Page 93 of Modern Romance June 2025 5-8

‘No. Not for either of us.’

Though he had no qualms about touching her. Increasingly it seemed the most natural thing in the world.

Warmth closed around his hand and he looked down to see slim fingers curling around his. His heart lurched. It felt like a breakthrough. Instantly he was reminded of those breathless moments in the summerhouse when he’d caressed her and been so sure she wanted him.

‘Is that better?’

He looked up to find his gaze snared by gorgeous green eyes. ‘It’s a start.’

A hint of a frown skated over her forehead. ‘What more do you want? We’re standing close and I’m touching you.’

‘But what if I reach for you? Will you startle and pull away before you have a chance to school your features?’

Her mouth crimped at the corners. ‘I’ll work on it, okay? Maybe you could warn me if you’re going to touch me.’

‘And how would that play out in public?’ He shook his head. ‘That won’t always be possible.’

‘Okay, okay.’ She blew out a gusty breath. ‘I take your point. I promise not to tense up if you touch me.’

‘Easily said, Annalena.’

Her eyes narrowed. ‘You don’t trust me?’

He shrugged, enjoying the spark in her eyes. Seeing her feisty and fearless did something to him, his libido especially.

‘It’s not a matter of trust, but getting acclimatised to my touch. But we don’t have time to take things slowly. How about we take a short cut?’

She tilted her head, scrutinising him like some scientific specimen. Did she even notice that he’d turned his hand to thread his fingers through hers?

‘What sort of short cut?’

Benedikt failed to repress his smile. ‘A kiss. Then you’ll see you’ve nothing to fear from me. After that having me touch your back or your arm will be a walk in the park. What do you say? Shall we?’

CHAPTER TEN

What she shouldsay was a resounding‘No’. Especially when he looked at her with that gleam in his eyes. He didn’t look like a man worried about public opinion. Helookedlike a man who wanted…her.

That stopped her throat and quickened her pulse. He was dangerous. But in that heady moment she welcomed his attention.

Was she projecting her own desire? He had few scruples about doing whatever it took to secure the throne and the country. Appearing interested in her was part of the deal. She’d be crazy to believe it was more than a calculated act.

But he had a point. What if she jumped at his touch in public? This marriage would elicit enough consternation without that.

Maybe a kiss would work as exposure therapy.

Maybe she’d grow blasé about his touch.

Maybe you want to find out what kissing Benedikt is like.

‘One kiss.’

Where had that come from? She hadn’t planned the words.

Annalena watched a smile unfurl across his face. She read approval but more too. Something that made her wonder if this was a good idea. But she couldn’t back out. Showing fear was always a mistake.

Determined to get it over before she could think too much, she stepped so close their bodies almost touched.

She felt his body heat down her whole length. Except it was more than heat. It felt like thousands of sparks igniting across her skin.

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