Frontline by Alexandra Richland

it’s just as capable of performing today, given the right pair of hands to guide it.
    “It’s beautiful.” I return the weapon to him, feeling strangely calm, despite our intense exchange. “Thank you.”
    He regards me with a fond smile. “You’re welcome.”
    After replacing the sword on the wall, he picks up my wine glass from the display case.
    “You truly do look stunning tonight.” He tucks a wayward curl behind my ear. “I’m having a very difficult time. I’m not a patient man and want nothing more than to take you to my bed.”
    “Well, then prepare yourself for an even tougher time, Mr. Merrick.” I take back my glass. “You must prove your intentions are honorable like you told me they were last night.”
    He sets his jaw tightly.
    I decide to test him further. “But perhaps you’re not up for that. Perhaps that’s not what you had in mind when it comes to me.”
    Mr. Merrick dips his head until his lips hover over mine. The heat flowing between us feels exhilarating. “You’ll find my endurance quite remarkable.”
    “You’re not talking about fencing, are you?”
    He skims his nose across my cheek. “That’s a pretty safe bet, Sara.”
    I take one final sip of my wine, peering at him over the rim. I’m surrounded by magnificent weaponry, but nothing thrills me more than the danger, mystery, and power of the man before me.
    Mr. Merrick leans in to kiss me, but I place my hand to his chest, pushing him back before our lips connect. As much as I enjoy our revelry, I’m here for a more important reason.
    “Not so fast, Casanova .”
    His puckered lips flatten to a frown.
    “This has been fun and all,” I drag my fingers down his chest, “but I have some serious things to discuss with you.”
    He raises his eyebrows. “Oh, really?”
    I decide to finally call him by his first name because this Mr. Merrick thing is ridiculous if my goal is to get to know him better.
    “Yes, Trenton. I have some questions for you so be prepared to answer them over dinner. And don’t even think about charming your way out of it.”
    “Do with me as you wish.” His eyes flash with mischief. “But after dinner, you’re mine .”
    He releases me and backs up slowly, luring me toward the door with a seductive prowl and enticing smirk. The thrill of the chase blasts through me.
    “I believe we can work something out,” I say.
    Trenton pauses by the door, his smirk morphing into a sly and tantalizing grin. “Then come and get me, Sara.”
    I lick my lips and close in on him, smiling triumphantly.
    The hunter has now become the hunted.
     

Chapter Seven
    Trenton’s sexual charms and my out-of-control hormones fuel my overconfidence and it’s going to get me into trouble. I’m inexperienced with sex, yet I’m tossing out innuendo all over the place, giving him the impression I know what I’m doing. What the heck am I thinking?
    I fear Trenton might expect some wild ride from me after all the verbal foreplay I’ve teased him with, only to end up disappointed and unsatisfied when it turns out my bluster and bravado are based on exaggeration. I also can’t earn his respect if every word out of my mouth is a sexual reference. On our way out of the weapons room, I vow to present my true, everyday self and cut back on the tantalizing talk.
    We enter a dining hall, Trenton’s hand placed firmly against the small of my back. A Gothic fireplace is the focal point of the room. Its dancing flames toss bright orange hues against the mahogany walls, which are decorated with tapestries that look centuries old.
    In the center, a stately chandelier hangs over a long wooden table decorated with flickering candles. It would take a lot of time and far more sensible shoes than the ones I’m wearing to walk from one end of the table to the other. The style is from another era and completely impractical, yet knowing what I do about Trenton so far, its presence is unsurprising.
    I notice dual place settings and I’m