“Yes. Why do you think I made you bring it to Arboras with you?” He glanced pointedly at her cleavage that was threatening to burst from her corset. A lock of his hair fell across his forehead as he flicked his gaze back to hers. “You have my self-control in shreds tonight, is it not obvious?”
She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. “Er—”
Her eyes snagged on his frame. He looked good tonight, too, with his suit shirt stretched tight over his broad chest. Her body wanted nothing more than to nestle in his embrace. But she didn’t know ifshewanted those things, or if he had once again perverted her senses.
She furiously thought of white walls around her mind and averted her gaze.
He placed a finger under her chin and turned her face to him. “Tell me how to fix what’s between us? What do you want me to say?” His dark brows furrowed, as if he were sincere in his wish to fix what lay broken between them.
His eyes of silver fire were riveted on her, waiting.
She thought about it for a moment. “I want you to tell me something nice. A compliment.”
Something real. Something nice he thought about her. A way to sort out if she actually wanted him, or if her feelings were a lie.
“You’re always on my mind,” he said quickly.
Elizabeth scoffed. “That’s not a compliment.”
Caspian was quiet for a moment, as if considering. When he spoke, his tone was dismissive. “I think about you all the time, but I have no idea why. You’re beautiful, but there are lots of women who are beautiful.”
Her smile fell. “Possibly the worst compliment I’ve ever received.” She raised her brows, waiting, but he said nothing. She snorted. “One compliment? Seriously? Is it that hard of an ask?”
He raised a hand. “No, just—I just need a moment.” He assessed her critically. “I don’t knowwhy, you’re always on my mind. Only that you are.” He paused. “I always want to see what you’re doing, and I always wonder what you’re thinking about.”
“Clearly, compliments are not your strong suit.” She huffed a laugh.
He stepped closer, his face now close to hers. He studied her face intently for a moment. Finally, he said, “Your eyes.”
“What?”
“My answer.”
She furrowed her brow and scoffed, looking away.
Caspian said slowly, “There are many women who are beautiful, but I think that what makes you truly something extraordinary are your eyes.” He paused. “It took me a moment to put my finger on it.”
Shyly, she looked up, and their gaze locked.
“You have eyes that pierce me, like they can see every wretched thing I’ve ever done.” He paused, smiling. “And between you and me, it’s quite the list.” He stepped closer. “Sharp eyes that were my first clue that there’s an intelligent mind working furiously underneath your little court smiles.”
She pressed her lips together, trying not to smile.
“I think if they lined up ten women, each every bit as beautiful as you, I think your eyes would make me choose you every single time.”
She cleared her throat. “That’s at leasta bitbetter.”
“And me?” He prompted, a smirk on his lips.
“What?”
“A compliment.” He raised his brows. “You started this game. Tell me a compliment. I don’t think you’ve ever given me one.”
“I have so—” She trailed off as she realized he was right. “Hmmm.”
She smiled, surveying him critically and placed a hand on his cheek, his dark beard rough under her fingers. She leaned close. “I like your beard.” She ran her fingers through his inky black hair. It was as soft as silk. “And I’ve always loved your hair.”
Caspian grinned, looking almost too handsome to bear. “Is that so?”
