Page 82 of Hawk & Sparrow

Maximilian stroked his chin. “Hmm … let’s make this interesting. Tell me the name of the first person you ever kissed.”

Vesper stared. “Maximilian!”

“You have to answer,” he said with a grin. “I don’t make the rules.”

“Yes you do.” Vesper frowned. “This is literally your depraved little game.”

“Fair enough,” said Maximilian. “But you asked me a question about my love life, so now I get to ask one about yours.” He smirked. “So, what was the lucky lad’s name?” He paused, thoughtful. “Or was it a girl?”

Vesper bit her lip. “I can’t give you a name.”

Maximilian’s brows shot up. “Can’t, or won’t?”

“Can’t.”

“Ah, come on, Evans.” He nudged her gently with an elbow. “It’s not like you’ve never been kissed before.”

Vesper turned and dropped her gaze. Another uncomfortable silence filled the den as the seconds passed. She felt her face warming.

“… Evans?”

Vesper looked back at Maximilian. His expression had become quite serious.

“Do you mean to tell me that you’ve really never…?”

“I haven’t wanted to,” she said quickly. “I’ve never had an interest.”

The skin between Maximilian’s brows pinched slightly. “Why?”

Vesper gnawed on her thumbnail. She had no idea how to answer a question like that. What could she say? That she’d never had the great romantic “stirrings” she’d read about in novels? That she couldn’t feel attraction to a person unless she felt a connection to them too? That she was afraid that something was inherently wrong with her? She shook her head.

“I just … haven’t.”

“Do you want to?”

Her head snapped up. “What?”

“I could show you.” Maximilian’s tone was casual. “If you want to know what it’s like?”

Vesper’s heart skipped a beat, and she shook her head quickly. “You’ve been drinking too much of that cider.”

“Maybe.” Maximilian shrugged. “But you can’t tell me the idea doesn’t have merit. Let me be your first, Evans. I promise, I won’t bite.” He waggled his brows. “Well, unless you’d like me to.”

This time, there was no denying it. Vesper felt something flutter in her chest. She thought of that tiny chestnut sparrow back at the aviary, zipping around its cage. “This conversation is not happening.”

“What? I’m serious.” Maximilian turned his body so that he fully faced her on the rug. “No one knows you’re here, and no one ever will,” he said. “What happens at Kite Manor can stay at Kite Manor.” He paused, considering. “Unless, of course, you’re afraid?”

“I’m not afraid!”

“Then prove it.” Maximilian’s eyes flashed violet. “One kiss, and you’ll have the distinct pleasure of being able to say you proved me wrong.” He arched a dark brow. “You can’t tell me that’s not tempting.”

Vesper glared at the sorcerer, eyes narrowed. In some ways, it felt like they’d come full circle. Here he was, presenting her with yet another challenge, a game he seemed confident that he was going to win.

Maybe, just this once, she would prove him wrong.

“Just … one kiss?” she asked.

Maximilian nodded. “Just one.”