Page 24 of A Rogue Worth the Risk

Disappointment assailed him.

Corinna wasn’t here.

Imbecile.

He had no business seeking her company when he’d made it clear-as-crystal he had no interest in pursuing a serious relationship.

“Pssst.”

Head cocked, he glanced around.

“Pssst. Up here, Caspian,” she whispered, her tone brimming with urgency.

He glanced upward.

Corinna peeked between two shiny, dark wooden balusters almost directly above him. She looked like a naughty child or a pixy spying on him.

A narrow staircase in the corner of the same dark wood led to an upper level. Most of the balcony consisted of a narrow overhang, but rounded sitting areas had been constructed on either end.

“May I come up?”

Say yes.

She tilted her head, reminding him of a confused bird.

“Of course. I wouldn’t have caught your attention if I didn’t want you to know I was up here.”

That was Corinna being Corinna.

She dashed an apprehensive glance toward the door. “Hurry, though. Before someone else comes in. I’m not in the mood for company.”

Evidently, he didn’t qualify as company.

He grinned, absurdly pleased.

In short order, Caspian climbed the narrow risers, scarcely more than a ladder.

Corinna had pulled the green brocade cushions off the pair of wingback chairs, creating a cozy hideaway. She sat cross-legged upon one and patted the other. “Sit down. The chairs block us from the view below.”

An open book, spine up, lay beside her.

Examining her features, her over-bright eyes and slightly wan face, Caspian folded onto the cushion. “Are you hiding up here?”

Every instinct told him she was. Something had happened. Something that caused this brave, cock-a-snook-at-Society, spirited woman to sequester herself away from the rest of the guests.

“Not exactly.” She wrinkled her forehead and picked at the hem of her skirt. “I’ve chosen to avoid the company of certain persons.”

“Who?” He picked up her book, then crooked an eyebrow. “The Castle of Otranto?”

Corinna hitched a shoulder and leaned against the chair nearest her. “I found it on the chair. It’s not to my taste. Too dark and disturbing.”

“Nothing on architecture or herbal remedies?”

“There probably is.” She glanced upward at the shelves. “But I would have to search for them, and I was more intent on finding a place to disappear.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” Caspian closed the book and set it aside. “Who are you avoiding?”