The Duke's Passion

Claude's eyes never left Lady Talia as they danced. The eyes that were cast on them, staring at this undeniably dashing young man and Lady Talia, surely boosted the latter's confidence. She liked the extra attention from the crowd and from this young man. In her mind, although Samael had a special place in her heart, it wasn't bad to play with this young man.

"You leave me speechless, Baroness Fletcher." Claude smiled, tightening his grip around her waist to pull her closer. "I am one lucky man."

"Sir Lucas, you're such a smooth talker," came out a delighted chuckle while shaking her head. At this point, she already knew Claude was very interested in her. 

"Apparently, I am not, my lady. I am simply telling the truth." 

"Well, that is very flattering."

Claude's smile stretched even wider, but it didn't reach his eyes. He stared down at her for a minute, studying the lady's demeanor, as if contemplating what to do or say to her. He wasn't lying when he said Lady Talia left him speechless, as he could guess what was inside her mind, and it disgusted him. 

"My lady, if I may ask, were you already interested in a man?" he asked with brows raised, tilting his head to the side. 

Lady Talia's lips parted while staring at him. She didn't answer immediately, increasing his suspense. 

"I am now," she answered playfully, casting Claude a knowing look. 

"Oh?" His lips stretched into a smug grin, taking a step until his body was against hers. Claude bent over and whispered in her ear. "My. It seems my uncle will have to drown himself with alcohol tonight to wash down the void you will leave in his heart."

Lady Talia's brows rose, grasping the hint Claude gave her. Out of instinct, she turned her head to where Samael stood. To her surprise, he was staring in their direction, making her assume silly things. Although Claude was a dashing, fine young man, there was something in Samael that made her drawn to him. 

'Is he jealous'?' she wondered, pressing her lips as her heart warmed up at the sight of Samael. Little did she know, Claude, who was scrutinizing her countenance, had to bite his tongue to suppress himself from bursting out in laughter.

Just how the hell did she jump to such a silly assumption? Claude was interested to know! After all, Samael was staring in their direction, but not at her! There wasn't even a trace of emotion in Samael's eyes.

"Sir Lucas." Lady Talia cleared her throat and faced the young man, sporting a reserved smile. "Thank you for asking me for a dance. But I have to cut it short for I have to greet some people."

Just when she placed her hand on his chest to push him lightly, Claude tugged her waist even tighter. Her brows creased instantly, thinking he didn't mean it. But when she attempted to take a step back, Claude pulled her closer once again, making her eyes expand.

"My lady, greeting the guests is Madam Roux's duty, not yours." Claude's eyes grew sinister, chuffed seeing the confusion flickering across her eyes. "So, you don't worry about that. Why don't you listen to my story instead? Will you listen to me?"

"Sir Luc --"

"Come on, Lady Talia. I just want someone to talk to." He cut her off, and he leaned forward, eyes flickering with malice as he simpered. Sensing the danger crawling down her spine, Lady Talia held her breath while keeping her eyes locked with him.

Pleased that she finally understood he wouldn't let her go so easily, Claude rocked his head. "You see, I also like someone. I met her somewhere in the street. She thought I was lost and abandoned, so she approached me with a kind smile and an open heart. At first, I thought, this woman is strangely dumb. She has no sense of danger, but I found myself liking the warmth of her hand when she offered it to me." He paused as a subtle smile dominated his countenance.

"It's the first time in my life that someone held my hand so tenderly, but... it will be perfect if it was just the two of us back then. Unfortunately, she held me in her left hand while she held another man's hand on her right. I should've disliked her then and there, but no." Claude's smile remained as he set his eyes on Lady Talia. "As much as I hate that her attention was split, I will hate it more if I see her sad."

Lady Talia forced a smile and chuckled awkwardly. "It's her loss for not seeing your feelings, Sir Lucas."

"Ha ha... you think so?" he chortled in a low tone as his eyes droop half-open. "But I disagree, my lady. She is content with her life now with her husband and son; she's more beautiful than ever and I want her to stay happy and in peace for as long as I live."

"Aren't you commendable?"

"Commendable?" this time, Claude burst out in laughter while tightening his grip around Lady Talia's waist. "I guess I am. After all, I am unlike you who will stop at nothing to get what you want."

"Pardon?"

His delighted countenance remained, leaning forward to her side, and dawdled. "My lady, I am not blind or stupid not to see how you leer at her husband. Normally, I wouldn't care since I know someone will put you in your place. However, I suddenly thought after being in this banquet that I can't turn a blind eye to it." 

Claude slowly drew his head back with his grin persisting. Lady Talia wasn't dumb to grasp who was the woman he was talking about. He made it very clear and obvious, so a smart lady like her would understand.

"My lady, Auntie Lilove is already living a peaceful life, don't make it so hard on her. She is like a mother to me, and I never thought of coveting her from her husband or from her son. If you love someone, their happiness should be your priority, right? Even if you are not the reason for it, you shouldn't interfere." His hand squeezed her hip as his smile receded, replaced with a sinister smirk. She tried to push him away as she knew this young man was... crazy but to no avail. Claude held her securely and she couldn't make huge movements to garner unwanted attention.

"You are pretty, but it pales in comparison to her." He laughed in ridicule, leaning closer to her side once again. "Baroness, when I first laid my eyes on you, do you know what came into my mind first? I wondered what sound your head will make if I bash it in?"

This time, she froze on the spot as her mind entered a blank state. Did she hear him correctly? Lady Talia shifted her shaking eyes at him and caught the glint in his eyes when he cast her a side-eye.

"Right now, the reason your head is still intact is that Auntie Lilove put her heart and soul on this auspicious occasion. I don't want to ruin it, but... let me give you a word of advice. You don't mess with her or my uncle. They might keep a low profile, but don't mess with quiet people. You won't like it when they raise their volume."

Claude finally loosened his grip as the orchestra playing in the background came to an end. As if nothing happened, he took a step back and held her hand. Slowly, he bent over to kiss the back of her hand, eyes still on her. 

"It's a pleasant chat, Baroness.. I'll see you around."