His pupils were dark, wide with want.
He kissed her.
It was not tentative. Not the polite brush of lips for an audience.
Aoife’s body reacted before her mind caught up. She went rigid, every muscle locked, hands still clenched in her skirt. She did not lift them. Did not lean in. Her heart slammed hard enough that she was certain he could feel it between them.
For a breathless second, she was cornered, a rabbit in a trap.
He drew back, but not far. His hand tightened slightly at her waist.
“What is it?” he murmured, searching her face. “We make an extraordinary team, Aoife.”
She swallowed.
They were still so close, his warmth crowding her, wine thick on his breath. His mouth was only inches away. His eyes were heavy with desire.
To be wanted like that.
It was intoxicating.
Nothing like the gentle warmth with Cormac. This was sharper. Bright as flame and just as dangerous.
Halverton was not immovable stone. She had seen it last night. Seen how he listened, how he disagreed with the other lords.
Lord Oswin’s voice drifted back to her, ‘Work from within the system.’ Maybe he was right.
Halverton’s thumb traced slowly at the small of her back, waiting.
Aoife made her choice.
This time, when he leaned in, she did not freeze.
She lifted her hands, sliding them up to rest at his shoulders first, then higher, fingers threading lightly at the nape of his neck. She drew herself closer, closing the last sliver of space between them, and kissed him back.
He shifted instantly, a sharp inhale; his grip tightened, his hunger turning triumphant.
When they finally broke apart, Halverton rested his forehead briefly against hers, smiling, satisfied.
“I told you I would give you everything a woman could dream of,” he said softly. “I am pleased you see it now.”
He straightened, smoothing his cuffs. “I have business to attend to before dinner.”
His gaze lingered on her mouth once more. “But I look forward to seeing you this evening.”
He turned and headed into the house, composure restored.
Aoife remained where she was, pulse still unsteady, lips tingling.
She did not know whether she had secured her future or stepped further into a trap.
Chapter 15
With Halverton and the visitors gone, Aoife’s lungs expanded for the first time all morning.
She needed space.
She needed silence.
