Max had the wherewithal to tutor Bennett on all that was contained in the volumes in his study. He had the knowledge to instruct her on the etiquette required in their country, as well as others. And he had schooled her in the discipline it took to play a game of chess. However, there was one thing Max couldn’t teach Bennett, for one’s true nature cannot be taught or untaught. It just is.

The dimple in her chin wasn’t the only one Angelique possessed, and those in her cheeks appeared when she saw Bennett’s stalled expression. “Perhaps you need a bit of a nudge.”

Angelique slipped her hand behind Bennett’s neck and pulled the woman down to her level. She pressed her lips against Bennett’s, and although Bennett tensed for a second, it was a very short second.

Bennett had only ever been kissed by Warrick, and that was nothing like this. This was tender, and there was no demand behind the gentle pressure Angelique was applying. This was sweet, the woman’s flavor holding a hint of brandy and an essence belonging only to her. And this was something Bennett didn’t want to end, so when Angelique pulled away, a sense of loss swept over Bennett.

“Now that I have your attention,” Angelique said, her words barely audible above the slight breeze. “If you’d like to continue this, I’ll be in my room. I think you know where it is.”

***

Bennett’s stomach fluttered as she made her way to Angelique’s bed chambers, and even though she was unfamiliar with the pulsing in her core, she was also enslaved by it. Bennett knew of attraction. Warrick’s kindness and considerate nature had drawn her to him, but this was like no attraction she’d ever known. She was scared, yet intrigued. She was anxious, yet unwilling to reverse her course, and as bewildered by the feelings she was having, Bennett could not deny them either.

The hinges creaked as Bennett opened the door, and walking inside, she sucked in a quick breath. Angelique was standing near the fireplace, dressed only in her leather breeches and a gauze thin linen chemise. It did nothing to hide the woman’s pink-tipped breasts, and Bennett swallowed hard.

“I was hoping you were going to take me up on my offer,” Angelique said softly.

“I-I…I’m not sure…I’m not sure what your offer is exactly,” Bennett said, dragging her eyes away from the creamy rounds.