“It’s not something I use unless I must. In any case, you don’t have that skill, so you’ll have to rely on your charms.” A smile played over his lips.

“And my razor-sharp wit.”

“Right. Get on with it.”

She closed her eyes, trying to remember how Kester had approached her in her kitchen. His intense eyes had slid all over her body, like he was memorizing each one of her curves. He’d somehow managed to project strength and temptation at the same time. Gazing at him, she stepped closer, letting her eyes trail over his strong arms, and down the front of his shirt for a moment. Just inches from him, she stared up at him, eyes wide and innocent.

He leaned in, whispering in her ear. “Closer.”

She pressed forward, relishing the heat that radiated from his body, and his delicious scent—cedar and fresh earth. It wasn’t hard to feign attraction.

She stared into his eyes. “If you sign now, you’ll get everything you ever wanted. Everything you could desire for the rest of your life.” She had no idea what possessed her, but she traced her finger down the front of his chest, feeling the hard body underneath.

His breathing sped up, and he grabbed her hand, his fingers burning. “That’s good. But you don’t need to touch him. Not if you don’t want to. You only need to lure him in.”

Her body grew hotter, and she could feel her cheeks flushing. “I guess I’ve got the silk thing covered.”

“Good. Now I want to see how you can use your fire.” He stepped away, picking up his sword. This time when he faced her, his smile had turned predatory; hellfire flashed in his eyes. Ursula’s stomach lurched.

His blade whipped at her gut in a blur of metal, but she dove out of reach. “Use your fire,” he said, his voice husky.

Her sword clashed against his, and her heartbeat raced. He was going to disembowel her. “I don’t know how.”

His sword flashed again and she was only just able to deflect it above her head. The sound of clashing steel rang in her ears.

“Use your fire,” he commanded, louder this time, eyes burning with hellfire.

She tried to envision flames blazing through her body. “I’m trying.” She had to leap into the air to avoid losing her legs as his sword passed clean under her.

“Try harder.” He struck at her, and she parried. Immediately he struck again. She deflected, gasping for breath. Sweat broke out on her brow. His attacks grew faster, driving her across the room. She had to call up the flames, but she could hardly focus her attention with Kester’s sword threatening to rip her to shreds.