Lady Revealed Read Online Free PDF Page A

ridiculous.
    “Your family is here,” he continued. “I am here.”
    “But sometimes I want more. I can’t dance forever.”
    His eyes darkened to an almost black and his hand came up and he caressed her cheek with his thumb. “I’ve wanted more as well.” His voice was deeper than usual. Juliette wasn’t sure what to make of Carlo at the moment. He was her friend, a very dear friend. Was he simply watching out for her as if he were a brother? She had always wished for an older brother, but that was impossible. It was nice to have someone she trusted fulfilling that role.
    “Dine with me this evening.”
    As much as she would like to speak with Carlo and perhaps gain some advice, she could not. “I am sorry, but I promised Maman that I would come home directly after the performance.”
    His eyes narrowed. “And what of your admirer? What if he were to ask?”
    Juliette frowned at Carlo. Why did he seem possessive all of a sudden? “I would tell him the same, of course.”
    Carlo’s features softened. “At least let me escort you home. Your sisters are not here this evening.”
    Juliette was relieved by his offer. “Thank you.” She did not like to walk home alone at night. It always seemed safer with her two sisters, but by herself it was frightening. She could always hire a carriage, but it seemed such a waste when she didn’t live far away.
    The manager stepped inside the room and announced that it was time to take their places. Carlo continued to stare down at her. Were his eyes focused on her lips?
    Abruptly he turned and walked away.
    Juliette could only stare after him. He was acting strangely this evening. But, Carlo’s moods often changed with the wind. One moment he could be warm and caring and the next yelling and tossing things about. She never knew what set him off into his fits of frustration.
    She returned to her dressing table and quickly penned a note to Acker thanking him for the flowers and that she would not be able to remain at the theatre tonight but she looked forward to meeting him tomorrow.
    *
     
    Acker sat alone and watched Juliette dance. Until he had actually met her, he made a point of never attending by himself so as not to appear odd. Now he didn’t care. He would sit alone night after night if he could, just to watch her grace and beauty.
    Would she wait for him this evening? Would they supper together? Would she insist a sister be present?
    No, he dismissed. She met with him alone today so she certainly cannot view him as dangerous. Nor could Juliette have a protector or she wouldn’t have met with him. Besides, if she was another man’s mistress, she would not need to teach or live with her mother and sisters. If she belonged to him, Juliette would be able to have her days free of students and only dance at night.
    What was he thinking? Juliette would never belong to him. Her life was in Milan and his in England. He had but a short time remaining in Italy and he wanted to spend every possible free moment with Juliette.
    Would they become lovers before he left, or would the relationship remain platonic?
    How could he return home not having loved her? The desire that coursed through his veins for the seductive ballerina was unparalleled. He had never longed for any woman the way he did for Juliette, especially only having watched her dance and then spoken with her a few times. Yet, he wanted Juliette and wasn’t certain he would get his wish.
    The same man who always danced with Juliette lifted her and then they bent, much as lovers would do. What Acker wouldn’t give to be able to touch Juliette with such familiarity and anywhere he wished. The couple turned and Acker anticipated the next lift. He knew the ballet by heart having watched it so many times. Except this time, instead of grasping Juliette’s narrow waist, the man’s hands slipped and slid up, stopping to cup her breast. Few could see this mistake, only those sitting near Acker because of the angle toward