Page 164 of Face Off

Rider remained quiet for another moment. “And Charm?”

I knew what he meant. “I’m not forcing her into anything.”

“Nobody said you were.”

“I’m also not making it easy for her.”

That changed all three faces.

Easton leaned one elbow against the bar. “Meaning?”

I looked at him. “Meaning she told me she’s changed. She told me she’ll choose me where everyone can see. She told me she isn’t the woman who stood in that study anymore.”

Briggs’s expression sobered.

I continued before any of them tried to make my own point softer for me. “She has spent two days proving it inside a castle filled with people who love us. Everybody here wants us together. Nobody here makes her pay for touching me. That isn’t the same fucking thing as doing it when Lance is standing ten feet away in front of people just like him, reminding her what disobedience used to cost.”

Rider’s gaze sharpened. “So, you’re testing her.”

“Yes.”

The answer surprised none of them.

Briggs rubbed his thumb along his glass. “Does she know?”

“She’ll know what I think.”

“That isn’t what I asked.”

“No, she doesn’t know I’m standing around with a fucking clipboard scoring her reaction.”

Easton’s mouth moved. “You’d look good with the clipboard.”

“Fuck off.”

“I’m serious, though. What are you looking for?”

“The same thing I looked for the first time and didn’t get.”

Nobody joked after that.

I stared down into my drink. “I’m not asking her to fight him. I don’t need Charm defending my honor like I’m some helpless motherfucker waiting for Lance’s approval. I want to know whether she stays beside me when he makes staying uncomfortable. Does she keep her hand in mine? Does she keep looking at me the same way? Does she suddenly start checking the room? Does she step away because he gives her that look?”

Briggs released a slow breath. “And if she freezes?”

“I’ll know.”

Easton frowned. “Know what?”

“That some things changed and the rest is a character flaw.”

The words tasted worse than I expected so I swallowed what remained in my glass.

Rider looked toward the terrace before bringing his attention back to me. “And if she doesn’t freeze?”

I didn’t answer immediately because I knew they wouldn’t like it.

Easton asked the question anyway. “Does it change Sunday?”