Honest Betrayal by Dara Girard Page A

away and began packing the basket.
    “You’re angry with me,” he said surprised.
    “No, I’m angry with myself.”
    “Why?”
    “Because I’m giving you the wrong impression of me. You’ll think I’m attracted to you.”
    He grabbed her chin forcing her to look at him. “And you’re not?”
    Brenna slapped his hand away. “I’m presently experiencing a strong emotional response.”
    “Is that a yes or a no?”
    “I have no desire to marry. This isn’t real, remember? We have a bargain that’s all. You will not convince me to marry you even if I do fit all of your qualifications.”
    His eyes brightened with humor. “A challenge. I love a challenge.”
    “No, it’s a warning.”
    Hunter opened his mouth to reply, but stopped when a familiar voice called out his name. He turned and gritted his teeth as he watched Daron climb up the hill towards them.
    “I thought it was you,” Daron said, stopping in front of them. His eyes darted between them, his smile grew. “My, my having a lover’s quarrel all ready?”
    Hunter kept his voice level. “Brenna, this is my cousin Daron.”
    She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
    Daron gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Likewise. I just hope you two can last until the banquet. Sometimes little arguments turn into big ones.”
    “We like the big arguments,” Brenna said.
    “Why?”
    She slipped an arm around Hunter’s waist. He did the same to her, his grip both possessive and reassuring. “Because making up is so much fun.”
    Hunter drew Brenna closer. “So if you’ll excuse us...” He let his sentence trail off as a polite dismissal.
    Daron hesitated, unsure if he should believe what he saw. Eventually, he nodded and left.
    Brenna let out a breath. “I’m glad that’s over. You can let go now.”
    When he didn’t, she looked at him.
    Hunter stared back. The intensity of his gaze weakening her resolve, tearing at the wall that kept her heart safe. Yet a delicate thread tied her to him, preventing any urge to look away. She didn’t even realize he’d picked up a buttercup until she felt its tender petals against her cheek, against the curve of her neck. He brushed it against her forehead; her nose then pressed it against his lips before setting it against hers. The gentle act made her entire body tingle.
    When he tucked the flower in her hair, she knew what he was up to. That didn’t stop goose bumps from forming on her arms. He kissed her mouth then moved to nibble on her ear.
    “Your seduction technique needs some work,” she said.
    He stared at her stunned. “Work?”
    “You are trying to seduce me, aren’t you?”
    “Do you think I would admit to it after what you just said?”
    “So the answer is yes?”
    Hunter scowled.
    “All women aren’t the same.”
    “I know that.”
    “If you’d known that you would have realized that ear nibbling is a risky tactic. Not all women like it. I, for one, find a tongue in my ear revolting.”
    “I see. How about elsewhere?”
    Brenna blinked. “Elsewhere?”
    “Yes, how do you like the feel of a tongue elsewhere?”
    “I think that’s fine.”
    He adjusted her earring. “That’s good to know.”
    “You’re a very good kisser that’s why I’m helping you.”
    His voice cracked. “Helping me?”
    “Yes. Let’s take your hands for example. You have very nice hands, but I’m sure you know that. If I had hands like yours I’d do this.” She touched the sensitive part of his ear and gently caressed it. “Feels good doesn’t it?”
    It did, but he was too offended to agree with her. He merely stared.
    “Your lips are nice too. I’d like to feel them here.” She kissed a path down his neck to his shoulders, gently touching him with her tongue each time. She’d never thought of men being edible but this one came close. She undid a button. “And then—”
    Hunter pushed Brenna back and held her down, amazed. “You’re trying to seduce me.”
    “Is it working?”
    He narrowed