Page 23 of Baron in Check
Greg released a slow, controlled breath like he used to as a boy. She had him. “We’ll play for it.”
“What?”
“Sex.”
He sputtered. “I beg your pardon?”
“This is my idea: We play for it as we go through with the wedding. You assume the title and take your new seat as Royal Earl in the House of Lords. Meanwhile, this game of ours will continue.”
“And what if I mate you?” he asked.
“You’ve never?—"
“I’ve improved. Some fear me as the Black Night.” His gaze darkened, and he approached her.
Hermy couldn’t decide if his cockiness made her uncomfortable or aroused her with the hunger in his eyes, so she stopped him with her hand out flat. He matched her every inch until her palm was on his heart.
And just like that, hers forgot to function again, for it didn’t beat and her breathing became labored. Did everything have to be this intense around him?
“W-what happens if I mate you?” she stuttered, overwhelmed by the way he looked at her.
“How about we figure that out along the way?”
“As long as the game goes on, you need not consummate the marriage,” she declared. Wasn’t she gracious? “You can do as you please.”
“I usually do.” His eyes trailed down her body with such intensity that she broke into goosebumps. She’d seen this look before, but all those years, half a decade, had ingrained in her that she wasn’t worthy of him, or else he would have come for her sooner. So what did it mean when Greg looked at her as if she were the most tantalizing sweet?
He licked his lips, eyes coming to rest on her hand on his chest. He reached for her hand, closing the distance between them. “Hermy, Arnold brought this to me. It’s a special model. Fave designed it but I’m afraid he went a little too far.” Greg produced a small wooden box and clicked it open. “Take a seat, please.”
He moved to the settee, and Hermy all but melted from his earnest, vulnerable gaze. Then he sank to one knee. “If I understand correctly, the white gold setting is a crown with a diamond and pavé frosting of the prongs.” He took the ring out of the box and held it up to her. “They carved the sides into little horse heads.”
“The Black Knights.”
“And the shank is set with little onyx squares and white moonstones.”
“Like a chess board.” Hermy couldn’t suppress the chuckle. “How very original.”
“Unconventional.”
“Creative.” They burst into laughter. “It’s unique!”
“It’s a bit much, I’m afraid. Do you hate it?”
“I love it!” But her unruly heart hurt so very badly when she suppressed the truth on the tip of her tongue.I love you!
She had to be certain that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. After five years of living like a captive, Hermy couldn’t stomach the idea that Greg might act out of responsibility rather than out of passion. If there was even the slightest possibility that he’d feel captured in a marriage with her, she’d perish on the spot. That just wasn’t how she wanted to win. Thus, she kept her emotions in check.
CHAPTER 12
Greg needed to burn some energy, so he walked across Green Park to the Pearlers as soon as day broke. He broke into a sprint.
He ran.
The misty air mirrored his thoughts. Although Hermy had accepted his engagement ring, he feared she’d done so not because of him but because of the help he could offer. It wasn’t the same thing.
But it was always like that. His deeds, actions, title, and presence were welcome, yet he didn’t belong. He wasn’t one of the Pearlers, and he wasn’t a true peer in the House of Lords. He didn’t even find acceptance in his grandfather’s eyes when he knelt before him. He never belonged.
Greg’s boots pounded against the crushed stone path, each step a sharp echo in the quiet of Green Park. The cold bite of the morning air whipped against his face, a stark contrast to the warmth spreading through his muscles as he pushed himself faster. With every labored breath, the scent of earth and the faintest hint of blooming flowers filled his nostrils, grounding him in the here and now amidst the whirlwind of his doubts.
