Page 53 of The Sound of Seduction
Stan’s brows shot up. Yet, Wendy’s expressions changed and slow grin replaced surprise, teasing glinting behind dark lashes.
“You’re asking me that?” His voice carried just the faintest incredulity, and his smile deepened, warm and maddening.
“Yes,” she said, her words clipped despite the soft flush warming her cheeks. “Show me!” The moment stretched unbearably taut.
“Now?” he asked, his grin widening. His teeth flashed, perfectly white, his charm spilling over with effortless ease. It was unbearably distracting, the effect he had on her—not that she dared admit it.
“Yes.” Her voice came small, trembling but resolute.
His smile lingered for a beat longer before quieting, softening. He tilted his head, studying her intently, and in that pause, the air itself seemed to hold its breath. “Hands-on learner, are you?” His voice dipped just enough to unsettle her composure.
Her lips parted as a steadying breath escaped her. “Always,” she whispered.
Wendy leaned in slightly, her heart threatening to betray her resolve every step of the way. But this was her moment. If she had uncovered anything from the fairy tales of her childhood, it was that heroines did not shrink from their trials. They were bold, even when the ground beneath them trembled. And weren’t the best stories forged in courage?
The corner of her mouth hesitated before curving softly. “Tell me,” she said, her voice quiet but unwavering, “what to do. Step by step.”
Stan’s smile remained firmly in place even after he looked at his hands for a moment as if stifling a laugh, and he licked his lips, though the sharpness in his dark eyes made her painfully aware of how close he was now. The space between them no longer felt like a barrier but a thread, a mere breath away from binding them together. Enveloped by his warmth, she couldalmost count the seconds between his subtly uneven gasps of anticipation.
“Are you trying to memorize the steps?” he teased, his voice a low murmur that sent a shiver racing down her spine.
“Of course,” she replied, her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap to steady herself. “It’s a simple operation, isn’t it?”
Stan tilted his head, amusement softening the sharp cut of his features. “No.”
Her lips parted, surprise flickering across her face. “But anyone can do it.” She fought to keep her voice confident, but there was no masking the nervous energy bubbling beneath her words.
“Not well, no,” he said, his gaze unwavering, as though he were daring her to challenge him.
That slight smirk tugged at his mouth again, and Wendy stiffened. “How do you know?” she asked, her chin lifting stubbornly. “Do you have so much experience?”
His brows rose slightly before his expression sharpened into something more deliberate. “Yes.”
Her stomach twisted, heat rushing to her cheeks as she leaned back abruptly, crossing her arms over her chest like a shield. “I don’t like that.”
The smirk just came, and he seemed genuinely happy. Flattered. “Are you jealous?” he asked, his tone light but far too knowing for her comfort.
She hesitated, considering his question.Was she?Every inch of her pride tried to push the thought away, but honesty wasn’t something she could easily deny—and not with him watching her like that. Finally, she gave a small nod. “Yes.”
Then she gasped and covered her mouth with her right hand. “Oh dear! It’s terrible! I’m… I’m a bad person!”
“You could never be,” Stan said teasingly.
“B-but jealously is not nice. Soon, I’ll turn green with envy and—”
The sharpness in his gaze softened, replaced with something that made her pulse quicken. “You don’t need to be,” he murmured, leaning slightly closer. “I have an inkling you could kiss me breathless, so thoroughly I’d forget everyone before you.”
Wendy’s breath caught, her heart pounding harder with each beat. She tried to speak, to counter him with something witty or clever, but his words rendered her silent. Her arms dropped as her fingers gripped the folds of her gown in her lap.
“How?” she finally managed, her voice quiet and uneven.
“With affection.” His voice dipped into something rich and warm. “I’ve certainly never felt about anyone the way I do about you.”
A pang of sadness wrung her heart, her thoughts quieting into an ache she dared not fully examine.
“Me neither,” she admitted, the honesty in her voice surprising even herself.
Stan’s smile softened, as though her words meant more than a mere agreement. “Then may I kiss you again? Please?”
