“I promise I will simmer down on the flirtatious end.”
I let go of his hand and wrap both around my cup, taking a moment to compose myself and gather courage. It’s hard to think when all my nerves are standing on end at his touch. “But maybe I don’t want you to simmer down,” I say into my china cup, heat rushing into my cheeks. Those stupid spicy books must be going to my head or something because it’s been a long,longtime since I’ve wanted to pursue anything with a man. Even just companionship, but I can’t ignore the way this man lights my nerves on fire with the simplest touch.
The prince straightens a little. “What was that?”
I set my cup down and turn so we’re once again face-to-face. “What if I don’t want you to stop?” If I don’t stop with my lip, it will soon be bloody.
“Miss Aurelia,” he says with a grin. “What exactly are you getting at?”
I sigh and roll my eyes, trying hard to contain my embarrassment at even bringing it up. “I’m saying, maybe I don’t want you to rein in the other fifteen percent.”
His eyes go wide, and I can hear my heart in my ears even as something crackles in the air between us.Oh, this was a terrible idea! What if he doesn’t actually think about me like that? This seemed so much easier in the books.
There’s that feeling again, like he can see into my mind. Prince Friedrich watches me for a long while, his own face unreadable. I should feel nervous, uncovered under his intensity, but instead it’s exciting and freeing. I’m not sure what makes me trust him so completely, but here I am, and my heart is fluttering in anticipation instead of trepidation.
“So,” he says after a pause that feels like an eternity. “What I think you’re getting at, and correct me if I’m wrong, is that you want me to show you what good times could be had with a man?”
I swallow hard and give a slow nod. “I thought maybe you would be a safe choice.”
He scoffs.
“No. Hear me out.” I stand and start pacing the small cabin, anxious energy getting the best of me. “I have hidden myself away from the attentions of men for years and never felt a need to change that until now. Now I feel these things. This… this…”
“Attraction?” he supplies.
“Sure. That.”
“Sexual attraction?”
I spin around to face him again. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m not getting ahead of myself at all.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I’m sexually attracted to you.”
Heat floods my face for the umpteenthtime this afternoon, and I turn back to the safety of grass and rolling hills and farm animals.
“Okay, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to press. I just thought it was obvious.”
“You’re awfully forward.”
His smirk is audible. “I’m a man who knows what I want.”
“And you always get what you want, hmm?”
He makes a sound somewhere between a huff and a laugh. “What, because I’m a prince?”
“Well… Yeah.”
I can see his reflection in the window, that confident Prince Friedrich swagger, as he comes to stand behind me. My entire being is acutely aware of his proximity. “If only that were so, my dear, Miss Aurelia.”
“When have you ever not gotten what you wanted?” I can barely whisper.
“Right now.”
His warm breath on my ear makes my skin erupt in goosebumps. I could turn my head to the side just a fraction and capture those gorgeous lips. Feel the tickle of his beard on my face. Would it be scratchy or soft? I’m dying to know.
