“I… No, I don’t. I think it’s one of the best books I have ever read. There, I said it,” he huffed indignantly.
“Surprise, surprise, Your Grace,” she teased. “Just as I said. You really need to listen to me more.”
“And here I was hoping you wouldn’t gloat too much. And I am happy to disappoint you. What can I say, I’m a predictable man.” He let out a soft laugh that melted her heart, the sound barely above a whisper.
“Typical,” she said, still smiling.
Abel raised a hand. “I have one problem, though. The romance aspects and scenes were a little overhanded. Made it a little predictable, but it was still a good read.”
Bridget laughed. “I think I know what the problem is.” Abel raised an eyebrow questioningly. She chuckled and said, “You desperately need to fall in love, Your Grace. That’s the only solution I can find to your very dire situation.”
“And what would that solve?”
“For one, it would help you enjoy romance books more. Give you a little perspective, at least.”
“No, thank you,” Abel said, shaking his head. “I do appreciate the offer, but I respectfully pass.”
Bridget leaned in closer. “Do you believe in love, Your Grace?” The hallway fell silent again as her question echoed in the air.
Abel chuckled softly. “I’m walking my sister down the aisle today despite everything, am I not?”
Bridget pursed her lips and shook her head at him. “That’s not at all what I mean, Your Grace.” Filled with anticipation, she summoned the courage to clarify her question.
Her cheeks flushed, and her tone fell to a whisper as she went on, her voice barely audible. “Have you truly never felt a longing for someone? An inexplicable desire that consumes you whenever you’re near them?”
Abel’s eyes shifted away from hers in a nearly guilty manner. “Not at all.” He got up from his chair and let out a short laugh. “We’ve spent a lot of time here. It’s best we leave.”
Bridget got to her feet as well, but she was still unsatisfied. She stood in his way, forcing him to look at her.
“Answer me before we leave. You’ve mentioned quite a few times how you dislike the idea of romance. Would that be because you’ve never experienced it yourself?” She paused. “Or have you?”
“Why are you demanding this of me at this time, Lady Bridget?”
The warning in Abel’s tone was clear, yet Bridget found herself inching closer to him. She fixed her gaze on his as she continued, “I’m talking about having experienced the feeling which words cannot capture the intensity of.”
This time, she heard instinctive warning bells ringing at the back of her head, but she didn’t want to stop. “Having every fiber of your being yearn for their presence… for their touch.”
“No, Bridget.”
His response was a low, husky murmur, sending shivers running down Bridget’s spine. She searched his face, convinced he was not telling her the truth.
“Are you certain, Your Grace?”
Heavy tension filled the air, and her breath hitched as he suddenly took a step closer and leaned in, giving her barely any time to realize what was happening.
As Abel’s lips met hers, a surge of electricity coursed through Bridget’s body, instantly igniting the fire that had been smoldering for far too long. Her feelings burst before her like bright night lights, and suddenly, everything until that moment made sense.
The world around them faded into insignificance as she surrendered herself to the intensity of their passion. Their lips moved in perfect harmony, their breaths mingling in a dance of shared longing.
Abel’s hands found their way to Bridget’s waist, pulling her closer as though he couldn’t bear to have even an inch of space between them.
Unable to stop herself, Bridget buried her fingers in his hair as well, pulling him towards her. They were lost in each other, their bodies pressed together, fitting like two puzzle pieces that had found their match.
At last, the first wedding bell rang, interrupting the spell. They parted, and Bridget’s face flushed a deep shade of crimson as she opened her eyes, her pupils dilated with shock and surprise, mirroring the look in the eyes of the man before her.
The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, leaving them both breathless and unsure of what had just transpired. The struggle was clear on their faces as they tried to process everything.
As the realization of the gravity of his actions settled in his mind, Abel abruptly pulled away, his expression now a mix of confusion and regret.
