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“Interesting.”
“And did you know that when the telephone was first invented, most people answered with ‘ahoy’ instead of ‘hello’? Personally, my inner pirate thinks we should go back to that. In fact, I may start doing that, just to see how people react.”
I bark out a laugh at the image in my mind.
“Perhaps throw in a few scallywags and mateys for good measure, as well.” He winks.
“People will think they dialed the wrong number.”
“All the more reason to bring it back. I’m fairly certain the world would be a better place if everyone was forced to speak like a pirate.”
“I can’t disagree with that.”
He treats me to another smile, the sun reflecting off his brilliant white teeth. Then his expression sobers. He inches closer, his gaze narrowing on me.
“In all seriousness, I am a good person. I won’t stand here and tell you I’m perfect. That the sun shines out of my arse, pardon my language. Based on the things being said earlier, that’s what everyone wants you to believe. But that’s not true. Like everyone else, like you, I have my faults. I know we won’t always see eye to eye. But I’d like it if you’d allow me to show you who I am before you rush to judgment. Can you do that?”
I bite my lower lip, searching his eyes. It never even crossed my mind that he could merely be a pawn, too.
But as my grandmother taught me when I first learned how to play chess, two pawns in the center are strongest when standing side by side. Advancing one may leave the other weak. We may both be pawns, but if we’re to survive, I need to stand by Jameson’s side…
Regardless of the personal sacrifice.
I nod. “I can do that.”
“Thank you.” He squeezes my hand, briefly floating his eyes to my mouth. “Do you…” He expels an anxious laugh. “Would you object if I kissed you?”
On a sharp inhale, I stiffen. My lips part, but no response is forthcoming.
“If we’re to sell this relationship to the masses,” he continues when I remain mute, “at some point, we’ll have to kiss. I thought it would be better if the first time we kissed wasn’t under the scrutiny of the palace PR team or the media. Or worse yet, the powers that be in the royal household.” He rolls his eyes. “I’d rather not receive kissing pointers from that sniveling troll, Silas Archer.”
“Me, either.” I laugh at his rather astute assessment of my grandmother’s most trusted advisor.
“So, what do you say?” He brings his gaze back to mine, biting his lower lip. “Can I kiss you?”
I swallow hard, wracked with indecision.
It’s only a kiss, not a life or death situation. But I can’t help but feel that if I allow Jameson to kiss me my fate will be sealed.
But isn’t it sealed, anyway?
I can try to fight this all I want, but it won’t change anything. I may as well make the most out of the situation. May as well take the small victories where I can find them. And that includes doing as much as we can on our terms. Like our first kiss.
“I’d like that.”
He swipes his tongue along his lips, moistening them as his expression changes from playful to more serious. More sensual.
Stepping toward me, he drops his hold on my hand, bringing it to my cheek. His grip is resolute, determined. It reminds me of the way Creed’s hands felt on my skin.
He’s the last person I should be thinking about right now, but I can’t stop myself from wishing it were his hand cupping my face. His dark gaze I were staring into. His lips descending toward mine.
I close my eyes, trying to forget how Creed’s mere proximity brought me to life. But when Jameson’s lips brush mine in my first taste of him, all I can do is wish it were Creed kissing me instead.
Maybe then I’d feel something.
Because right now, even as Jameson coaxes my lips to part in a deep yet respectful kiss, I feel absolutely nothing.
Chapter Eight
