“I would protect you,” he vowed. “I would never allow harm to come to you.”
And he meant those words. Meant them with everything he had. And then more.
“Yet you invite me to your chamber,” she countered quietly.
He studied her as they completed their circumnavigation of the ballroom. Her cheeks were flushed. Her countenance pensive. She was a woman on the edge. He could sense it.
“And yet you are tempted to accept the invitation,” he drawled. “I promise you would not be disappointed.”
She glanced up at him, those hazel eyes of hers ringed with long, sooty lashes. She was so damned lovely, he ached just looking at her.
“You are remarkably confident, Mr. Winter,” she said wryly.
He flashed her his most charming grin. “I have reason to be. Accept my offer and you shall see for yourself. Or stay in your lonely bed tonight, clinging to your duty. The choice is yours, Lady Felicity.”
The gauntlet thrown, he bowed and left her there, standing on the edge of the ballroom.
