“How do I know you’re not playing me? That you’re not gonna call rape once the weekend is done.”
She gaped at him, appalled he’d suspect her capable of such despicable behavior. “If you’re not interested, tell me. I’m not in favor of coercion either.”
“And she’s back.” Amusement darkened his eyes. “The crisp touch-me-not princess has returned.”
“Fuck off,” she snapped.
“Ooh, gutter mouth. I bet your mother would instruct the housekeeper to soap your mouth for that one.”
Heat poured into her face, and she turned away to stare at the flames. “Stop baiting me.” The words emerged with a helping of sulky.Damn, she was blowing this opportunity. She’d never have another chance, not like this. Taking a deep breath, she forced her gaze back to him. “I’m offering uncomplicated and enjoyable sex. No strings. Once I leave, we both walk away without looking back. If you don’t want that, I’m adult enough to accept rejection.”
“I have a girlfriend.”
Silence fell, appalled on her part. “Why didn’t you say so?” She didn’t poach other girls’ men. “I’d never knowingly participate in cheating. That’s not me. Let’s change the subject and forget my proposition. No, wait. First, I want to apologize for putting you in this position, although you could’ve set me straight hours ago.Jeesh.”
He gave a swift nod, grinned. “My girlfriend and I parted ways last year. There hasn’t been anyone serious since then.”
“But why—” Talk about a rollercoaster ride. Irritation snapped back her confusion. “What the heck? Why would you do that?”
His smirk disappeared, replaced by a serious mien. “I needed to see how far you’d go. I have a strict set of rules when it comes to sex, and I wanted to see if we jibed on our philosophies. The last thing I want is to land in the middle of a trap set by a spoiled little rich girl.”
“It’s not my fault I was born to a wealthy family,” she retorted, tempted to hurl her drink at his pretty face. Why had she ever wanted to kiss that mouth?
It lied. It played women. It had played her.
“Put yourself in my position. Ever since Laurence Drummond and Sean O’Grady arrived in New Zealand and filed a joint claim on the Otago goldfields, our families have been at war. I need more than your word if we’re going to play nice together. I don’t want my cock to lead me into trouble and have the consequences nip me on the arse.”
Laura groped to apply fairness to the situation. She sucked in a harsh breath, gripped her glass so hard the heat of the liquid burned her palms. Despite her anger, she understood his reticence, admitted in his place, she’d hold reservations. She glanced up to find him observing her, a peculiar expression etched into his features.
“What do you want?” she asked. “What can I do to prove my sincerity?”
“What do I want?” he mused, throwing her words back at her. He sipped his toddy, still watching her until she felt like a trapped mouse. He, of course, was the sleek black cat waiting to pounce. Instead of putting her out of her misery, he lingered, savoring her frustration and her impatience. Enjoying her unease.
“Now who’s playing?” An edge of bitterness gilded her words. The weekend stretched before her, an unbearably long and wide crocodile-infested river. No way around and no way across.
He set his toddy down on a side table and stood abruptly. “Stay there.”
Nowhere else to go. She relaxed and stretched her toes to the warmth of the fire. Sighing, Laura took another sip of her toddy and closed her eyes. At least this was restful—when they weren’t having confusing discussions.
She couldn’t be sorry she was missing the hen party and the pre-wedding dramatics. After this wedding, she’d become the sole remaining single, female cousin. A project. No wonder her mother was shoving her at James. Jessica Drummond hated her sisters to out-do her own efforts. A shudder tore through Laura at the thought of her wedding. It would take on the air of a Hollywood production.
No.No.If she ever overturned her decision to remain single, she’d elope. Somewhere hot, tropical.
Much simpler.
“Are you awake?”
“Nope,” she said, regaining her earlier cheerfulness. She’d treat this weekend as a lazy holiday where she pleased herself. Pity she hadn’t packed her vibrator, but not all was lost. She’d go manual.
“Read this,” he said, sitting beside her.
She opened her eyes, caught the faint whiff of soap. Something earthy and exotic with shades of sandalwood. “Homework?” she asked, squinting at the paper he held in his left hand.
“It’s a written agreement,” he said, a faint air of challenge, of attitude.
It was his silent ultimatum that made her straighten, set her toddy aside and accept the pages. She started reading, stopping before she reached point one. Her gaze lifted to his. “A contract between lovers?”
“Yeah. Read, digest, ask questions. If you agree, sign and we go from there. If we’re having sex, I want your signature stating you agreed. Last thing I need are accusations of rape.”
