Geoffrey smiled at Serena as he pulled her closer. Their hands still intertwined. "didn't you miss me too?" he asked, testing her.

Serena felt her heart palpitating. She doesn't understand why she's been feeling this way the past few days. She would be extremely happy one second, and then a bit nervous and jittery the next for no apparent reason. She wanted to tell Charlton, but she couldn't understand what's going on herself. Might be her hormones?

"Yes, I did. But I know you're busy as the crown prince so it's alright if you can't visit me often." She said as she gave him a smile.

Geoffrey chuckled. Really, how could he have never noticed before? Her mouth was saying one thing while her eyes were obviously saying another. Trying to humor her, he replied, "That's good. But I still feel guilty for not giving you enough attention. Do you have a ball you wish to attend to next week? I will make time." He tested. He knew that she already replied to Duchess Ligeti's invite. What more, Charlton also confirmed his attendance.

Serena was only attending one ball, and that's the one duchess Ligeti was hosting. She was supposed to meet Charlton, but then, what if Geoffrey finds out she attended? Confirmation to such events must be given at least a week in advance. Better to tell him than to risk it she thought. "Yes, I already sent my confirmation to duchess Ligeti for the ball she will be hosting."

"I see. I will escort you then."

Serena tried to look grateful when in fact she's already cursing in her head, "thank you."

Geoffrey could see that Serena's trying hard to look pleased. She was blatantly lying to his face, and he could read her like an open book. That lying mouth of hers. "You don't seem too pleased." He tried to sound pitifully, wanting to hear what she'll say to that.

"I am pleased." Serena denied. Well, really, she doesn't even want him to attend, but although she felt that way, she doesn't want to say the words directly to his face. Not just because she doesn't want him to figure out the truth, but because she also felt some guilt towards him. Geoffrey have always been nice to her, and she felt that he's pitiful when he finds out.

"Really? Then if you truly are, will you give me a kiss? You never did kiss me again on your own initiative after that one time in our school's founding ball." He said, wondering if she would.

Serena did not know what to say at first. What was wrong with him? He never said things like that before. "We're not yet married, Geoffrey, I think that should wait"

"Then, will you agree if I propose to you on the coming ball next week? We can marry right after. You're already a debutante, and I can talk to Mr. Easton to end that contract of yours."

Serena felt alarmed. "But you promised to wait till the contract ends."

Geoffrey smirked as if teasing her. He let go of her hand as he leaned back on the couch. "Then kiss me." he requested the second time.

Serena knew that if she doesn't Geoffrey might do as he says. "Ok, but you have to promise that you won't do what you said you will."

"Why not? Won't that be romantic?" He said half jokingly, enjoying himself with the strange conversation they're having. He never approached her this way before.

Serena could not understand what Geoffrey was getting at. Did he eat something strange that day? It doesn't matter, as long as she can hold on to the end of the season. "Will you please stop that?" She scolded.

"Okay, I won't do that, Now, kiss me."

Serena closed her eyes in defeat. Just get through with it. She quickly gave him a peck on the cheek. "Ok, done."

"That's not a kiss. You have to kiss me here." he said as he pointed at his lips.

Serena clenched her fist. Just a few more months. As they were seating side by side and Geoffrey was leaning back his face forward, Serena had to scoot closer. She touched Geoffrey's face to make him face her. Then she went forward to kiss his lips. Just a touch would suffice. As she was about to pull back, she figured that she couldn't as Geoffrey was holding the back of her head.

Geoffrey felt her looming closer, and he felt his body react. Her showing initiative, albeit through his blackmailing, excited him. As their lips touched, he grabbed the back of her head. Then, he thrusted his tongue forward to meet hers.

Serena pushed away from him more strongly, "What are you doing!?" she exclaimed as she was able to have some space away from his mouth.

Geoffrey chuckled trying to sound casual. "Teaching you how to kiss properly since you seem to have forgotten what a kiss is. Serena, we're soon to be wed, no need to be shy. We did kiss that way once. Now, kiss me again properly or I will seriously have to hasten our wedding."

What was wrong with him? Serena wondered. What should she do in this kind of situation?To hell with it. Just till the end of the season. She will bear with this humiliation. "You promise?"

"Yes, I promise." Geoffrey repeated. Ah, if he knew that it would be this easy, he should've done this a long time ago.

Serena closed her eyes and kissed him again. When she felt Geoffrey probing her mouth open, she let him.

Geoffrey was enjoying himself a lot. So, she can be pliant and submissive even when awake too. He continued to kiss her as he hoisted her body so that she was on his lap. Then, he began touching her.

Serena did not know what was happening anymore, it felt like she was dreaming, and her senses were heightened. But then, he started touching her and as she felt his arousal, it was like she was doused in cold water. She quickly tried to push away from him. So strongly that she almost fell.

Geoffrey was alert and held her close, so she won't fall. What if she's already pregnant?

"Careful." He reminded.

"What were you doing!?" Serena exclaimed as she tried to get away from him. What was she doing herself? She's not normal. There's something wrong with her. Definitely something wrong with her. Why did she react that way to his touch? Why did she even entertain his requests? She looked at him confused as tears started to pool in her eyes.

Geoffrey furrowed his brows. He could see the confusion in her eyes, and it's not good if she were to start catching on. Also, he knew Serena was being strange. She has a strong personality and her acting vulnerable was out of character. Was it because of some effects of the drug he had Mildred feed her at night? Possibly. It's been 5 nights straight since then. He sighed. He hopes that she won't suffer from the withdrawal symptoms when they stop administering it.

Still, he embraced her as he tried to laugh it off. "Sorry Serena, I just missed you too much and you know how much I love you."

Serena turned to face him. She shook her head. She was overreacting and it won't be good if he catches on. "Just don't do that again." She said trying to gain composure as she tried to remove his hold on her.

Geoffrey smiled and nodded his head.

--

TBC