Part of her really wished she’d waited to have this conversation until after she had thought all of it through but she hadn’t because she was worried that he would have already done damage control and she’d lose her edge…And he might be more rational later because the element of surprise was essential to this sort of thing and the way he was so flustered made it all the better. But knowing her, even if she had given herself a day to think it over, she most likely wouldn’t have and she would be in the same predicament now – having to think quickly of something worthy of her silence. She was entirely too impulsive to actually think through her options. She might regret that one day but for now she was okay with it.

Henri watched him as he calculated his move, the little wheels in his brain turning quickly. He looked quite frustrated and she was fairly certain she could see smoke coming out his ears either from rage or from thinking too hard or both. She matched his rather angry gaze without flinching, trying her best to make sure she looked authoritative. If he was able to find a weakness then her whole plan would unravel.

When he finally spoke, she listened, her head tilted to the side as she pursed her lips. She scoffed when he mentioned the influence he had over his brother (presumably he meant Trent) and his father. She felt like reminding him that she pretty much had her betrothed wrapped around her finger and that she didn’t need his help in that department, but she waited for him to finish instead. He was obviously desperate and it made her oh so happy.

Her hands slipped to rest on her hips, her look a cross between amused and challenging.

“I want,” she began, stepping a tad closer to the slimy boy. “I want you to leave me alone. You understand? No more bullying me or cornering me or threatening me. I don’t even want you speaking to me if you can help it.” She raised her eyebrows, quirking her head to the side. “You understand? You’ll leave me alone if you want my silence.”




They say the poisoned vine breeds a finer wine.