no kiss

courtesy of Frankie Writes:


… Arlen was silent a moment, then, “What else do you know?”


Adrian laughed and it surprised her, for she hadn’t heard him laugh before, hadn’t thought he was capable of it.

“I know a great deal, Miss Howard, which is why you and I should seal our bargain, truth for truth.”

“It would seem you have more to give than I,” Arlen said, “Why would you want to make such a bargain? Why should you care what happens to me?”

“Two reasons,” Adrian answered, “The first is that if I can thwart Grace in any way then I will do so. And the second is that you have been speaking to my mother, Rowena, and I should like very much to ask her a few questions.”

Arlen swallowed her surprise. How on earth did he know about Rowena?

“But…but that would mean going back to Wyndham Hall.”

“It would.”

Arlen considered. Should she make this bargain? Did she want to?

“Very well, Lord Wyndham,” she said, “I accept your offer.”

“Excellent,” Adrian said, rising form the chair, “But I insist you call me Adrian; I cannot abide titles.” He took the few short steps between them and held out his hand.

Arlen hesitated just a moment, feeling as though she were making a deal with the devil. But then, wasn’t that what witches did?

She gave him her hand and he took it, pulling her close, and she almost thought he might kiss her. His smoky grey eyes were on her and looking at her in such a way she was sure he would. And for a moment she wanted him to.

But he only brought her hand up, brushing her knuckles with his lips while his silvery eyes remained on her face, holding her, pinning her.

He released her abruptly with a pleased smile. “Now, let us go find your friend, Clarissa,” he said, “I expect she will be thrilled to have you as a guest for a few days.” *


*from Grimoire, which I am nearly done revising. Of the 23 items I needed to add/change I only have 7 left.