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His eyes narrowed on her. “I know what you’re up to.”
She gave him an innocent look and began fiddling with her camera. “Not sure what you’re talking about.”
He didn’t miss the way she was trying to hide her smile.
He gave her a straight look. “Fair warning, Avantika. If you think you can disappear on me in this crowd, you’ve thought wrong. Don’t even think of running unless you want me to put my hands on you and glue you to my side.”
Her eyes flashed for a brief second before she gave him a sugary smile. “The thought hasn’t even crossed my mind.”
Sure, and he was the freaking king of England. She definitely thought she could sneak away. But now, he knew exactly what she had in mind, and he’d keep her in his sight at all times.
The music increased in crescendo.
“Looks like the parade is starting,” she announced, removing the cap from the camera lens.
Immediately, the crowd parted, leaving the road in between empty. All too soon, the sound of loud drumbeats rented the air. An entire parade of drummers in red and black attire marched past them, followed by hundreds of floats carrying brightly costumed women and men dressed in feathers of all colors, dancing and waving their flags.
It was truly a visual feast for the eyes. The energy was fantastic, and one couldn’t help but soak it right in. From his side, Avantika kept taking pictures from various angles. Seeing her engrossed with the camera was an even better sight. Her passion was evident.
The crowd around them swelled, pressing into them from all sides as the parade passed them by.
“Isn’t this incredible?” she finally said, looking around. “Look there!”
She pointed to a float where several semi-nude women were dancing, feathered masks covering their faces. He swung back around and saw Avantika backing a few steps away from him, ready to run away.
He glared at her. “Don’t even think about it.”
She looked heavenward but returned to stand by his side. “What’s it going to take to get a few hours away from you?”
“A kiss.” He didn’t want to be away from her, but if he got what he wanted by giving her what she wanted…He’d be game.
She jolted back. “W…What?”
“Give me a kiss and I’ll leave right now.”
“No. Absolutely not.”
“Why? Do you think you will want more if you kiss me?”
Her breath hitched. “Stop talking like that.”
“Do my words affect you that much? Or are you imagining what it would feel like once our lips touch again? Aren’t you the least bit curious to find out what would happen if we kissed? Would it be exactly like the past, or would it be…more?”
“I said, stop talking like that.”
He tapped his lips. Her eyes fell on his mouth. He arched a brow, and she looked away from him.
“No kiss,” he said. “I suppose that means I’m staying.”
“God! I’ve never hated someone as much as I hate you.”
“Hate is just another form of love,baby.”
“You’re a pain.” She began to walk away from him.
“Now where are you going?”
“I need a drink to survive you,” she threw over her shoulder.
