“I did not!”
“Are you sure? I thought you couldn’t remember,” he teased.
“That... that...” Her mouth opened and closed, and Will couldn’t help feeling a surge of satisfaction. “You refused me!”
“So youdoremember.”
“Ijustremembered.”
“Then you must also have remembered that you divulged your plan to me, though perhaps accidentally. Annulment, love?”
“What plan? I just wanted to ruffle your well-composed feathers.”
That surprised Will. “You think me composed?”
“Aren’t you? You are always so calm and measured.”
He leaned close until their noses almost touched. “Trust me, love, I am neither of those things when it comes to you.”
Her cheeks flushed.
“Also, it’s rather careless tossing out words such as annulment. Aren’t you afraid I might drag you off to the country and lock you in another one of my chambers?”
“I would like to see you try.” Her eyes lit with fire. “In fact, you might want to be cautious yourself. I don’t mind doing the same.”
Will scrunched his brows. “Drag me off to the country and lock me in your chamber?”
“Exactly.”
“Then how about I take you up on that threat?”
“You... honestly! What kind of rogue are you?”
“A charming one?”
“Well, at least you do not deny the basic foundation of your character.”
She must not have recalled that particular part of their conversation. “You know, you still have misunderstandings about me, but I will clear them all up in time. In the meantime, I shall wait for you to lock me up.”
“My God, just when I think you’ve reached the highest level of madness, you surprise me with another level.”
“If knowing that no other man would care for you the way I would is madness, then I welcome it.”
“Oh? And in what way will you care for me?”
“With utter devotion,” Will said, every word announced firm and clear. “After all, I have toearnmy position as a real husband.”
“Ah, right. I do recall saying something to that effect. Well,” she gave a small cough behind her hand. “You should do as you see fit.”
“Then are you prepared for me to woo you?” Will asked. She looked so unsettled by the prospect that he couldn’t help but want to tease her.
She snorted. “What do I have to be prepared for? You are the one doing the wooing.”
“Prepared for”—he brushed a tendril of hair between his fingers—“me. And all your impressions of me to be overturned.”
“Well,” she danced away from his touch, her cheeks infusing with more pink. “I do admire your confidence.”
“Would you like to attend the Stewart ball?”
