CHAPTER 16

Soon the dancing had began and most of the women was being led to the dance floor by young men.

Madison stilled her breath remembering the last encounter she had in a ball and how it seemed to her that men had an evasion to dance with her. She was in the mist of the crowed with the both of them before Jen got asked to dance and mademoiselle had scurried off to find an appropriate match for her leaving her all by herself standing there like a wallflower.

Not wanting to wait any longer at the side lines and end up as the season most notorious rake, she started towards the stairs leading to the balcony.Upon reaching there she closed the door before moving over to the edge and taking in a deep breath.

She had left the hall because she had felt uncomfortable being there and because she didn't want to be the center of attention standing there alone, she had experienced it before and it wasn't something she looked forward to happening again.

But what she didn't know is that what happened five years ago could never repeat itself because back then she was surrounded by young boys who didn't have the courage to ask her to dance while now she was surrounded my young men who knew exactly what they wanted and went for it.

She stood there looking at the sky, needing some air and to be alone for some time, and was glad that no one was there beside her, or so she thought.

"I thought all the ladies will be in the hall dancing by now"

She jumped up hearing a deep male voice from behind her, turning as quickly as she could she looked back to see a man standing on the other side of the balcony while leaning on the rails.

she looked over to the door to notice that it was still closed which meant the person was in the balcony before her and she might have missed him when she entered there earlier.

Turning back to face him again she answered "and I thought all the gentlemen will be leading the ladies to the dance floor by now."

she tried but she couldn't see the man face clearly because there was no much light where he was standing, but she could make out his structure and she noticed that the man was very tall with broad shoulders and muscular legs. he held a glass containg a drink in his hands, probably whiskey as that was most men preferably choice of drink.

"and who said I was a gentleman"

she felt herself turn breet red as she noticed his gaze solely on her.he stared her down taking in each and every one of her features before he took a long swing of his drink.

"Aren't you now? And I thought the Fedinards invitations was exclusive" she said to hear the man let out a small chuckle.

"They are. I was probably lucky to get one, wasn't I?"

"That wasn't what I meant" she quickly clarified, not wanting to offend the young man. Or so she thought, he did sound young.

"I understand"he simply replied.

feeling awkward by the change in atmosphere she went ahead and made the introductions since they were both not acquainted with each other. "I am Madison Salypse" she announced

"How do you do Madison?"

"Very well Mr.…" she drawled intending for him to complete the sentence but it seemed to her the man had other thoughts. Not giving up she persisted.

"And you are?"

She saw him take another sip from his glass before answering "an acquaintance"

"How lovely" she had completely given up hope on him, it seemed that the man would like to keep his identity a mystery.

"I presume you are enjoying yourself here alone" he asked finally engaging in the conversation.

"Yes I have always found the constellation extremely beautiful, and always look for an opportunity to see them."

"Really" he inclined his head for her to go on.

"Orion is my particular favorite"

"Why if I may ask?"

"Because of the story associated with it" she answered like it was obvious thing and he looked at her mockingly

"And you know it?"

"Of course"

"Orion the hunter led a tragic life that ended when he stepped on a scorpion knows as scorpius, what is there to like." he couldn't have sounded more bored and she saw the need to justify him.

"Orion was put back in his faithful dogs canis major and canis minor, into the sky as constellations by the gods as the felt sorry for him. It shows that everyone deserves a second chance and it signifies 'light of heaven' as they are the brightest stars."

"Well then" he grinned at her showing his perfect white teeth "it seems to me that you know you facts very well." Feeling proud of herself Madison grinned back

"of course I do"

"So does that mean you believe in giving second chances" he nonchalantly asked.

"Why not, everyone makes mistakes and it will be unwise to hold a grudge after an apology has been granted" not noticing his change of expression because he was in the dark she continued "don't you believe in giving second chances?"

"I do not" he answered with his voice seeming hard "most people are undeserving of it"

"But …

"What are you really doing here all alone Madison" he called her name as if he have known her for a very long time. "don't you know it's rude to wander when invited to someone house?"

Staring him down she answered "I could ask you the same"

"Am practically family" he drawled

Letting out a little laugh she looked at him mockingly "really? I thought you were no gentleman"