Page 111 of A Very Bellamy Christmas

“It is my suggestion, so I will go first.”

He made a low growling sound, but said, “Go on then, ask.”

“You have to choose before I—”

“Question.”

Stacia suspected he would be even less eager to play if she started off with the questions she really wanted to ask.

Build up slowly, lull him into a false sense of security. Pry around the edges. Be subtle.

Then…pounce.

“If you have no intention of remarrying as you mentioned earlier, then why were you going to London for the Season?”

He sighed. “I might have misrepresented myself to Kathryn.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that my thoughts about marriage have recently changed.”

Stacia stared into the darkness as she assessed his words. Did he mean—

“It is my turn,” he said.

“But wait—”

“I answered your question.”

Stacia sputtered.

“Question or Command?” he asked, implacable.

“Command.”

Stacia felt him jolt and couldn’t help smirking. There! You don’t know everything, after all. Do you?

“I beg your pardon?” he asked.

He is giving you a chance to retract your foolish choice.

“You heard me, my lord.”

“Kiss me.”

This time it was her body jolting. “That is not fair.”

He laughed—which she deserved. “You were the one who chose command. Kiss me. And make it a good one,” he added. “Not the sort I give my Great Aunt Lydia. I am ready,” he said a moment later, when she’d remained frozen.

Stop stalling. You know you want to.

Of course she did, but…

“Shall I come closer, or—”

“I can do it,” she snapped, shoving forward, only realizing he was far closer than she’d thought when her chest bumped against his and her knee struck something…hard.

“Ooof. Careful, darling. Don’t break your betrothed before we are even married.”