Ian wondered, "How does a woman like her have such incredible strength?" He could barely stand steady. "How come I never noticed you had these kinds of intentions toward me before?"
Cecilia suppressed her discomfort, coaxing him patiently. "I didn't pay much attention to you before, but today, I realized how handsome you are. Are you willing? Stay with me, and I'll share all my wealth and glory with you."
Ian found it both infuriating and amusing. It felt like a local tyrant forcing himself on an innocent maiden, except the genders were reversed.
"Have you been drinking?" he asked. What if she sobered up later and accused him of being a hooligan? Wouldn't he end up sleeping on the streets? And that would be the best-case scenario. His real fear was that she might use her connections to have him killed.
"No." Cecilia blew a gentle breath toward him.
