Page 9 of The Reluctant Wife

Or wishing he’d acknowledge this thrum of chemistry spiking between us. Or hoping... He intends to repeat what happened yesterday between us. So even though it’s a relief to realize he’s not going to pursue the matter, I’m also disappointed to hear it.

"It was a mistake. I apologize for it, Princess." His tone is formal. His jaw is granite. He holds my gaze steadily, and there’s nothing in his expression to tell me he recalls how our mouths clung to each other, how I hung onto his biceps while he kissed me with a dominance that I felt all the way to my feet. A lick of anger curls up my spine.

How dare he call what happened between us a mistake when I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that kiss?

I dig my fingers into the handle of my handbag, then say in my best princess tone. “You chased after me. Why?”

He hesitates. “I wanted to make sure you got home safely. That’s why I followed you out of the alley.”

“That might be so, but it’s not the only reason.” I search his features. “I saw your face from the limousine, remember? And you looked gutted.”

He arches an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t put it like that.”

“Then how would you put it?” I demand hotly.

“I admit, I wanted to take you home. Who wouldn’t? After all, you were willing too.” He shrugs. “I was surprised you cut and ran. I knew you wanted me, and?—"

“Andyouwanted me,” I remind him, trying to stay calm, when everything inside me wants to stab my finger into his chestand demand that he confess how much he was affected by that kiss.

“It was a moment of insanity.” His features remain bland. “And when you left so abruptly, I felt compelled to make sure you were okay.”

I search his face, frustrated that he’s talking so calmly and logically when what I want is for him to throw me down and complete what we started yesterday... Which, going by the resolve on his face, it’s clear is not happening anytime soon.

I blow out a breath. “So, that’s it?”

“It has to be.” He tilts his head, his face inscrutable. “I will not tell anyone what transpired between us, Princess. Your secrets are safe with me.”

I should be grateful he’s saying that, but frankly, I don’t care. I wish... I could throw caution to the wind and have a hot, no-holds-barred fling with this man. Which is what I was hoping for when I saw him at the bar, wasn’t I? At least that way, I’ll have some memories to hold onto when I’m locked in my emotionless marriage. My stomach bottoms out.

I didn’t realize how much I’ve been dreading my upcoming nuptials until I met this man. He’s turned my world upside down, and he’s not even aware of it.

It makes me want to chip away at his very irritating composure until he acknowledges that the kiss meant something to him too. Also, a part of me is secretly rooting for a replay of what happened between us last night.

He seems satisfied by my silence and jerks his chin. "It’s best we meet every morning with your personal assistant to discuss your appointments, so I can plan the best course of action each day."

I suggested this to my previous security team, who disagreed with me. But then, they were rather incompetent and, even to my inexperienced eyes, seemed to make obvious slip-ups. Withthem, it felt like a game where I tried my best to evade them and, often, succeeded.

The thing is, I don't want a bodyguard on my tail at all times.Although I might be more than willing to have this man on my tail.I resist a smile that threatens to break free.

Still, I feel the need to not comply right away with his suggestion. Instinct tells me I need to carve out the boundaries on my terms, so he knows I’m not going to accept everything he recommends without questioning it. "What if I want to be spontaneous?"

His forehead furrows. A spark of anger in his eyes shoots a thrill of excitement down my spine.Ha! He's not made of stone, after all.

He holds my gaze with his startling green ones. “I can cope with spontaneity, but I also know your engagements are decided in advance, so there’s no excuse not to share those with me. I can plan your safety escort around them."

Damn!This man knows his job. Which reassures me that I’m safe. It also makes me realize I’m not going to be able to get away with much with him around. More reason to hold my stance. I scowl at him.

His lips twitch.Ugh!No doubt, he’s loving the fact that I thought I’d managed to put one over on him.

When he speaks next, his voice is mild. "It’s important that you understand the security measures I will be putting in place to guard you."

I do understand, but I can’t stop myself from baiting him.

Something about that inscrutable mask he’s pulled over his features makes me want to see how far I can push him before he snaps. Something about that tightly leashed control, evident in the coiled muscles of his shoulders makes me want to disrupt it so he reveals that passion I felt last night.

"Hmph.” I scoff, pretending a rudeness that I hope will upset him. “You do your job, and let me get on with my life, will ya?"

But does this man come any closer to losing his cool? Nope. He simply tips his head to the side, not looking very surprised with my defiance. Then, he reaches over and stabs the stop button, and the elevator screeches to a halt.

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