Of Night and Dark Obscurity

Caroline nodded. “I could have done that. I didn’t think about that.”

“But then if I had come to you, there is your father and your grandmother and servants.”

“What are you saying?”

“Nothing. I’m just thinking aloud.”

Caroline’s blood pounded. “Well think like the rest of us Inspector. Quietly. Because you say these things and you think these things, none of that makes it true.”

“Indeed. Much like saying you haven’t given an indiscretion a moment’s thought and that you think nothing of me.”

Caroline looked away.

“But you can prove the things you say.”

“Really? How can I do that.”

“Kiss me.”

Caroline blushed in the low light of the carriage. Her heart thudded inside her chest. “Ridiculous.”

Val shrugged. “You feel nothing for me.”

“I don’t.” She agreed.

“Then?” He wondered.

Caroline rolled her eyes and moved to sit next to him in the swaying carriage. She leaned forward and touched her lips to his as briefly as possible.

“There.”

“A kiss should genuinely last longer than a second.” He said.

“No doubt you have practice.”

“No doubt,” Val smiled in the dark.

“I forbid you to touch me.” She said suddenly.

“What?”

“I’ll kiss you. But I forbid you to touch me while I do.”

“Strange request.” He said.

“Pot calling—“ she returned.

“Very well,” he said. “I’ll not touch you.” He agreed.

“This is absurd,” she said.

“Why is it absurd? I’m nothing to you.”

Caroline suddenly licked her lips and Val felt the strangest sensation. It was filled with a strong desire to taste her mouth again and again and then push up her skirts and bury himself deep within her.

“What’s wrong?” She asked suddenly.

Damn, he thought. It must have shown on his face. He shook his head. “I’m waiting.”