Page 61 of Peasants and Kings
“I wanted to be the one to make you the official offer. And I had a feeling that if Ramsey and Genevieve had relayed information to you on my behalf, you’d have found a way to say no.”
“I could say no right now.”
He smiled in genuine amusement and it softened the harsh planes of his face. And it had me catching my breath.
“Youcouldsay no right now,” he agreed. “But I haven’t fed you yet. Maybe you should wait until after dinner. The pasta here is the best in the city.”
“I won’t be able to enjoy my dinner unless we discuss why I’m here.”
Hadrian picked up the wine bottle that rested on the table. He poured two glasses and handed me one. He grasped the other, holding it in his large hand—a hand that had brought me to the heights of pleasure.
I was suddenly transported to that evening, when I’d felt his fingers slide into me.
“You’re flushed,” he noted. He cocked his head to the side. “Thinking about our last time together?”
“No.”
His gaze was intense. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”
I sighed. “Damn it, Hadrian.”
“What?”
“You make it impossible to play coy.”
“Playing coy is beneath you. I like you for your honest reactions.”
Hadrian set his glass down and then gestured to my chair before coming to pull it out for me.
I slowly moved to sit down and when Hadrian leaned over to help me scoot closer to the table, he said softly, “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said, hating that it came out breathy.
Hadrian took his seat.
We stared at each other over the glasses of wine and bread basket. The air was pumped full of tension.
“I want you to spend the next six months with me in Shetland.”
My fingers played with the stem of my glass. “You don’t mince words, do you?”
“Waste of time. I know what I want.”
“Six months is a long time,” I said.
“I’ll make it worth your while financially.”
All the tender feelings I had begun to feel instantly vanished. How could I have forgotten why I was truly here?
“I wasn’t referring to the financial aspect of it,” I announced coldly. “I meant in relation to time. Six months is a longtime.”
“Do you think I’ll get bored with you?”
“No. I thinkI’llget bored withyou.”
He took a sip of his wine. “You won’t. You’re intrigued by me. And besides, I’m unlike any man you’ve ever met.”
“Ah, I finally recognize this version of you.”
