Cast in Ice Read Online Free Page B

approaching her at her father’s side was Nick Stillman.
    Her heart increased its steady thrumming in her breast, beating harder and faster. An awareness she couldn’t understand took control of her thoughts. Her heart shifted inside her while her emotions tingled in fear, and…anticipation.
    “Look who I found,” her father said when he reached her.
    The smile on her father’s face was genuine. He considered that he owed each and every one of the brigadesmen his profound gratitude for their help in returning Ben’s daughter to them when the duchess had kidnapped her.
    Winnie hadn’t seen Nick Stillman since the dinner celebration her father had hosted several months ago to thank the brigadesmen for everything they’d done. And she didn’t expect to ever see him again. But here he was, standing in front of her as if he were a member of Society.
    Winnie rose to her feet. “What a surprise, Mr. Stillman,” she said, dipping slightly.
    “Yes, I just explained to your father that Viscount Rummery happens to be my uncle. My mother is Lord Rummery’s sister.”
    “Then you are…?”
    “I am Mr. Nicholas Stillman. I have no title. But Lady Rummery insists I make a showing several times a Season, and this is one of those occasions. She’d never forgive me if I failed to attend her annual ball. She’s convinced that I need to keep up appearances in Society.”
    “And of course she’s right,” her father said. “Lady Rummery’s event is always well attended.”
    “Yes, and my cousin, Lady Elizabeth should be here somewhere, and I’m to make myself useful as her dance partner should she need me. But in light of the number of males gathered around her and her friends, I doubt my services will be required.”
    Nick Stillman nodded to a group across the room comprised of Lady Elizabeth and a large group of her acquaintances.
    Her father followed Nick Stillman’s direction across the crowded ballroom, but his gaze stopped when he focused on a group of men gathered on the opposite side of the room.
    “I see Viscount Cavenaugh,” the Duke of Townsend said, nodding to his right. “Are you acquainted with Lord Cavenaugh?” he asked Nick Stillman.
    “Yes, but only slightly. He’s investing in a new line of clipper ships, if rumors are correct.”
    “They are indeed. I am also one of those investors. It will take quite a bit of capital, but well worth it in the end.”
    “The clippers have been logging incredible times traveling from the East,” Mr. Stillman added.
    “Yes, they have.” His Grace turned his attention to Lord Cavenaugh again. “If you will excuse me, I need to speak with him.”
    “Of course, Your Grace,” Nick Stillman said, bowing slightly as her father left.
    She and Nick Stillman were alone, and for the life of her, she couldn’t think of a reason to excuse herself. Not a reason Nick Stillman would find believable.
    Winnie lifted her gaze and focused on his handsome features. The chiseled bones of his face were angled in grim lines that should have made him appear fearsome. Instead, his high cheekbones and the severe angle of his jaw only intensified his rugged good looks.
    His face was a darker bronze than most of the men here tonight. The reason was undoubtedly due to the hours he spent out of doors. His high forehead and deep-set dark eyes gave him a serious look. His nearly black eyes shone with intelligence. If she did not have such a desperate secret to hide, she might consider him intriguing. Instead, he was a man to be feared. A man she needed to avoid.
    He turned his attention to her and raised a questioning eyebrow. A smile lifted the corners of his mouth, forcing the two deep creases on either side of his face to deepen. The sight was breathtaking.
    “Would you care to dance, Lady Winnifred?” he asked. “Or would you rather step outside for a breath of fresh air?”
    Couples were making their way to the dance floor for the next set. The dance was a waltz, and the thought