Francesca pulled her hand free, her voice crisp. "I haven’t decided yet."

Julian leaned in closer, his dark eyes steady and unyielding. "Then decide now."

Her expression cooled, voice cutting. "Is this a threat, Julian? Or a bribe? Don’t think you can play me for a fool."

Before Julian could respond, a voice drifted lazily from inside the house. Sir Hale, sardonic as ever. "If you two want to flaunt your little romance, get out of earshot. Don’t ...