Sylvan's Mist
[unedited]

"Release me this instant you lout!" Her order came out on a hiss.

William did not release her but bared his straight white teeth in a wolfish grin and pulled her closer. "But you seemed so peaceable a moment ago, lass. In fact, if I didna know better I would have thought you-"

Coira clamped a hand over his mouth, knowing full well he was about to say something appalling. She narrowed her eyes. "Shush."

"Shush?" He pried her hand from his mouth but did not release it. Instead he turned it over, his eyes falling to the glimmering diamond engagement ring on her finger. "Do you love him?"

She hadn't expected the question and he knew it. "Of course I do."

His silver regard returned to her face. Whatever he saw there pleased him. "As a friend."

She frowned. No. Not as a friend, as a fiancé. "No, as a man."

Were his lips edging closer?

His hand rose to her face and traced her jaw line. "A man that is a friend."

What did he just say? His forefinger and thumb clutched her chin. She would not be distracted and spoke with a level of calm she didn't feel. "A friend that is a fiancé."

Oh lord, that didn't come out right at all.

"So 'tis to be a marriage of convenience." His throaty declaration brought his lips closer.

Coira's eyelids suddenly became very heavy and her lips throbbed. "Is it not convenient to marry a friend?"

Again, not what she intended to say.

His lips were within an inch of hers, his brogue soft. "Aye, 'tis convenient enough, but what of passion?"