Seraphina went utterly still. Richard pulled back. Her eyes were wide. The hairpin remained frozen in her hand. Her lips parted slightly in shock as she found her senses. She stood quickly, putting immediate distance between them.
Richard rose as well. Her cheeks had gone warm with colour. "What would a good man do right now?"
"A good man would apologise."
Richard nodded once, as though considering the answer seriously. "And a noble man?"
"A noble man would think he had done me a favour."
Richard smiled and stepped closer. He stopped in front of her, looking down at the colour still lingering in her cheeks. He lifted one hand and placed a finger beneath her chin. "Seeing as that was the first time you have ever been kissed, consider me both." He stepped back.
Her eyes caught fire. But she could not bring herself to say anything.
