Chapter 324 - 321: Ligeti’s Ball III (1/2)

Geoffrey turned to face Christopher who addressed him first. Observing some form of etiquette despite his higher position, he stood up to greet him back. ”Lord Cross”

Serena who was also greeted by Christopher stood up from her seat. She gave him a curtsy. ”Lord Cross.”

”Good evening, your highness, Lady Serena.” Charlton this time greeted.

Geoffrey's eyes landed on Charlton. He did not expect that his cousin would approach them. He's really daring and thick skinned. But he has to give it to him, he's very creative and knew how to use everything in his disposal. He smiled and greeted him back, ”Lord Daniel.”

Serena smiled and gave Charlton a curtsy too. ”Lord Daniel.”

Geoffrey not wanting to give away any indication that he knew the relationship between the two, faced Christopher again, ”So, what can I do for you this evening?”

Christopher said what he came to say, ”Your highness, would you honor my sister with a dance?”

Geoffrey did not want to but he had to give Christopher some face.

”I would be delighted.” Geoffrey replied as he received the dance card. As he signed his name, from the corner of his eyes, he observed Serena and Charlton. They were smiling casually at one another and once upon a time, he thought nothing of it but them just being long time friends. Although he has always had a hunch, something irrational which made him jealous with the way Serena looked at his cousin, he ignored it. What a fool he was then. Could they be smiling as if laughing at his stupidity now?

Christopher while waiting for Geoffrey to write his name turned to Serena. Then, his gaze landed on the red like bruise between her neck and shoulder. Curious, he stared at it a little longer.

As Geoffrey handed the dance card back to Christopher, he saw him looking at Serena and noticed that he was looking at the hickey. He smirked, then he placed his hand around Serena's waist as he pulled her closer towards himself.

Serena was surprised by what Geoffrey was doing, in a voice a pitch higher than normal, she exclaimed, ”Geoffrey!”

Geoffrey only chuckled in response seeing Charlton's eyes widen by a fraction. He faced Christopher, ”I did not know when you were introduced to my fiancee Lord Cross, but may I ask why you have been staring at her?”

Christopher swallowed. Was his action too obvious? He hoped not. He shook his head, ”We have been introduced in my mother's afternoon tea party by her brother, Lord Leonard Maxwell. I apologize for my rudeness, but I just felt worried seeing a bruise on her lady's neck.”

Geoffrey did not really notice Christopher's lingering eyes. He just wanted him to mention the bruise. It felt like his cousin was too oblivious to it.

Serena who thought that there was nothing on her skin quickly used her hand to cover the spot which Geoffrey suckled earlier. Facing Christopher with some embarrassment and so that Charlton would not misunderstand, she said, ”It was bitten by a bug. I did not know it would leave a mark.”

Charlton's eyes saw it before Serena could cover it herself. Not wanting to show the sudden onslaught of anger on his face, he looked away as he clenched his fist.

Geoffrey saw everything unfold before him, wanting to push more buttons, he smirked as he said, ”Yes, indeed. It was a huge bug inside the car which suckled her skin finding it too sweet.” The implication of his words can be left to everyone's imagination.