d seemed to playfully dance around Verena,

of discomfort, and her ears

her reaction, teased he

e for quite some time. Why are you so sen

as insinuating that she was feig

as still a virgin, expressin

misunderstanding, she impulsively uttered

ouldn't have pulled

effrey, she lightly tappe

ire being had stiffened in response to her simple touch. Even the

er teasing. "Mr. Yates, why does a casua

kissing her ear and whispering, "Care for a

ting an atmosphere of incre

stance themselves, wary of overhearing or

ients, the knowledge that Blaine and Verena had

to strike a deal with Blaine and instead engaging in playfu

t the well-heeled crowd, effectively

ying with deliberate slowness, patiently awaiting Ver

ly the wealthy individuals

emed to dawn on him, promp

ey and Verena were astride a h

d a moment with Jeffrey, who reciprocated

any boundaries on horseback, a subtle alarm coursed through him. H

headed to change her attire, contemp

midst of this, B

w dare you seduce Jeffrey?" Blaine a

hy wouldn't I dare? If a cornered rat will bite a cat, i

of hysteria, echoing through the char

f frustration, squarely blaming him for the predicament she found he

ne suggested, sensing an affectionate connection between Verena a

caution to the wind and kissed her, dis

a fierce response—his lips were met wit

ou have needs, seek her out. Don'

ut on her coat, and opened the door to leave.

ht away. Don't go meet him..." Bla

le voice interrupted their heated exchang

suit, standing outside the door. His gaze, cold and unyielding, surveyed the scene—th