EMMA !
“ I don’t read it as well as I can speak it, sadly. though I’m sure the library has a dictionary if I need to brush up. “
emma smiled, somewhat pleased with herself; even acquiescence given as a joke, in a joking conversation, felt good. it was like winning a conversation, something she noted was strange to seek out in a conversation about winning. nevertheless, the airy satisfaction crept into her words. “ as long as its for me, “ she agreed. “ once you’ve lost the requisite one time you’re welcome to continue winning non - stop if it pleases you. “
she stopped and cocked her head in her own form of acquiescence; she wouldn’t raise her hands and risk looking like she was mirroring him, but it was clear this was her form of over - acted compromise. “ ah, but saying ‘ noooooo ‘ is part of this cordial dance we’ve tangled ourselves up in. you’re stuck now — it’s the secret downside to charm, I’m afraid. “ she smirked, matching him smile for smile. “ really, though, if this was all an elaborate ploy to earn some compliments, you shouldn’t have. “ emma dropped the smirk for a wider smile, an expression that showed she was enjoying herself. she’d have thought he’d have enough compliments in his ear around here, but there was no accounting for what a person liked to hear. “ it’s no secret most of edin admires your looks and skills in equal measure; I could whip up some appropriately gushing description of them right now, if you want. of course, it’d be in exchange for a talk I am very much interested in. where’d you hear that? “
DOC !
❝ Parla italiano? ❞ The arch of his brow suggested he may have been impressed.
His smile grew wide, his teeth impressively white and glistening behind upwardly curved lips. Whether she meant to or not, she was a riot and Caradoc would give her this praise. ❝ I appreciate the permission. Merlin knows I never do anything without it. ❞ His words were cheeky and an obvious lie, falling perfectly from the tip of his tongue as if he had been born to deceive. And maybe he had been. There was a chuckle, calming in nature, but appearing genuine when it was anything but. Not that he was annoyed. Never. He adored hearing the compliments. He lived off them, as each pretty word buried his father’s own disappointment further into the sand. But there was a difference between having Emma admire him herself and having her relay the admirations of others. It was like a cheap knock-off of sorts. ❝ What I WANT, Emma, is to hear more about you. Your hopes, your dreams, your Edin strategies. ❞ He laughed.
❝ If it’s part of a deal, we should have this discussion over drinks. I’d hate for either of us to get thirsty in the middle of a chat and remember ... a drink is all you need to unlock my generosity. ❞
