CHAPTER 6 A Dangerous Game

The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting soft beams of light across Angela's bed. She blinked awake, her body still warm from the lingering traces of Edmund's touch. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, torn between the thrill of their forbidden affair and the ever-present fear of discovery. Last night had been electrifying, but the risks weighed heavily on her heart.

She sat up slowly, listening to the quiet house around her. It seemed still, but that did little to ease her nerves. Her mother was already downstairs, the faint clink of dishes from the kitchen signaling her presence. Angela swallowed hard, replaying the events of the previous night in her mind. The passion, the danger, the promise of more—it was all so intoxicating, but they couldn't afford to be reckless.

Angela stood and padded across the room, her bare feet cold against the wooden floor. She glanced out the window, catching a glimpse of the grounds below. The day seemed calm, peaceful even, but Angela knew better. Every moment was a gamble now, every glance and whispered word a potential threat to their secret.

After dressing, she quietly made her way downstairs, her heart racing at the thought of facing her mother. Would she notice? Would there be something in Angela's expression that gave her away? She shook her head, trying to compose herself.

As she reached the kitchen, her mother was already busy at the stove, her back turned to the door.

"Morning, darling," her mother said without looking up. "I made tea. You're up early."

Angela swallowed. "Morning, Mother. I couldn't sleep."

Her mother turned around, smiling warmly. "I was going to ask if you'd like to join me for a walk through the garden today. It's lovely out, and we haven't had much time together lately."

Angela's stomach knotted. A walk in the garden meant more than just a casual stroll. It was her mother's way of prying into her thoughts, of subtly asking questions and looking for answers without actually voicing them.

"That sounds nice," Angela said, forcing a smile. "I could use some fresh air."

As they finished breakfast, the two women stepped outside into the cool morning breeze. The garden was in full bloom, with vibrant flowers stretching toward the sky, but Angela's mind was far from peaceful.

"I've noticed you've been... distracted lately," her mother said, her voice gentle yet probing. "Is everything alright?"

Angela's heart skipped a beat. "I'm fine, just a bit tired, I suppose."

Her mother raised an eyebrow, as if sensing the lie. "You know you can talk to me about anything, don't you?"

Angela's throat tightened. She nodded, but the words wouldn't come. How could she explain the tangled mess of emotions inside her? How could she possibly confess what she had done?

They continued walking in silence, the tension between them thick. Angela was hyper-aware of every step, every glance her mother gave her. She felt like she was walking on a razor's edge, and one wrong move could send everything crashing down around her.

As they rounded a corner of the garden, a figure emerged from the distance. Angela's pulse quickened when she recognized Edmund approaching, his face unreadable. He had promised to see her today, but she hadn't expected him to arrive so soon—or in the middle of her walk with her mother.

Her mother waved politely, unaware of the storm brewing inside Angela. "Ah, Edmund! How lovely to see you out so early."

Edmund smiled, his expression as calm as ever. "Good morning, madam. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

Angela avoided his gaze, but she could feel the intensity of it burning into her. Every fiber of her being ached for him, but she couldn't risk anything with her mother so close.

"Indeed it is," her mother replied, seemingly oblivious to the tension between the two. "Angela and I were just out for a stroll. Perhaps you'd like to join us?"

Angela's stomach churned. No. The thought of Edmund walking alongside them, exchanging pleasantries while the memory of his hands on her body was still so fresh, was too much to bear.

"I actually have some business to attend to," Edmund said smoothly, his eyes flicking to Angela for the briefest moment. "But perhaps later."

Her mother smiled. "Of course. We'll see you around then."

Angela released a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding as Edmund excused himself, his footsteps fading into the distance. Her mother didn't seem to notice the way Angela's hands trembled as they continued their walk.

Later that afternoon, Angela found herself wandering the halls of the estate, her thoughts still a chaotic swirl. She needed to see him, to talk to him, but the risks were growing every day. The house was a maze of secrets, and at any moment, one wrong step could unravel everything.

Finally, she made her way to the library, the one place she knew she could be alone for a while. The heavy oak doors creaked open, and she slipped inside, the smell of old books and leather comforting her. She paced in front of the large windows, the weight of their situation pressing down on her chest.

Minutes passed, and just as she began to think she'd be left to her thoughts, the door opened, and Edmund stepped inside. His eyes met hers instantly, and the air between them crackled with tension.

Without a word, Edmund crossed the room, his movements swift and purposeful. Angela's heart raced as he approached, her body already reacting to his presence. She barely had time to speak before he took her in his arms, pulling her close, his lips crashing against hers in a kiss filled with urgency and need.

"Angela," he whispered against her lips, his voice rough with desire. "We can't keep doing this, but I can't stop."

Her hands clutched at his shirt, pulling him closer. "Neither can I."

The world outside the library faded away as Edmund backed her against the shelves, his hands gripping her waist as their kisses deepened. His touch was fire against her skin, sending waves of heat through her body.

Angela's breath hitched as he kissed down her neck, his hands slipping beneath her blouse. "Someone could walk in," she murmured, though the warning held no weight.

"Let them," Edmund growled, his voice thick with desire. His fingers found her bare skin, and Angela moaned softly as his touch sent shivers down her spine.

Their movements were frantic, desperate, as if every moment was borrowed time. Edmund lifted her onto the window seat, his hands tugging at the fabric of her skirt. Angela's heart raced as his lips claimed hers again, her body arching toward him in a silent plea for more.

But just as the heat of the moment consumed them, a sharp sound from the hallway snapped them back to reality. Angela's heart stopped as the door handle rattled.

Edmund pulled away instantly, his breathing heavy as he stepped back. Angela hurriedly adjusted her clothes, her pulse racing as the door swung open.

It was only a servant, oblivious to the charged atmosphere in the room. He bowed politely, his eyes downcast. "Begging your pardon, miss, but your mother is asking for you."

Angela nodded, her voice barely steady. "Thank you. I'll be right there."

As the servant left, Edmund shot her a look of warning, his jaw tight. "We need to be more careful," he whispered, his voice low and serious. "Next time, we might not be so lucky."

Angela's heart pounded in her chest. She knew he was right, but the pull between them was undeniable. Even with the risks, even with the constant threat of discovery, she couldn't stay away from him.

"Tomorrow," she whispered, her voice trembling with both fear and desire. "Meet me tomorrow."

Edmund's eyes darkened with hunger, but he nodded. "Tomorrow."

As he slipped out of the room, Angela's body still buzzed with the memory of his touch, but her mind was clouded with worry. This was a dangerous game they were playing, and sooner or later, someone would pay the price.