Breaking her eyes away reminded her of severing magnets at the poles, instinct and nature wanted her eyes on Emrys Selwyn, but a force of greater strength (sense and sanity) yanked her away. Angelica would wager that magnets never felt longing. There was something about him that ignited her inner competitor and provoked her need for victory. It was something more than his natural confidence and apparent ease in testing her boundaries in public. The lazy, impish smirk he displayed was a surprise attack when his default appearance, from what she could tell, was stoic gentleman. He caused a flurry of sensation she had not embraced in nearly a decade. His eyes flashed a warning that any wise woman would heed, but curiosity and lust for knowledge pulled her in willingly. She wanted to know her opponent and his secrets, but it was impossible to focus.

He stepped away and her hand jumped to her stomach, impulsively pressing against the breathy fluttering in her abdomen. It was ridiculous that he was affecting her at all. Angelica had been around attractive men, she'd turned down attractive men, and here she was, jumping as if she had not already been a married woman. Her automatic reactions were becoming most unwelcome.

His offer caused a strange collision of 'embarrassed flush' and 'peevish scowl' before she could school her features. Getting him a gift was an impulsive move and she knew the risk as soon as she'd made the purchase, but she had no real indication of his views of the matter. Was his teasing just that or had she crossed a line when she had been so bold with him? He struck the winning blow in their exchange and it left her unsteady. She also thought firewiskey a ridiculous way men attempted to prove some inherent masculinity.

"Warming, helpful if you are working up to imitating a dragon," Angel shrugged as if to say 'take your pick.' "I suppose it will require you to test my words, Mr. Selwyn. See if it warms or proves too much for your tastes." Angel joined him near his sideboard if she briefly jutted her chin and shifted her weight, it was only a lifetime of attempting to look intimidating next to a twin brother that towered over her. "You will find that I rise when challenged, Mr. Selwyn. But perhaps, I do not know my opponent's strength. What is more dangerous to a mysterious pirate: a bold offensive or a delicate surrender? Such a riddle." Her hand floated to her heart, in a gesture of obvious melodrama. "How will I solve it?"

---