Page 42 of Duke of Bronze
Colin's lips curled into a wicked smile as he observed her. "Close your mouth, darling, or you'll catch flies."
CHAPTER 16
Anna snapped her mouth shut and gave him a firm nudge with her elbow. "You certainly seem determined to master the art of surprises, Your Grace."
Colin grinned, his expression as smug as ever. "That impressed, are you?"
Anna scoffed, crossing her arms as she settled more comfortably. "Being surprised does not necessarily equate to being impressed, Your Grace. Do mind your vocabulary."
His eyes gleamed with mischief. "Ah, but if you are not impressed, then why is there laughter in your voice?"
She let out a mock sigh. "Perhaps I simply find amusement in your relentless fishing for compliments."
Colin chuckled but did not argue, for they both knew he had been caught in his own game.
This time, she did not protest when he extended his hand to assist her into the boat. His grasp was steady, warm, and—drat it all—entirely too reassuring. As he paddled them into the center of the lake, she could not help but observe the effortless strength in the motion of his arms. The rhythmic pull of the oars against the water, the way the muscles in his forearms flexed beneath his rolled sleeves?—
Anna felt a warmth creeping up her cheeks and immediately admonished herself.Foolish girl, you are merely appreciating fine form, nothing more.
Unfortunately, Colin was nothing if not astute, and his eyes danced with knowing amusement. "Something the matter, Anna?" he drawled lazily.
She straightened her posture, lifting her chin. "Not at all. Only wondering if you intend to steer us into oblivion, or if there is indeed a destination in mind?”
He smirked. "Patience, my dear. You might try acquiring some."
They fell into an easy rhythm of banter, their words flowing as smoothly as the water lapping against the boat. That was until Colin made a most grievous error.
"I must say, Titan the thimble has far too much spirit for something so small," he remarked, eyes alight with mischief.
Anna gasped in mock outrage. "You take that back, Your Grace!"
She playfully shoved him, though perhaps with a touch more enthusiasm than intended. Colin guffawed—at least until his amusement was his downfall.
With a startled yelp, he tipped backward, his arms flailing in a most undignified manner before?—
Splash!
Anna clapped a hand over her mouth as peals of laughter overtook her. "Oh, that was glorious!" she gasped between fits of mirth. "Serves you right for maligning my dear Titan."
Yet as the moments passed and the surface of the water remained undisturbed, her amusement wavered.
"Colin?" She leaned forward slightly, gripping the edge of the boat. "Colin, this is hardly amusing."
Silence.
A prickle of unease slithered down her spine.Surely he is jesting.
"Colin, enough!" Her voice rose in alarm as she bent over the water, searching for any sign of him beneath the rippling surface. Her breath came quicker now, her pulse thrumming in her ears.What if?—
Before she could finish the thought, strong hands grasped her wrists and yanked her downward.
The world turned cold and dark as she plunged into the lake, water rushing around her in a shocking embrace.
She resurfaced with a gasp, spluttering, only to be met with the infuriating sight of Colin laughing—laughing!—as he treaded water beside her.
"Scared you, did I?" he said, utterly unrepentant.
Anna pushed wet strands of hair from her face, her glare ineffective against the sheer amusement shining in his eyes. "You insufferable rogue!"
