Pushing my long, dark locks away from my face, I surveyed the crowd around me and stifled a yawn.  The social balls were getting increasingly boring as of late.

“Don’t look so terribly excited to be here, Philippe,” a voice quipped at my side.

Turning, I saw Christophe sidling up beside me.  “Your latest conquest not going well?” he asked with far too much cheer.

I frowned at him.  “Just because some people have given up on the chase doesn’t give you the right to needle me.”

“Who says I’ve given up the chase?” Chris replied haughtily, lifting his head with bravado.

I waved him off.  “You were lost months ago to Maggie.  Admit it.”

“I don’t know what you mean.  I—oh, there she is!” He started to leave, then remembered himself.  “Are you still coming by tomorrow?”

“Yes, yes.  I’ll be there.”

He nodded and was soon lost in the mass of swirling skirts and tight suit jackets.

I sighed.  I would never begrudge a friend his happiness, but I was nonetheless surprised to see Chris so smitten with one woman.  Maybe it was the affect of seeing his brother so sinfully happy with his friend Renaud.  The two had been inseparable for nearly a year now and there seemed no end in sight.  Of course I was happy for them, but I had not expected a relationship between such youngsters to last.  Most boys that age didn’t know what they wanted and needed time to explore, as Chris and I had.

With a mental shrug I tried to dismiss Chris and his family from my thoughts, instead concentrating on finding the sweet, dark-haired morsel I had spied in the crowd earlier that evening.  With any luck I’d be in bed with him by midnight and could forget about everything else.

Walking the perimeter of the ballroom, I was forced to pause my search several times to exchange in tedious conversation with tittering young ladies and chattering young men.  Usually I found flirtatious bantering to be a pleasant distraction.  Of late, however, I had become more focused on each target at hand.

Skillfully avoiding any other would-be conversationalists, I finally spotted the minx I’d been searching for, and promptly scowled.  I had found my prey at the edge of the dance circle, happily chatting away with a tall, broad-shouldered golden-haired Adonis of a man.

Leon.

Damn him! Of all the odious things that had happened recently, this was the worst.  Before Leon had so suddenly appeared the month before—apparently having been away for most of his formative years in the countryside—I had never had true competition.  Then this blond sweeps in to ruin nearly every conquest I’d set my sights on since his arrival.

I’d never really had a rival, and I found I liked it not one bit.  Leon seemed to know who I wanted even before I did, and he always managed to reach them first.  And what was more, there was something about him that nagged at the back of my mind.  Every so often he would brush his hand against his neck, or give a certain smile, and beneath my annoyance would spring an odd feeling of familiarity—as if I knew him, or should know him.  It was unsettling and only served to increase my wish that the man go far away as soon as possible.

Breathing deep, I calmed myself and sauntered over to where Leon stood with my little minx, a placid smile spread over my face.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”

“Good evening, Philippe,” the blond said with facile politeness.

“Leon… and my dear Alexander,” I said, gracing the boy with my most charming grin.  “You shine as brightly as a gem in the king’s crown this evening.”

“Thank you, Philippe,” Alex said, cheeks pink.  He glanced at his feet shyly, and I took the opportunity to shoot Leon a triumphant smirk.

The infuriating man—several inches taller than he needed to be—looked down at me with a smooth grin in return.

“You look well this evening yourself,” he said to me.  “Feeling better?”

My brow creased.  “Better?”

He leaned down as if speaking for my ears only, but his voice carried as he said, “That rash you had gotten from the mulberry bushes.  Has it finally cleared up?”

Why that lousy, lying little—!

Anger rippled through me before I could control my reaction.  I inhaled sharply, my lips pressed into a thin line.

“Are-are you all right?” came Alex’s concerned question.  He had moved in close, as if we were speaking secrets.  He was looking at me with trepidation and I realized I had fallen into Leon’s trap and handled the situation wrongly yet again.

Doing what I could to salvage myself, I gave a laugh that was unfortunately far too tense.  “Of course, Alexander!  Leon, you shouldn’t tell such jokes when others are around; they’ll take you seriously.”

The blond gave me a sidelong glance that somehow made me look like the dubious party and Alex shifted uneasily.

“I think I see my Uncle.  If you’ll excuse me.”

I watched him go and cursed under my breath.  Leon’s laughter drifted over my shoulder.

“You’d be bored of him in short of a week anyway,” he said.  “I did you a favor.”

Clenching my teeth, I told myself not to make a scene.  Why could I deal with everyone else on god’s green earth calmly except this man?

