Bennett felt the warmth of her touch seep through his sleeve.

He glanced at his hand and wrinkled his brows. “I can't quite reach you. Come a bit closer."

Assessing the gap between them, Claudia inched closer to him, lessening the distance. "Is this better?"

"No, still too far."

She evaluated the space between them once again and shifted closer. She would be leaning against him if she moved any further.

But since he insisted, she had no option but to get closer.

As her shoulder brushed against him, she felt a flush of embarrassment.

Swiftly, she turned, presented her face to Bennett and fluttered her lashes. "Would you go easy on me? I'm susceptible to pain!"

“If I don't deal with you sternly, how will you learn your Lesson?" His words sent a shiver down Claudia's spine.

Was he planning to be really harsh with her?

Her father's reproaches were always mild, for he lacked the heart to really physically harm her. Otherwise, she would never have suggested such an idea. ©

Bennett glanced at her, his gaze intense. He lifted his hand, placing it behind her head.

Claudia froze, staring at Bennett as he leaned in towards her...

Was he about to kiss her?

Impossible!

Help! If she were to reject his advance, would he grow even more angry?

Lost in her thoughts, Claudia was jolted back to reality by a piercing pain on her forehead. Bennett had unexpectedly lowered his head and their foreheads collided. ©

Claudia recoiled in pain. “Does it hurt?" Quickly, Claudia pulled back, putting distance between her and Bennett.

She could finally breathe easier.

The back of her head was ablaze, and she could still sense the warmth of his palm on her nape. Claudia hung her head low and swallowed, her heart was racing.

The throbbing on her forehead brought her back to her senses. She cast a disapproving glance at Bennett and grumbled, “That hurt.”

He was too harsh.