“Iaskedif you liked my gift,” he replied.
Had he?She didn’t think he had. “You mean the flower?”
“Yes, Sweet.” He spoke slowly, as if she were doltish. “The flower Ichoseandcutforyoumyself. The flower I just placed in your hair.”
“Yes.” She frowned, studying his sluggishly moving lips. “I suppose.”
Where had the knife gone?
He’d brought his hand down by her side, but she hadn’t heard a closing click. Surely that couldn’t be the blade’s length she felt against her leg….
“Millicent…Ah, Millicent…”
She felt his puff of breath with each overpronouncedt.
“Will you forgive me?” he questioned in a murmur. “Shh, shh. Don’t trouble yourself to answer.” He’d come even closer. “My question, this time, is rhetorical. A peer does not need to ask for forgiveness.” He moistened his lips. “Nor, I think, is pardon required. We find ourselves in a simple situation. I’ve selected a delectable dessert. Who could possibly blame me if I take a taste of what has been so clearly proffered to me?”
Had that question been rhetorical, too?
His voice had gone up at the end, but she wasn’t sure what he’d just asked. She’d been trying to follow his logic. However, his deep, lilting, melodic flow kept her focused on and hearing his words but unable to fully understand them.
She certainly did not expect what happened next.
His lips came down over her own. She struggled to comprehend as he forced his wet, closed mouth against the seam of hers. What in heavens was he—
Akiss. From far away, the word sparked in her mind.
Herfirstkiss. And she felt…
Nothing.
No shock. No heat. No passion. And—were it not for the small corner of her mind still wondering about his knife—she would not even be feeling fear.
Wait just a moment.
Wasshe afraid?
Was that the creeping coldness at the back of her neck? She should probably be afraid. If they were caught right now, she would be ruined. Only, all she could think of was how the hand with the blade had simply disappeared, and the pressure against her belly was certainly not flat.
His hard mouth kept her from breath. His rigid body pinned her against the wall. His fingers pinched her chin. All true, and yet she didn’t feel quite…present.
She was suspended, hovering, unable to properly reason.
Why?
He pulled away and smiled a smile full of pride—a smile distinctlymale. Something like disgust fluttered deep in her chest. Still, at least she could finally breathe.
She gratefully exhaled.
“Such innocence. Such tempting beauty.” He sighed. “I’ve searched years, you know.”
“Searched?” She frowned up at him. “What do you mean?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He paused. “I have chosen you to be my bride.”
Bride?!Alarm lit a fire deep inside her belly. “Lord Willard—I—”
“Shh. Don’t speak.” He placed the thumb that had been holding her chin against her lips. “Your maidenly unease will pass. And then you will become aware of the great honor I have just bestowed.”