Hide and seek
He was looking for something more enjoyable then the fussy ladies in the ball room. He heard someone playing the harp and went hurriedly that way. With surprise he saw the beautiful girl with mahogany hair and went closer, trying not to make noise. He did not want to disturb her and the realization hit him suddenly: he had just found what he was looking for. He moved quietly like a ghost and aimed for the sofa near the entrance. A step before his goal, the wooden floor screeched under his weight and she turned around to face him as fast as a cat and took a step back toward the windows. She looked indeed like a wild cat, startled and ready to run. She blushed knowing she wasn't supposed to be here and alone. He shouldn't tease her. He ran his hand through his hair and gave her a disarming grin.
– Please, don't mind me, I was just passing by and heard the music – He bowed, she was something unearthly, so fragile and beautiful. She was looking with mistrust, so he added:
– Please continue, it sounds lovely.
She gave a curt nod and mentally shook away the surprise and continued playing.
She turned her profile to him, so she won't be getting distracted too much. Shortly after that she heard the piano quietly accompanying her with deep and low sounds. Evangeline turned to him completely, unable to control her actions and met his gray eyes. His look was so dreamy and carried away. The two instruments were talking to one another, sounding harmonic and complementary. They got lost in their own small musical word, it was so intimate.
Nobody knows how long was this lasting before they heard steps and stopped playing. She got a bit pale – she needed a knight in shining armor to rescue her. It was going to be inappropriate to be seen with him since they were not introduced and unmarried. He smoothly closed the piano and confidently stepped towards her. She put the harp carefully to its place. He offered his hand and said quietly with a playful look in his eyes:
– Milady, do you want to play hide and seek with me?
– Do I really have a choice? – she chuckled sweetly and took his hand.
The color came back to her cheeks from the nearness of him. He was more than satisfied to see her blush.
So they quickly left the room and went almost running. They were hearing the steps of the other ladies and their voices calling for her. He was taking her through corridors and turns, stairs and galleries. Several times they almost ran into their pursuers, but he managed to turn sharply before anyone could see them. A door was about to open right before them:
– This way! – he grabbed her in his arms and lightning fast dragged her into an empty room. They hid behind the curtains. She was thinking he was so resilient and agile in contrast to his big body! They tried to calm their breath, trying not to sniggle like two kids hiding after doing a mischief. She felt hot, not only from running. He was so appealing, darling and handsome, so seductive… He wanted her right now so bad… She ended up leaning against him, their lips almost touching… He pulled away, restraining his desires.
– They are gone now, milady!
– They are, but we can not run forever.
– Then we should try to reach the ball room without being noticed.
They left their hiding place and headed to the dance hall.
They both were quite amused and enjoying the experience, but stopped when they arrived, both panting.
– It was nice to play with you, Milord – she said it ambiguous on purpose. He slightly tilted his head.
– The pleasure was all mine. Farewell. – he said.
Looking straight into her eyes, he took her hand in his, slowly raised it to his lips and gave her a gentle kiss. It gave them both a shiver…
He was gone before she realized.