Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Dragging the marriage out any longer wouldn't be good, as Richard didn't want any other men having eyes for Pearl.

"In that case, let's get married tomorrow," he declared, his tone firm.

When Pearl heard this, she felt like the world was spinning. Marriage was a serious commitment, and the sudden proposal caught her off guard.

"I didn't plan to get married so soon..." she trailed off, her mind racing with thoughts.

But Richard's reaction surprised her. His expression darkened, and he pulled her close, pressing her against the wall with a chilling intensity. "Say that again," he demanded, his voice low and commanding.

Pearl felt a surge of apprehension, but she couldn't back down now. "I'm just not ready-mmph!" Her protest was cut short by his forceful kiss.

kiss unlike any they'd shared before-assertive, passionate, and overwhelming. Pearl felt herself melting under his touch, her thoughts scattered

with even more emotional retaliation.

was left breathless and disoriented,

want to marry me now?" Richard asked, his voice husky

in his arms, nodded. But then she

indecisive," Richard remarked, his gaze lingering on her swollen lips with a hunger that sent shivers down her spine. "Will you marry me?" he asked again, his fingers

kiss and couldn't muster her

smiled before letting her go. "I won't sleep with you tonight.

a sense of relief washed over her. She straightened up and hurried to

heard the click of her bedroom door, he couldn't

events of the evening. Richard's domineering presence had left her feeling both exhilarated and unnerved, but she couldn't deny the excitement