‘Walk away now’ was the blaring refrain in her head, but it still wasn’t loud enough to drown out the far more enjoyable suggestions dancing through her blood. Even with her impulses leading the way, Angel was quick to turn her head away to avoid tucking into the crook of his neck or tilting up into a poorly positioned kiss. She had no intention of inelegant accidents.

She started when his finger traced along her wrist, the contact setting off a chill along her arm. She could savor for only a moment before his words forced her eyes up to his face, his implication stinging more than it warmed. But as his attention shifted and his fingers hovered above her skin, Angel couldn’t force herself to take a step back. “I am not a woman you buy, sir, whatever you think of my actions.” Angel’s voice was still warm, soft for him as she corrected. She had no desire to move away from the heat of him, but she could not let the implication stand. “That sort of bribery is reserved for regaining the favor of a wife. It is the fastest way to avoid an argument.” Angelica added, offering him a small smile. “I thought all gentlemen were taught that early in life.”

She could feel the strange tingle of proximity as his hand hovered so near her throat, but the urge to offer him more of the delicate stretch of her neck. It was irrational and horribly dangerous, she knew that, but she also knew what fear felt like. This was the opposite of fear. “You are an intelligent man, Mr. Selwyn. I am certain you can think of something.” She let her eyes rest on his lips, but she was not about to ask him – not yet.