Charlton was looking anywhere but at Serena, not because he was embarrassed or anything, but rather, he was just unprepared, caught off-guard of her sudden reappearance. However, the duke addressing him, suggesting he ask her to dance… he can't be serious, was he?
He turned to face the duke but saw that he was smiling in earnest. He wanted to decline, but how would he sound like if he did? Then, he looked at his lover, Larissa, perhaps she might be of help. However, instead, he saw her eyes gleaming with excitement and when it met his, she was already nodding in approval.
Does Larissa even know what she was doing? He wanted to shake his head and sigh. Never mind. Just get it done. So, for the first time that night, he looked straight at Serena and their eyes met.
