“I am listening. I’m also watching the way your eyes light up when you’re angry.”
“Then they must be on fire right now, because you’re making me…bloodyfurious.”
“And that, sweet lady, was my goal.” He reached for her and pulled her into his side, a rough movement that made her gasp.
“There’s nothing better than a fiery woman in a temper.” He stared at her. “Irresistible.” His mouth came down on hers, hard and fast, demanding she part her lips and admit him.
The fury turned to lust, shocking Gwyneth. She sucked on his tongue as he delved within, clawing at his arms, angry at him for making her feel this way.
He groaned, shifting to get her body closer.
Then the horse moved, the gig rocked and their embrace was over.
“I knew it,” said Royce, bringing the horse to order. “I knew there was fire in you.”
She curled her lip, even though her heart was hammering at twice the speed within her chest. “That wasn’t fire, that was anger. I did not invite your kisses, Royce. I thought you were supposed to wait until I gave you permission.”
She raised her chin at him.
“I’d still be waiting, wouldn’t I? And I wouldn’t know how you taste, or how hard your nipples get when you’re aroused.”
She refused to blush or to take the bait she knew he dangled with his blunt words. Instead she glanced down at his breeches. “Well, at least I found out that you have the goods to back up your actions.” The hard length distended the fabric between his legs.
He looked down, looked at her—and laughed. “By God, you’re amazing.”
“And you’re far too clever,” she countered. “But don’t think your kisses have distracted me from my opinions. You need to see about rotating more crops and more fields, if you want a good yield this year.”
Royce’s response was interrupted as another gig approached from ahead, and the driver hailed them.
“Good morning…” It was Trick and his wife, Jane. “A lovely day. We were just coming to Wolfbridge to see Giles.”
“My Lady. It’s good to see you out and about.” Jane hailed her with a smile.
“Good day to you both,” Gwyneth answered. “We are just enjoying an argument about crop rotation.”
Trick laughed. “Remind me to instruct you on matters of how to talk to a lovely lady in the spring sunshine, Royce…”
Gwyneth couldn’t resist a chuckle. “It’s all right, Trick. I plan on bringing something hard and heavy with me next time so that he will be forced to listen to reason. I prefer sensible business conversation when I’m seeing Wolfbridge for the first time. Any attempts at polite or flirtatious social chit-chat will result in his ears being boxed. With a brick.”
Jane laughed aloud. “And that’s what makes you a perfect Lady of Wolfbridge, Ma’am,” she grinned.
The lane was too narrow for them to drive side by side, so Royce turned their gig and followed Trick and Jane as they wound their way back toward the house.
“Would you really hit me with a brick?” Royce lifted an eyebrow at her.
Gwyneth met his look squarely. “If you refuse to listen to me, yes, without hesitation.” She stared at him. “If you’re not going to take me seriously, Royce, we will have many such arguments, and some may involve bricks. I’d prefer not to, but I will stand my ground if I believe I’m right.” She let her gaze move to Trick and Jane as their gig rolled down the lane in front of them.
“I’m not a biddable woman. Understand that. And while I find the idea of four gentlemen being devoted to my well-being an attractive and alluring concept, if that devotion does not include the respect due to my opinions on matters other than gowns and fripperies, there will be arguments with everyone.” She sighed. “I’m tired of being pushed aside.”
Royce frowned. “Nobody here will push you aside, my Lady. Surely you realise that?”
“I’m not speaking literally, and I think you understand that. But everyone is treating me with tenderness, and affection. Which is all very nice, but it doesn’t help me when I have ideas, or suggestions or thoughts about matters that go beyond what is apparently accepted in a Lady of Wolfbridge.” She turned her head and looked at him. “Such as our argument about the crops.”
“I’m not ignoring you.” His lips firmed.
“No, you’re not. But you’re also not really paying much attention to what I suggest.”
He was silent for a minute or two, negotiating the turn onto the narrow road leading to the Wolfbridge stables. “I don’t know how to respond to that. What do you want of me?” He glanced at her.
