Horatia bit down.
He yelled in surprise and stepped back. “Christ, woman! I’m not going to hurt you!” His look of genuine shock startled her, as though he hadn’t really intended to touch her and even more stunned that she’d been frightened enough to bite like a cornered polecat.
“Horatia…” he said, as though trying to calm a startled horse. “Listen to me. He’s coming. We need to pretend to kiss—” He lunged, catching her and pinning her against the wall.
She couldn’t shake him off. Panic blurred her vision. He’s coming? Was Avery or Linus going to join in this madness? She was trapped and helpless! He made no move to undress her, but his warm breath came out in soft pants.
“Just let me kiss you for one b****y second, woman! It’s for your own good!” He ducked his head in towards hers.
H
