Suddenly Becoming A Mum - Chapter 102

Alexandre stood on the edge and watched Lily dancing with the old Count de Rochou. He hadn’t been able to turn down the Count like all the other bugs that were buzzing around his wife. Reluctantly, he had to promise that fat dwarf, that Lily would dance with him. After all, de Rochou was the host of this evening.

Alexandre regretted it with every fiber of his being. Every move she made was so graceful and light, even with that clumsy dancing partner at her side. She had everyone under her spell. While her dancing partner was breathing heavily and could hardly keep up with the music. She danced like a feather in the wind next to the sweat-soaked boor. The blush skirt of her dress fluttered like petals in the wind along her gentle steps. Alexandre couldn’t look away, like all the other guests. An unpleasant heat, which originated in his chest, spread through his body, burning through his veins.

Alexandre felt these tingling sensations in his fingers, while his eyes silently watched as Rochou’s fleshy hand had slipped down a little too far. If it would move a little further down, Alexandre swore that he would bury his fist in the lecherous face of this rollmop this very second.

He has had to put up with it all evening long. He knew exactly what the glances of these men meant. It didn’t turn out the way he had expected. Alexandre did nothing other than to get rid of horny brats or middle-aged womanizers. Should he hire a few more bodyguards in the future? One could never have enough.

Alexandre cursed himself, if it wasn’t necessary. He never would have revealed Lily to those leering eyes.

“Isn’t he here yet?” He asked Claudio enraged.

“Nope.” Claudio snickered. “Is it weird if I congratulate you on hitting the marriage jackpot!”

“Yes!” Alexandre growled.

“You’re sure. Anyway, you hit it. She is young. Women are like wines, give her a few more years to mature, and she can’t save herself from admirers.”

“Go to hell.” Alexandre growled.

“I’m sorry, I’m already banned from there.”

Alexandre’s gaze returned to Lily. “Are you sure that this bastard is definitely coming?”

“Of course. He and the toad who maltreats your wife on the dance floor are long-term friends and business partners. You can be sure some deals will be closed in back rooms today.” Claudio handed Alexandre a glass of red wine. ” Look at the couple by the pathway door.

Marquis d’Albertas and his wife. The Marquis and dear Gaston have been doing business with each other for 26 years. Not entirely legal, of course. The marquis was on the verge of bankruptcy, his family belonged to the old aristocracy in France, but his fathers’ business had driven the family to ruin. Until the good Gaston de Cocieux showed up. What I want to say is. Cocieux only does business with people who are close to him or are in his debt. So watch out tonight. The place is crawling with his people. I just met two more of his important partners at the gaming tables.”

Alexandre twisted his beautifully curved lips into a cryptic smile. “Really?”

Claudio laughed heartily. “At least you have nothing to fear from him.” He pointed with his chin at the round count who was holding Lily’s hand. He was completely out of breath. “Gaston keeps him only by his side due to a sentimental friendship. He’s involved in very little business. Plus, they’re scratching hardly on the edge of law.”

“Heaven…” The de Rochou gasped as he brought Lily back to Alexandre. “Your wife moves like a gazelle across the dance floor.” He gave Lily a mischievous smile. Promptly, the girl blushed again. Alexandre was boiling. He immediately wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side. He really had to toughen her up against compliments. Under which stone had she lived that the slightest compliment would make her cheeks blush. Even Lionelle seemed to be immune. After all, she managed to parry Claudio’s advances without batting an eyelid.

“Thank you. You were a wonderful dancing partner, too.” Lily smiled and Alexandre could see the lie in her eyes.

Alexandre pulled her closer as the next gentlemen approached Lily with compliments. It seemed that most of the male guest were eager to start a conversation with his wife. Alexandre frowned. Might there have been bets made at the club that he didn’t know about?

“I had a very amusing chat with your charming wife about art, Your Grace.” The old rollmop spoke up again. Alexandre could only suspect foul things. He regretted it more and more. Damn it!

“Oh really?” He takes a sip of the red wine.

“Since I have an extraordinary art collection, I was able to persuade the enchanting Duchess to be her personal guide this evening.” Alexandre wanted to spit wine right across his face. He was seriously pissed. His earlier ebullient mood had soured. He forced himself to keep smiling, even though his face was aching. This evening was important.