He wasn't smiling, though. Just a tilt of his lips.
She watched them as they conversed and Francesca as she angled her body towards the Duke, swiping her fan back and forth.
No one in the room needed a fan. It wasn't hot. She was definitely flirting, and she was sure the Duke was aware as well because his gaze fell on the fan, and he smirked.
"Ember!"
Edward's unnecessarily loud call had attained more than half of the attention of the guests, including the Duke.
She quickly turned away from the Duke, angling towards her brothers and a young man as they approached her.
"Viscount Leighton, meet my younger sister, Ember. Ember, meet Viscount Bryne Leighton."
The young man extended a hand.
He was young. Younger than the Duke. And, he looked good. Though he had a harsh facade, when he smiled, it looked different.
He was average height, a little bit taller than Edward. He had a triangular-shaped face and sharp jaws. His lips were thin, and his nose was straight. His hazel eyes complemented his jet-black hair.
He was okay. A perfect distraction to forget the Duke.
She took his hand and let him shake it firmly before she gave a royal bow.
"My Lord."
"Please. I'd prefer Bryne."
She managed a smile.
"We would leave you two, then. Have fun."
Barrett dismissed, walking away with Edward, who still gazed back, a worried frown touching his lips.
Ember dismissed him with an assuring nod.
"It is so pleasant to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you from your father."
Ember's smile settled at the mention of her father.
"Please, I would like to ask a question. Is that okay?"
Viscount Bryne immediately nodded generously.
"This vampire hunting? Did my father do it as well?"
"Yes." Bryne nodded. "It started with him. He had begun it long before I met him and way before your brothers joined in."
As Viscount Bryne gestured to Edward and Barrett, Ember was hoping to only give them a glance to assure Bryne that she was paying attention to him, but her gaze never left them
They never left them because of who they spoke with at the moment.
The Duke.
They smiled about something and started making their way towards them.
Ember instantly threw her gaze away and stayed glued to her spot until her brothers and the Duke approached them.
His scent enveloped her, assaulting her nose as it should.
Her face went pale when the Duke moved beside her, brushing his shoulders with hers.
"The Duke asked for an introduction. Your Grace, meet Viscount Bryne Leighton. Leighton, meet the Duke of Belmont."
Bryne bowed in respect, and Duke Dallas extended a handshake instead.
"Ember," Ember jumped at her brother's sudden call. "You didn't tell me you were close with the Duke. He says you are close."
Ember managed a smile. But, she was sure it would be apparent that the smile was feigned.
"Yes, uhm, we've indeed met a few times."
She managed her words, desperately avoiding the gaze of the Duke, which she was sure was on her.
"So Viscount, tell me your relationship with Miss Ember."
The Duke demanded, gritting his teeth as he did.
He had seen their exchange of pleasantries earlier and wondered who he was to Ember.
"Oh, they are engaged, Your Grace. I apologize for not delivering this information earlier. This is my sister's soon-to-be husband."
The Duke's smile disappeared, and his gaze hardened. He hadn't even tried to hide his distaste regarding the news.
Barrett had thought the Duke's hard gaze was a result of the late information and had said, "I sincerely apologize, Your Grace. I should have mentioned this earlier. I was reckless."
"Of course, you were."
The Duke grounded out, throwing a hard glare to Barrett.
Ember stayed glued.
Duke Dallas turned to Barrett again.
"Would you be dear to borrow me your sister after tonight's gathering?"
"What?" Barrett and Ember echoed in unison.