“I won’t have it any other way.”
“But—” He silenced her protest with a finger on her lips. It singed her. She wanted to open her mouth and lick it.
“No. Those are my terms. If you won’t let yourself feel pleasure in my arms, I want nothing to do with this bargain.”
“You can’t renege! You already agreed.”
“Oh? I don’t remember signing any contracts.”
Fury was good. It melted her embarrassment. She scrambled from the daybed, shaking her skirts as she stood to confront him. “You asked me to come here today. That is as good as agreeing. A gentleman wouldn’t go back on his word.”
“But this is not a gentlemanly transaction.”
“You can’t change the terms of the bargain,” she gritted through clenched teeth.
“We are still negotiating the terms. And let me make it clear, Duchess, your pleasure is non-negotiable to me.”
“But why?” It came out as something between a pleading whine and a frustrated growl.
“No woman has ever suffered my attentions in bed, and you won’t be the first. As l told you before, I don’t want a martyr. I want an equal partner, willing to give and receive pleasure.”
“Is this about your male ego? You need to have women melting at your feet in order to stoke your vanity?”
He smiled a little. “Notwomen, Duchess. Only one woman will do. You.”
“You are toying with me,” she accused.
His twisted half smile was sinful. “I haven’t even started toying with you. When I’m through, you will beg me for more.”
Oh, he was wicked. “I don’t want to be seduced.”
“Why not? Do you dislike me? Is there something about my person that repels you?”
“It is not that, and you know it! We are talking in circles. You are not my husband. I shouldn’t have feelings for you.”
“No, I’m not your husband.” His eyes pierced her with an emotion she couldn’t decipher. “But if this mad scheme works, I’ll be the father of your child.”
She sucked in a breath. How could she have ever thought this could be simple? Maybe they were getting in over their heads. This plan would affect many people’s lives for years to come. It would be her eternal burden. This was a bad idea.
He approached her. Taking her hand, he deposited a kiss on the back of it. Very proper. As if they were at a ball. “I will tell you what. We don’t need to do anything right away, or ever, if you don’t feel comfortable.”
“But—” She tried to protest, but he interrupted her.
“No. Despite all your preparations, you are not ready. I want you to trust me. To feel comfortable with me. Comfortable enough to give all of yourself to me. Without reservations or fears. I will have all of you or nothing at all.”
Looking into his eyes, she realized the finality of it. He was serious. He would have it his way or not at all.
“We need to spend time together doing everyday stuff. We need to talk and get to know each other better. In short, I need to woo you, Duchess.” He gave her a devastatingly wicked smile full of promise and sensuality. “I’m quite looking forward to it.”
Oh no. Her plan had backfired. This was a disaster. Now he intended to woo her. He wanted to make her fall for him. Maybe his pride demanded it. Of course. He wouldn’t want to be madeto feel as if he was a stud. To her horror, tears filled her eyes. She had to get out of here...
“I have to go. I’m sorry. Maybe this bargain was not a good idea. Forgive me for being foolish...” Her voice trailed off in a sob as she turned and darted towards the door.
He reached the door and planted a hand on it before she could escape. His large body caged her. Not touching, but she could feel the warmth emanating from him all along her back. She should have felt alarm. Yet all she felt was cherished, protected.
“No, sweetheart. You are not foolish.” His breath tickled the hairs on her nape, sending shivers throughout her body. “I was the fool, for trying to rush things. Please forgive me.”
His tender words on top of the desire he aroused with so little effort destroyed what was left of her self-control. “It’s quite all right. Let me go, please.” Her tone was that of a duchess, despite her tears.
