Page 13 of His Collateral Wife

I nod again.

"Is there a reason you're suddenly avoiding my gaze?"

I shake my head.

"Are you sure?"

I nod for the third time, but vehemently. There is absolutely no way I'm letting him know how he's affecting me. I may be young and unused to being attracted to the opposite sex, but I'm no idiot either. I haven't forgotten for one second I'm married to the Prince of Killers, and I have no plans of being my husband's next victim.

"I see."

If he means that, and he really does see why I'm avoiding his gaze, then I'm dead.

"I came to ask if you'd like to have breakfast first."

I think I sense an 'or' coming.

"Or---"

Knew it.

"Perhaps you'd like to join me for a walk to the kennels?"

Did he just say...the kennels?

All thoughts of keeping my thoughts chaste fly out of the window as my gaze flies up to him in shock.

His eyes gleam in amusement. "I thought that would get your attention."

Don't you dare think he's being cute, Eden.

Seriously!

Your life depends on it!

I ignore his words and tell myself to focus on what matters. "I'd like to visit the kennels now...if possible?"

"Of course. Shall we meet downstairs in thirty minutes?"

"I only need five."

He raises a brow. "If you're sure."

"Yes."

"I'll wait here then."

"Thanks."

But as soon as I close the door behind me, I feel like face-palming myself to the high heavens.

What do you think you're doing, Eden?

That was the most stiffly awkward conversation I've ever had in my entire life, and I feel like I've given away every secret feeling I'm having trouble with without even saying a word.

Please, please, pleeeeaaase!

Please help me, God!

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