Chapter 9
Benedict
Her dark brown eyes tilt up at me, taunting me. Her damp hair falls in a riot down her shoulders. Her lips are full and her head’s tipped back, showing the smooth, pale line of her throat. I shouldn’t, I really shouldn’t. But I’m going to. I’m a duke; I should be used to getting what I want. But my royal life has never been about indulgence. Not when it’s all hanging by a thread.
It occurs to me I could cut that thread. Let go, and dedicate my life to pursuing what I really want. Starting with Frankie.
Frankie sways closer, then halts. She can sense hesitation, and I’ve remained still too long. I step forward and plunge my hand into the dark fall of her hair. “I propose this,” I say, and lower my lips to hers. I mean it to be a coaxing kiss, but as per usual, Frankie
