And she knew what other look he possessed.
The look of a man who hadn’t given up.
In fact, he might’ve only gotten started.
He angled his head in assessment, which illustrated the strong line of his jaw.
She only noticed because she was so close to him—within his embrace, in fact.
“Do you trust me?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Do you trust me?”
The question, and the intensity with which it was asked, did nothing to calm Beatrix’s nerves.
“I’m reserving judgment.”
The hand at her ribs slipped lower on her waist and firmed.
Every muscle in her body tensed, even as a strange, contrary part of herself began to thaw. He lifted her hand and placed it on the back of his neck, the fine black hairs tickling her palm. “This is the only way,” he muttered.
Her mind went completely and determinedly blank.
Theonly way?
She could see noonly way.
All she could do was hold very, very still—and watch his beautiful mouth speak words that eluded comprehension.
“Double the money.”
She blinked.
“Place your other hand on my neck, too,” he directed.
She obeyed.
Apparently, she was only capable of behaving as he instructed.
The crowd grew louder…closer…and a sense of urgency gathered momentum.
It was only in the next split of a second that she understood.
Double the money…
Ten thousand pounds.
She blinked with sudden comprehension. “Kisses weren’t part of our arrangement,” she somehow spoke.
His brow creased. “Pardon?”
“You heard me,” she whispered in a rushed hiss.
“I cannot kiss you without your permission.” The way he spoke the words gave the impression this was a problem he’d never encountered. “I’m not that sort of man.”
The shift in power nearly stole Beatrix’s breath away. He might’ve paid her a small fortune to enter into their arrangement, but for this—a kiss—he needed her permission.
