Oriana parted away, her gaze locking with the pair of intense blue eyes before her. The surprise lingered in them, reflecting her own astonishment at her sudden boldness. She withdrew her hands from his shoulders, preparing to retreat, taken aback by her own audacity.
But before she could retreat, a firm hand encircled her waist, pulling her back against his solid frame, forcing her to meet his gaze once more.
"You intended to comfort me, but this won't suffice," he remarked, looking into her beautiful eyes that looked even more alluring with the tinge of shyness in them.
Realization dawned upon Oriana that he had discerned her motives for approaching him. Flustered, she struggled to find an excuse.
"I... I was just..." Her words faltered, failing to form a coherent explanation.
