Chapter 3
Edward's hand hung in the air, his face darkening.
"What, not happy about it?" Edward's voice was cold. "Still thinking about Samuel, even here in my manor?"
I could hardly talk my way out of this.
Even if I tried to explain, he wouldn't believe a word.
Screw it. If he wanted to think the worst, let him.
"With you holding all the cards, does it even matter if I say I'm not happy?" I shot back.
I looked up at him, my gaze sharp and a little bit defiant.
I'd got nothing to lose, so why should I be scared?
He probably wasn't used to dealing with someone as stubborn as me.
Edward paused for a second, and then a slow smile spread across his face.
His deep, low laugh echoed through the quiet room, making the silence feel even heavier.
"Now that's interesting," Edward said.
Edward pulled back his hand, settled into a nearby chair, and poured himself a cup of coffee.
"I like you feisty. That attitude suits you," Edward said.
What else could I even say?
Edward leaned back, a smirk on his lips. "So, tell me, what do you want?"
He took a slow sip of coffee, his gaze never leaving me.
He asked, "Valuable jewels or fancy dresses? As long as you behave and do as you're told, I can give you anything you want."
What I really wanted was a ticket home. Could you give me that?
Of course, I kept that thought locked up inside.
"I don't want anything," I said.
I really meant it.
"All I want is to leave," I added.
Edward set his cup down, his eyes narrowing as he processed my words.
"Leave? So you can run back to Samuel and keep stringing him along?" Edward's voice turned cold.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. Time to switch up my game plan.
If playing hardball didn't work, maybe it was time to try a softer touch.
She walked over to Edward, channeling the demure heroines from those romance novels, picked up the coffee pot, and refilled his cup with practiced grace.
"Your Highness, you've got it all wrong." My tone was soft, almost sweet. "Prince Samuel and I are just... friends."
"Friends?" Edward echoed.
He arched a brow, clearly not buying it.
"What kind of friend makes him lose his mind like that?" Edward pressed.
Without warning, Edward reached out and pulled me into his arms.
I let out a startled cry as I landed in his lap.
This position was dangerously intimate.
I froze, not daring to move a muscle.
His arm wrapped around my waist like an iron clamp, keeping me firmly in place.
I could feel the solid muscles beneath Edward's clothes, and the heat radiating from his body pressed against mine.
It was almost too much, like he was burning up.
"Let me take a guess," Edward said.
His breath brushed against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. It was ticklish and way too intimate.
"Did you use some kind of charm on me too?" Edward whispered.
My heart was pounding, and my cheeks were burning.
It was not from embarrassment, but from pure rage.
Ugh, this bastard was way too full of himself.
I squirmed in his arms, trying to break free.
"Prince Edward, please keep your hands to yourself," I snapped.
Edward tightened his grip around my waist, holding me even closer.
"You want to teach me how to act while you're on my turf?" he said.
He leaned in, his nose almost brushing mine, the space between us vanishing.
"Charlotte Bennett, remember this, you're mine now," Edward growled.
His voice was rough, laced with a dangerous warning that sent chills down my spine.
Just when I thought Edward was about to kiss me, Samuel's voice suddenly tore through the air from outside the door.
"Uncle Edward, let Charlotte go. If you've got a problem, take it out on me."
Edward's face instantly darkened, looking like thunderclouds had rolled in.