“Then you should be all the more eager to assume our bargain.”
“Your ridiculously manipulative behavior is both importuning me and impeding science.”
“No need to sound so lofty, Wainwright. I know exactly what I’m doing. While I appreciate your additional explanation, it doesn’t sway me in the least.”
“So you’ll not be persuaded from your course?”
He slowly shook his head, so his refusal was unmistakable.
Jess felt the weight of it sink into her bones. She couldn’t give up the project that had consumed every spare moment of her time. But she was afraid of the wildness that leapt in her heart at the thought of his kisses. What if she couldn’t remain unaffected and she made the bargain for naught?
“Fine. I’ll give you my decision the night of the pageant. Davy is one of the wise men and Ella is playing the role of Mary, so I know you’ll be there.”
“I look forward to it.”
Jess endeavored not to stomp away. And not to look back.
Chapter Four
“MissWainwrightpaidavisit?” Caris asked as she came to stand beside him. They watched from the doorway as Jess Wainwright walked down the lane. Her chin was thrust forward and her arms were swinging back and forth so vigorously she could row a boat. Even with her voluminous cape constricting her stride, her aggravation was evident. The knowledge he had provoked her to such levels of agitation made Cadoc smile.
“Yes.” He curtly said, irritated by the interruption. Because he wanted to keep his gaze fixed on her until she was nothing more than a speck in the distance. Because he could still feel the fleeting texture of her skin against his palm. Because he wanted to hold onto the glimpse of fire he’d seen in her eyes before she ruthlessly banked it.
“She left without popping in to say hello to Davy and Ella?”
If he turned, he knew her eyes would be narrowed in concentration. And as soon as she saw his expression she’d be able to tell how fascinated he was with their guest. He let thesilence build until the object of his fascination disappeared over the rise.
“She wasn’t here to speak with Davy and Ella. She was here to speak with me.”
Caris chuckled. “I know how you are, big brother. If a lass acts like she wants nothing to do with you, it makes you chase her all the harder. Her departure wasn’t exactly swanning about. She seemed angry. Have you been meddling in her life, as you’re wont to do when you want something or someone?”
“She thinks I’m a bounder and an ingrate,” he sighed. “I’m not chasing her. I’m letting her come to me. I have something she wants.”
“Mam always said you were devilish when you wanted something. So attuned to your purpose you’re oblivious to the havoc you wreak or the destruction you leave in your wake. Your arrogance will bite you in the arse, some day. Your reach always extended beyond your need. Take care your selfishness isn’t going to destroy everything she’s built.” She wagged her finger at him.
“I know what I’m doing, little sister. And she does too.”
“You always say that and I’ve yet to believe you. I know you have Old Scratch’s own luck and his strategy.”
“Old Scratch was tossed out of heaven on his arse, little sister. If that’s the kind of luck you think I have, it doesn’t bode well for me. And strategy is only a matter of taking advantage of inherent weakness.”
She lightly punched him in the shoulder. “I meant Satan’s penchant for tricking unsuspecting people into doing his bidding. You’ve always had a way with words, Cadoc, and been able to convince others to do things they seemed dead set against.”
“I think Miss Wainwright is made of sterner stuff. She’ll stick to her ideals as long as she can.”
Caris shook her head in bemusement. “I don’t know what you have planned for her, or what sort of devil’s bargain you’ve made, but it’s not like you to become tangled up with a woman like this.” She reached forward to pinch his forearm. “She has a respected place in this community and she’s managed to persuade your niece and nephew to finish their lessons. Don’t do something that makes me ashamed to be your sister.”
He lifted her fingers one by one. “Surely you think better of me than that.”
“I do. But I also know how arrogant you can be and how much you like to win. No matter what game you’re playing.”
“It’s not arrogance. It’s recognition that sometimes my mind works faster than everyone else’s. She’s the only woman I’ve met in more than a decade who isn’t intimidated by that. And who meets me head-on.”
“I understand why that would beguile you, because you’re not accustomed to it. But you can’t destroy her reputation, Cadoc.”
“I won’t,” he growled in frustration. Because he wouldn’t. If Miss Wainwright agreed to the wager, he knew she’d be doing it despite her instinct for self-preservation. Because she’d felt the flutter of the thing between them this afternoon as surely as he had. Even if she refused to acknowledge its existence. That was why he didn’t believe his actions were reprehensible. “No matter what happens, Caris, I’ll watch out for her well-being.”
She gave him a sharp nod. “Make sure that you do.”