I sucked down my anger and replied evenly, “You may be correct, but that is no excuse for spoiling my fun.”

He shrugged.  “It entertains me.”

“Find amusement elsewhere, then,” I sulked.

Leon gave a hearty laugh.  “But you have such a reputation for never taking life seriously.  Being able to ruffle your feathers is far more satisfying than it would be with anyone else.”

I rolled my eyes at him and walked away.

“Take care of that rash, Philippe!” he called out as I left.

The people around me immediately gasped and stepped away.  I pursed my lips and ignored them as I made my way to the sideboard and a good, stiff drink.

 

                                                *            *            *

 

“What a glorious night it was yesterday evening!” Chris beamed.

I sat with him, his brother Joshua, and Joshua’s long-time friend and lover Renaud.  It was our usual Sunday brunch, when Chris and Joshua’s parents were guaranteed to be out on social visits, not that they made much of a habit of taking breakfast with their sons anyway.  They were kind people, but—as was typical—not very attentive parents.

“Did I tell you all what Maggie did last night?”

Josh and Renaud exchanged an exasperated look.  “Do we have to hear everything, Chris?” Josh griped.

“Since all of your stories are boring, yes!” he shot back, annoyed.  Then he grinned again as he dove into his tale about how the woman had snuck away with him and arranged to meet one of her other girl friends in the garden.  “I watched them kiss!” Chris beamed.  “Maggie did it just for me.  I told her secretly how I had always dreamt about the scene of two cute girls kissing and then she made it happen!” His eyes took on a far-off gleam.  “She’s the best ever!”

I glanced over at Josh and had to chuckle at the look of distaste across his face, and the look of confusion on Renaud’s.

“Why in the world would you be happy to watch the person you cared for kiss someone else?” Josh asked.

I had to smile.  His innocence was too cute.

“Because it’s…” Chris held up his hands helplessly, as if the answer should be self-evident.  “It’s arousing as hell!”

“Watch your language at the table,” Renaud muttered.

Chris’ face fell.  “You two are hopeless.  Surely you understand, Philippe?”

Leaning my chin into my hand, I considered my answer.  “Yes, there is a certain appeal to it.  Though I would prefer to see two sweet young things such as Josh and Renaud kiss, rather than two women.”

I grinned as Chris yelled, predictably, “You will NOT talk that way about my brother!”

It was too easy to get a rise out of this family.  Josh was red to his ears, but I noticed Renaud shifting in his chair.  I wondered if he found the idea of kissing Josh in front of someone else stirring.  Too bad I couldn’t test that theory.

“Relax, Chris.  I am only teasing.” But I gave Renaud a wink that made him blush.

I was feeling much better by the end of the meal.

My levity faded as the week went by, however.  Two of my invitations were cancelled, including an afternoon date I had scheduled with Alex.  In the summer I would’ve been more understanding, since people then were often busy with social engagements, and often had to reschedule.  But it was the end of winter, when the weather was coldest and clearest and everyone was itching to be out of doors—or inside keeping themselves warm with illicit liaisons.  Of course, many people fell ill with colds during this season as well, but I had a nagging feeling that this had nothing to do with why my invites had fallen through.

Staying inside all the time made me quite irritable as well.  I am a restless creature by nature.  I don’t like being cooped up indoors, and teasing Chris and his household could only entertain me for so long.

Thankfully, Lord Charles decided to throw a skating party at his estate at the end of the week—something I adored.  It was a more informal affair than a ball, with fewer people and a more intimate atmosphere.  It was actually something I enjoyed in and of itself—aside from who I could cajole to my bed afterwards.  Moreover, Lord Charles was not close to the Gauthiers—Leon’s family—and he most likely wouldn’t be invited.

The day dawned crisp and bright and cold, my favorite kind of winter day.  I assessed myself in the mirror before I ventured out, pleased with the handsome, roguish picture I made.  If I was lucky a pretty young thing might fall into my arms; if not, well, I would still find pleasure in the skate.

The event began promisingly.  To my surprise Claude, another little lamb I’d had my eye on, was there and had never skated before.  I chivalrously offered to help by lacing his skates and guiding him over the ice during his first turn around the frozen lake.

His slender waist was warm under my hand and it was a delight to hold him against me whenever he slipped.  Yet, something was missing for me.  His company was pleasant, but that was all.  His sweetness had no fire.

As I stood watching Claude take a turn skating across the pond on his own, I wondered what was wrong with me.  Was I growing tired of the chase as well?  Or did I just need more of a challenge?

