As Serena descended the stairs, Geoffrey could not help but note the effort she made to look good that evening. She was wearing a pale pink gown with a strapless sweetheart bodice, covered in blossoming crystal beaded, three-dimensional floral embroidery. Her skirt had a dazzling patterned sequin underskirt, with an airy net skirt on top. Her hair was in a braided updo with some tendrils framing her face. She looked absolutely divine.

He almost disillusioned himself that she made the effort for him until he saw the damnable necklace she was wearing. Ha. Really. She even said that it was a gift from her parents.

​​

When Serena reached the landing, she greeted him with a curtsy. "Your highness."

Geoffrey almost wanted to scoff at her pretentiousness. He wondered if she would still call him that when he takes her while she's awake. Sometimes, he could not understand himself. He both loved and hated her. Anyway, putting his own mask back on, he only smiled.

"Serena, there you go again with your highness this, your highness that. How many times do I have to tell you to just call me by my name? You used to do so when we were in school."

Serena smiled back, save for their last encounter, Geoffrey has always been nice and patient with her. It also doesn't hurt that he's also very handsome. She was a bit guilty for going behind his back, but not regretful. "Alright, Geoffrey. By the way, for tonight, I would only dance the quadrille and the waltz. Please excuse me from any fast-paced dance, okay?" She requested.

Geoffrey furrowed his brows. Then, he grasped her gloved hands with his own to pull her closer as he looked at her in the eyes with worry. "Why? Is there something wrong? Should we go check with a physician?"

Serena suddenly felt worried when Geoffrey mentioned a physician. Could they detect if she's pregnant this early on? Anyway, she shook her head. "No, it's nothing like that. It's just that time of the month."

Geoffrey wanted to laugh. Really, she's always lying to his face without batting an eyelash. But it was forgivable this time. He also did not want her to exert too much effort with the dances with the high chance that she's pregnant. What if something happens to their baby? Still, he needs to punish that mouth of hers.

"Are you sure? Let me check." He said as he took of his gloves from his hands.

Serena seeing him take off his gloves simply thought that he's going to check the temperature of her forehead as she answered him with a yes.

Geoffrey had something else in mind. He placed his bare hands on her face so that she won't be able to turn away from him, then he directly kissed her lips, probing her mouth open with his tongue. Serena tried to push him away but then after a while, she stopped resisting and let him continue.

When Geoffrey started using his tongue, Serena was tempted to bite him. But then, she wasn't sure what he would do. Anyway, she just told herself never mind. It's too late to act like a virgin Mary when they have already kissed a couple of times. Besides, it was only recently that he's been acting like a boy who just hit puberty.

Geoffrey wanted to smirk as he pulled back. Although she just stood there as she let him kiss her, he knew that her body was responding to him. Anyway, he just smiled at her as he held her close. Directly looking in her eyes, he whispered, "I love you."

Serena felt her heart stutter. She flushed red and guiltily looked away. Why was Geoffrey being this way now? Also, why was her heart beating wildly in her chest? She could not even pretend that she's unaffected. What was happening to her? Truth was, she was not repulsed by Geoffrey's touch. She even liked how he was being. With that realization, she felt repulsed by herself. What was she thinking? Gods. She needs to see Charlton.

Geoffrey could see Serena blush from her face to the swell of her breast. Her eyes held panic as she averted her gaze away from him. He wanted to laugh. She was too easy. Was she now feeling guilty towards him? Or was she feeling guilty for Charlton because she liked what he was doing?

After the brief silence, Geoffrey decided to get moving. The night has just begun.

Geoffrey wore his gloves back, then, he offered his outstretched hand to Serena. "shall we?" he asked.

Serena looked at his hand in front of her. Apprehensive to take it.

"Serena?" Geoffrey asked as he gave her a smile.

Serena looked at him again. Though she was loathe to admit it, he was deviously handsome that evening. Still, she shook her head. "I think we should go on separate cars. People might talk." She said, trying to sound reasonable. She doesn't know why, but a part of her was frightened to be in close quarters with him alone.

Would Geoffrey take no for an answer? Definitely not. So, as she did not place her hand in his, he decided to just do things his way. He gave her a smirk, then he hoisted her up in a bridal carry.

Serena's eyes widened. "Put me down Geoffrey." She said in protest. She did not dare hit him lest he accidentally cause her to fall and lose her possible baby.

"you're not feeling well, right?" he said almost too sweetly.

Serena could not argue with him, lamely she said, "but all the servants are watching."

Geoffrey just laughed it off, "Just let them. We are getting married anyway."

Serena closed her eyes, both angry and conscience stricken when it comes to Geoffrey.

On the other hand, all the servants just pretended not to see what was happening in front of them. Thinking that the two were acting happily because Leonard and Serena's parents were not there.

Geoffrey continued to carry her until they reached his car. He made her sit down inside first before getting on himself.

--

TBC