Chapter 126: Trading Partners, Trading Hearts

What a cunning game of playing hard to get. Fraser certainly knew how to put on a show. Madeleine extended her slender, delicate hand, intending to place it lightly in the man’s waiting palm. The very next moment, she was yanked straight onto the dance floor by him. Her steps faltered, nearly twisting her ankle as she stumbled forward. Fortunately, her skill in dance was exceptional, and she quickly found her rhythm, keeping pace with the sweeping cadence of the waltz. Her eyes glimmered, vivid and enchanting. "Fraser," she teased, her voice soft but suggestive, "do you enjoy being rough? Later, in the room, we could… explore that."

The man remained silent. Puzzled, Madeleine followed his gaze, trailing along the path of Fraser’s deep, obsidian eyes, which looked dark and cold as midnight. She gave a faint smile. “Ah, that’s Trevor. He and that woman… they do make quite the pair, with their matching outfits and the way they dance together. But we’d be an even better match.”

At that moment, the music shifted. A graceful crescendo swelled, and the male dancers lifted their partners, sending them spinning through the air in elegant arcs. Before Madeleine could finish her sentence, Fraser’s hand released her. With a flick of his wrist, he cast her outward. In the very next breath, Summer’s waist was caught firmly by another strong, unyielding arm. She fell into the familiar, steady warmth of a different embrace.

Lifting her gaze, Summer found herself staring into a pair of deep, dark eyes that looked cold and fathomless, like a storm-churned sea. In the world of waltz, exchanging partners was not uncommon. But it took mastery and confidence and often became a silent duel between men. The atmosphere in the ballroom swelled, reaching another fevered climax. All eyes were now on the Bossman of Havenbrook, effortlessly leading his stunning new partner across the polished floor. Applause thundered, wave after wave crashing through the crowd.

Summer inhaled that familiar scent. The pine and winter chill belonged uniquely to Fraser. It had been half a month since they had seen each other. Now, he was here, right in front of her. Unlike earlier, when she was dancing with Trevor as if separated by a stranger’s distance, this time, Fraser was truly holding her, dancing this dance with her. Summer’s heart skipped a beat. Fraser’s arm circled tightly around her slender waist; his other hand interlaced firmly with hers. His polished shoes moved in smooth rhythm, guiding her with precision and grace as they melted seamlessly into the music.

Fraser lowered his head, gaze fixed on her. His voice was quiet, detached. “This is the freedom ‘you wanted?”

It was not until that moment that Madeleine realized something was wrong. They had switched partners without warning! Oh my god. Met Madeleine, the heiress of the Mare Gerber, used by someone else like this… Madeleine stood frozen in disbelief. Sure, Trevor was not lacking in charm. He had the wealth, power, and status. But he was…

Jealousy. Rage. A storm of emotions churned inside him. But he could not do anything about it. Summer and Fraser’s hearts were clearly elsewhere. Both of them danced on, mechanically following the familiar rhythm of the waltz. Summer parted her lips, wanting to explain, but the words felt pointless. Fraser’s grip suddenly tightened at her waist. He leaned in, his voice low and husky, edged with something darker. “Answer me.”

Summer’s soft curves pressed flush against his hard frame, sending a wave of heat rushing through her. Her face burned, a mix of anger and helplessness flaring up. “You’ve got it wrong,” she said quickly, her tone tight with frustration. Fraser’s gaze dropped to her, sharp and unreadable in the dazzling light of the ballroom. For a long moment, he said nothing. But those dark eyes of his pinned Summer in place, making her heart twist and race uncontrollably.

She knew this man. His arrogance and his pride. She knew that he did as he pleased, wherever, whenever. He did not care about appearances and who was watching. Fraser’s lips curved slightly, not quite a smile. “Fine. Kiss me.” Summer’s head snapped up, her wide, dark eyes filled with disbelief. Was this man seriously in heat all the time?!

Summer’s expression shifted awkwardly. She lowered her voice, “Can you not do this here?” Fraser’s reply was maddeningly casual, yet it oozed that dangerous kind of allure. “What can I say? I can’t help it.” His hand on her waist did not loosen, and his body pressed even closer. “Besides,” his voice dropped even lower, “everyone’s watching. And this is Marc Gerber’s gala, isn’t it?”

Fraser’s long, narrow eyes narrowed further, an air of lazy amusement in his gaze. “You’re my woman. Why? Do I need everyone’s permission just to kiss you?” Summer’s breath caught. Furious, but powerless to stop him, her eyes grew misty, dark lashes wet as she looked up at him. Softly, she whispered, “Can it wait until later?”

Fraser leaned in close, his breath warm as it brushed against the delicate shell of her ear. His voice was low and husky, carrying a lazy seduction that sent shivers down her spine. “Would you do whatever I tell you to do?” Summer clenched her teeth and forced the words out. “Fine! I’ll do it. Whatever you want!”

As soon as the words left her lips, she heard the faintest trace of a chuckle. It was low and deep, vibrating right beside her ear, leaving a subtle tremor behind. Moments later, the waltz came to an elegant close, and the music faded away. The dancers slowly drifted apart, partners letting go one by one. Summer immediately shoved Fraser away, freeing herself from his arms. Shooting him a sharp glare, she turned on her heel and walked straight toward the restroom. Inside, she pulled out her compact powder, lightly patting her cheeks to calm the flushed color blooming there. She then grabbed her red lipstick, twisting it up and carefully reapplying it.