Suddenly I saw a man come barreling out onto the ice, heading straight for Claude.  I opened my mouth to call out a warning, but instead of colliding, the newcomer swept the young man off his feet, startling Claude into a delighted fit of giggles.  When the boy was set back on his feet, I was able to see the face of the new skater and I sighed in defeat.

I was never going to get away from this man, was I?

“Philippe!” Leon called, skating over to me with both speed and grace.

I was considered an elegant skater by many, but this was yet another area wherein Leon managed to best me.  He stopped himself before me in as skilled a spin as I had ever seen, earning appreciative applauds from those nearby.

“I didn’t know you would be here today,” he said pleasantly.

Sure you didn’t.

“Likewise.  You appear to be quite an accomplished skater.”

“Thank you,” Leon replied, a genuine grin across his face.  The sight of him smiling, golden hair caught in the sun and cheeks red from the wind and exertion, he looked so sweet that even I couldn't deny his charm.

When I remembered myself, I was even more annoyed than usual.  One did not admit one’s rival was arousing.  No matter how true it was.

“Are you alone?” he asked.

The question grated, but Leon didn’t notice.  Before I could answer, he had a hand at the small of my back and was guiding me along.

“Let’s make a round together.  What a lovely day, isn’t it?”

“Yes, quite.” To my chagrin, his nearness warmed me more than hot cider at the end of a long day.  “You seem to be enjoying yourself,” I added, eying Claude where he sat resting on a bench on the side.

He laughed, light and easy.  “Yes, perhaps I am.” His mouth leaned in close to my ear, “Does it bother you?  To see me flirting so?”

I clicked my tongue and tried to move away, but his arm was firm about my waist.  “Only because you insist on interfering with all of my romances.”

Leon gave me a smug grin.  “I didn’t realize my little flirtations were enough to spoil your chances.”

Lord, I had stepped right into that one!

“I merely find it curious that your conquests seem to coincide with mine so regularly.”

My agitated state only amused Leon further.  He released my waist and skated a few steps ahead, then spun around so that we were facing one another as he skated backward.  He did it effortlessly and somehow managed to avoid everyone behind him with barely a look over his shoulder.

“The answer to that is simple: I am trying to steal them from you.”

I nearly stumbled.  I wanted to come back with something stinging and witty, but as always with Leon, I failed.  “Why?” was all I could manage.

The blond shrugged.  “Why not?  Life becomes boring without a challenge, does it not?”

I did my best to swallow the sour taste in my mouth his words left behind.  It was exceedingly irksome to have him repeat my own thoughts back to me.  A challenge indeed.

“And what do you find challenging?” I inquired.

He shrugged.  Spinning around and skating away, he left me alone to fume.

I considered leaving early, but I wasn’t going to give Leon the satisfaction.  The skating party was one of my favorite events of the season, and I was going to enjoy it—and, surprisingly, I did.  Maybe it was the sweetness of the apple cider, or the beauty of the day.

It certainly wasn’t Leon’s unexpectedly enjoyable company.  Not at all.

I had no idea why, but Leon abandoned chasing after Claude and instead decided to annoy me directly with his attentiveness for the rest of the day.  I wish that I could say his conversation was troublesome or insipid, but quite the contrary.  I discovered that afternoon that Leon was well versed in literature and the arts.  We actually spent most of the day in lively debate over the current state of theater and the more controversial political theories circulating the salons.  I hadn’t expected him to have such interests, though I was fairly certain most felt the same of me.  Even Christophe wasn’t aware of my more philosophical pursuits—or wasn’t interested in them.  He wasn’t exactly a frequenter of the salons.

Even though Leon and I often had opposing viewpoints, it was pleasant to have a lively, friendly debate—even if Leon was the last person on earth I would’ve expected to have it with.

Dusk arrived quickly and the crowd moved indoors to wait inside for their respective carriages.  I rubbed my hands together and headed straight to the sideboard for something stronger than weakly spiked cider.

“The chill getting to you?” Leon asked, helping himself to a brandy and pouring one for me as well.

“I love the cold weather, but my hands never do,” I conceded, thinking vaguely that I should have been affronted at his teasing tone.

Leon gave me a questioning look, and I sighed, explaining, “I loved winter as a child as well, and stayed out too long one evening.  A blizzard blew in and I was caught outside for hours before they found me.  My hands have been a bit sensitive to the cold ever since.”

