“I wanted to compare you.” She said trying to goad him.
“Oh,” Val said smiling in the dark. “Compare me. Compare to what? All your other lovers?”
Caroline nodded.
“That’s very funny. Because I would wager a bet that you have never been with a man and that I was perhaps your first serious kiss.”
“How dare you—“ Caroline said flushed.
“I’m sure you’ve had a nervous peck and maybe someone dared to hold your hand in a buggy somewhere but that’s about it.”
“You’re such a grand detective,” Caroline said her eyes flashing.
“But if you want to compare me, by all means. I don’t want to deprive you.”
He pulled her into his arms even as she placed her hands on his forearms trying to pull away from him.
“Release me, Inspector. These childish games are quite off putting.”
“Come Caroline. Don’t deny me my fun. I have an even better suggestion. I’ll release you right away if you do something for me.”
Caroline looked at his eyes in the dark. “What do you want me to do?”
“Call me Val. Just once. But when you say it make sure it’s soft and sweet to my ears.”
“Ridiculous.” She huffed.
“Caroline. What a sweet name,” he told her as he pulled her closer and his mouth touched her neck. “Say it.”
“No.” She refused.
“I like many things about you. I like your intelligence and your beauty but don’t be stubborn to be stubborn. Say it.”
“Release me, Val.” She said the name quickly and he pulled back.
“Say it again.”
She remained mute.
He peered down at her and deliberately pulled out one of her combs so her hair spilled down her back. “Say it.”
“Stop taking out my combs,” she said. “You’ll muss my hair.”
“You need to be a tad mussed. Say it,” he told her.
“Val.” She said his name quickly.
He pulled out another comb letting it fall onto the floor.
“Don’t,” she said.
When his hands pulled through her hair she sighed. “I had something to tell you. It’s why I came here.”
“Tell me,” he said against her temple.
“Please Val,” she said letting it slip out.
“Say my name again,” he told her.