If I leaned toward him, something would happen. I was sure of it. But if I leaned away, nothing would happen. So I stayed perfectly still, balanced between something and nothing, not knowing which way I wanted to fall.

You needn’t believe in something for it to be real, miss.

Don’t let others expectations direct the course of your life.

He looked heavenward with a sigh. “Are you always this stubborn?” I thought about it for a moment. “Yes, I think I am.” Philip’s expression wavered between exasperation and amusement. Amusement won with a reluctant laugh.

It was wild and dark and grand and tall and fierce and haunting all at once. And it thrilled me to the core. It thrilled me and it frightened me, for it whipped at my carefully closeted heart, much as the wind had whipped at my hair and skirts and sent my bonnet tumbling.

I thought you said he didn’t hurt you.” His voice was harsh. When he looked into my eyes, my heart turned over. He looked angry and rather dangerous, and all the more handsome for it.

Are you ready for your lesson in romance?” Philip asked with a teasing gleam in his eye.

Passion is a fire that burns and leaves nothing standing in its wake. It is illogical and unreasonable. Love is the downfall of men and the entrapment of women. It is a cage that once one enters, one can never escape.

Did he hurt you?” The emotion I was trying to suppress clawed at my throat, unleashed by the gentleness in Philip’s voice. Without warning, a tear slipped down my cheek. I swiped it away.

I stood up, suddenly very upset, and took a step away from him. Philip grabbed the hem of my gown. “Wait,” he said, laughing. I looked down at him, my hands clenched into fists. “Please don’t leave,” he said, a cajoling smile turning his lips up charmingly. “I won’t do it again.” Well, at least he knew why I was upset. But the idea of him not doing it again? Hah! I raised an eyebrow in deep skepticism. “In the next five minutes,” he added with a chuckle.