“It doesn’t stop you from going out though, does it?” Leon chuckled, handing me a glass.  His fingers grazed mine as I took it, and I wondered at the warmth and heat of his touch.  Perhaps I was just that chilled.

“Your hands are like ice!” he exclaimed, his brow furrowed.

Despite my protests, he set aside our brandies and took my hands in his.  As he rubbed them, I felt a little excited jolt run through my body and immediately stamped it down, more irritated than ever.

“I told you they were sensitive,” I snapped, pulling away.

Leon just gave me that typical, patronizing look of his, once again making me feel like a petulant child when he was the one teasing me and making unwarranted overtures.

“My mistake,” he said, a smile curling the edge of his lips—lips that were annoyingly attractive.

And my luck being what it was, I ended up stuck with the man for another twenty minutes, waiting for a carriage that decided not to appear.  Finally, we were the only guests left, and I could sense Lord Charles’ impatience.

“Philippe, why not let one of my own carriages take you home?” he asked politely.

I sighed, ready to accept, when Leon butted in, “If I may be so forward—”

I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes at his feigned graciousness.

“—but it would be no trouble to make an extra stop on my way home.”

“Ah, wonderful!” Charles answered before I had the chance to.

What could I do?  I bowed courteously and followed Leon to his carriage.  The grin on his face was so wide after we’d settled inside that I wanted to punch him.

“Why do you look so happy?” I griped.  “You’ll have to ride a good half hour out of your way.”

“No,” he said, “I won’t.”

At my quizzical scowl, he gave a light laugh and told me, “We’ll go straight to my own, have some of my vintage brandy, and you’ll impose on my kindness by staying the night.”

“And why would I do that?”

He smirked.  “Because I don’t fancy riding longer than need be on a cold night, and you don’t have a choice.”

“You’re insufferable, you know that?”

Leon shrugged off the insult, taking everything in that damnable stride of his.

Shortly after, I found myself seated in a warm, comfortable study, a brandy in my hand and a bright fire before me.  If I’d been in other company, it would’ve been perfect.  As it was however…

“How do you find the brandy?”

I frowned.  “Excellent,” I begrudgingly admitted.

Leon laughed aloud, his head falling back as the musical sound cascaded from his throat.

“Why should good brandy make you so sour?”

“I’m not sour.”

An elegant eyebrow rose and I sighed heavily.

“Must you be so bloody perfect?” I finally asked.

“I’m perfect?”

Now alone, I gave in to the urge to roll my eyes.  “You seem determined to be a paragon of gentlemanly behavior—at least to everyone but me.”

“Indeed,” he murmured.  “Let me refill your glass, and I will explain a few things to you.”

I eyed him with doubt as he poured the amber liquid into my glass.

He sat down and lifted his own glass in cheers.  I returned the gesture and sipped, wondering where all this was going.

Leon took his time, sampling his brandy liberally before beginning.  “You may not realize this, because it was several years ago, but we have met before.”

I frowned into the golden liquor in my hand.  His news didn’t surprise me as much as it should have.  Since the moment I saw him earlier that year, there had always been something pulling at my brain—I just hadn’t wanted to acknowledge it.

“Is that right?” was all I said, avoiding his gaze.

“Yes.” His voice had taken on a tight, tense quality.  “I was younger then, barely a man, and I went by Leo….”

The glass nearly dropped from my hand.  Oh, lord. My head shot up to look at him—really look at him.

Leon gave a bitter smile.  “You see it now, don’t you?”

I did.  He’d grown at least three inches and his lithe frame had bloomed into a broad, muscular, masculine build, but he still had the same eyes…

“Your last name is different now too, though?”

“My mother left my father two years ago, leaving behind everything, even his name.”

“I see.”

“I don’t think you do, not yet.”

An odd thing to say, I mused.  I shook my head, which suddenly felt heavy.

“I’m sorry for what happened then, Leo.  Truly, I—”

“Don’t,” he said in a quiet, fierce voice.  “Don’t call me Leo.  That boy is gone.  You used him and tossed him aside.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but my lips felt oddly numb.  Surely the brandy couldn’t be that strong?

Looking up at Leon, I frowned as my vision danced and blurred.

“Not feeling well, are we?” he asked.

I didn’t need perfect eyesight to know he was smirking; I could hear the satisfaction in his voice.

“What?”

But I didn’t get any further before tumbling out of my chair.  My limbs were numb and useless.

“Just relax, love,” I heard Leon murmur.

I had no choice—my eyelids fluttered shut and I fell into darkness.