buried her face behind her hands, a laugh spilling out. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“Why? You two are engaged.”

“Yes, but your mother wished for your brother to wait to make an announcement so she could let the other prospects down gently.”

Ravenna gave an indelicate snort. “You mean so she could push Penelope in your place.” She giggled. “Lord, her expression was priceless when Littleton was braying the news that you’re now the official winner of the Duchess Duels.”