“Perhaps, it is as I said, I simply needed some fresh air,” she retorted, her voice rising in pitch. She took a step back, trying to create some space between them, but he followed, his presence looming like a storm cloud.
He scoffed, shaking his head as if she were a child throwing a tantrum. “A lady at a ball, alone in the dark? Does it not sound terribly suspicious to anyone? Why else would your guardian let you out unsupervised? Unless you were both planning to catch my attention?”
His expression shifted into a mocking smirk. It was infuriating, yet something about the curve of his lips made her stomach flutter, and she hated him for it.
“I’m not here for you. I had been hoping in fact to not find anyone around! What are you doing out here yourself?” Cecilia exclaimed, her fists clenching at her sides. The urgency in her voice betrayed her, and she could feel the heat rising higher in her cheeks.
“Truly? You were not expecting me? Because it sure looks like you’re trying to get close, considering how easily you wrapped yourself around my arms to get to your feet,” he countered, stepping forward again, invading her space.
Cecilia could feel her breath hitching as his scent enveloped her, a mixture of cedar and somewhat leader that sent her senses into overdrive.
“Sir, I’m not trying to seduce you!” she shouted, exasperation spilling over. “Why can’t you see that I’m just here minding my own business?”
“Mind your business? Or mine?” he shot back, his tone intense. “Because you can’t seem to separate the two.”
Her heart raced as they stood toe-to-toe, “Do you even hear yourself?” She shook her head, “You’re the one cornering me here, saying such-such brazen, improper things. You’re making a scene. If anyone hears us-”
“Why should I care about your reputation?” he fired back . “You’re nothing but a fortune hunter, likely to try to trap the next rich fool who crosses your path.”
Sharp and accusing as the words were, Cecilia didn’t have time to dwell on the sting. She could hear muffled voices nearby, and her heart dropped at the thought of being caught in a scandal whilst having stepped out at all to stop one.
“Stop talking!” she hissed, her eyes darting in the direction of the voices. In a moment of desperation, she lunged forward, her hands reaching for his mouth to silence him. The last thing she needed was for anyone to overhear their argument and draw conclusions that would lead to gossip.
The stranger’s eyes widened in shock. “What are you doing?” he exclaimed, grabbing her wrists with surprising strength and pulling her hands away. The intensity of his grip sent a jolt through her, his anger apparent in the strength of his hands.
“You’re loud! I’m trying to keep us from being caught!” she retorted, her voice barely above a whisper now as the urgency of the situation sank in. The voices were getting closer, and she could almost make out the words, laughter mixing with the sound of footsteps. “If anyone sees us like this?—”
“Like what?” he interrupted, his brows furrowing as he leaned closer, his brows angled in irritation, his hot breath warm against her face. “What are you afraid of? That I’ll call out your little scheme?”
“Could you be quiet? Please!” Cecilia hissed with a glare.
“Do not speak to me in that manner,” he growled, his brows drawing dangerously low.
But Cecilia could not find the words to respond. P anic surged within her as the voices grew closer, echoing through the trees like an unwelcome alarm.
“You think I care about your little game? All of a sudden now, you pretend you do not want to be caught. Is this not what you wished for?” he continued, his words sharp. H is gaze flickered toward the approaching figures. “Let them find us, let them say anything their petty souls desire, and believe me, I still shall not wed you. You’re just?—”
“Shut up!” Her eyes darted to the bushes again, fear gripping her. Her mind went blank as she felt her brain nearly imploding in the moment.
What do I do?!
Time seemed to move slower as her gaze returned to the man chattering away before her. Her eyes fell on his handsome lips and she felt a tingle all over.
He already thinks I’m a fortune hunter anyway.
In a moment of desperation and impulse, Cecilia pulled the man by the chest, leaned in and pressed her lips against his to keep him shut, a fleeting brush that instantly silenced his tirade.
The man froze, his eyes widening as she pulled away, his brows arching from shock and the corners of his lips lifting in horrified amusement. The reality of what had just happened settled in the air like a heavy fog. They stood there, mere inches apart, locked in a gaze that spoke volumes.
Cecilia’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, embarrassment and frustration mixing in a heady cocktail of feelings.
What have I done?
Her heart raced not just from fear but from the unexpected thrill of the kiss. She could feel the heat radiating from her face, andshe could only imagine how she must look in that moment—like a tomato, as shame threatened to consume her.
The man stared, surprise and something more intense flickering in his eyes. “You kissed me,” he finally spoke, his voice low and incredulous.
Well, obviously!
