Alex smiled to himself knowing that once she was at Almerry, he would be able to get her alone. If nothing else, he would seek her out when she departed.
And that is what he did. Alex kept busy in the bailey, one eye constantly trained on the large arched door of the keep until, at last, Daphne emerged. His heart raced with anticipation when she finally emerged. He marched over to her and bowed his head slightly, then spoke confidently. “May I join you on your walk home?”
“I am capable of seeing myself home,” she answered as she increased the speed of her steps.
Alex shifted into a quicker pace, determined to keep up with her. “Regardless, I should like to speak with you.”
She glanced at him briefly, but did not slow her pace. "I cannot imagine what we might have to discuss with one another."
He reached for her elbow, and said, “I have a solution to both of our problems.”
Daphne's eyes narrowed, her smooth golden brows furrowing as her lips tightened in a scowl. “I do not have a problem.”
Alex leaned against the rough stone wall, his arms crossed over his chest as he called after her. "You lack the funds to send Henry to school. The lad is rather forthcoming, you know." The sound of the nearby stream provided a calming background noise as Alex waited for Daphne's response.
To his surprise, she stopped walking and turned to face him.
“Oh?” Her eyebrow raised, the glint in her blue eyes showing her curiosity. She stepped closer to him, and he couldn't help the way his breath caught at her proximity. “And what do you propose to do about it? Marry me?”
The words hung in the air between them like a heavy fog.
He stepped closer, determination driving him. "Though I am not marriage minded, I am undeniably attracted to you, Daphne." He took another step, bringing his chest against hers. "I want you as my mistress. I will provide for all of your needs. You won't have to worry anymore."
“How dare you!” She recoiled, her eyes burning like blazing sapphires. “You are a scoundrel. My body is not for sale--”
“I do not wish to purchase you. On the contrary, I want to keep you and care for you. I wish to make your life comfortable and fill your nights with passion.” He drew his finger along the curve of her jaw. “I can see the desire warming your eyes. You want me. Why not allow yourself the pleasure and gain financial freedom while you indulge your desire?”
She stared at him, a mixture of desire and anger battling in the depths of her gaze.
He pressed closer, until he could feel the heat of her breath on his cheek. His voice was low and cajoling as he softly whispered in her ear. “You know you want this. Say yes.”
She notched her chin up as she pulled away from him. “I want you about as much as I want a rash.” Daphne spun on her heels and started moving away, her steps hurried.
“Prove me wrong,” he called after her. “Let us wager on it.”
She didn’t miss a step as she continued marching away from him, her spine straight and shoulders squared.
"Win or lose, I will fund Henry's education."
Daphne stopped mid-step, pivoting to face him. Her eyes narrowed. "Go on."
He strode toward her as he spoke. “I’ll wager that if you allow me the opportunity to spend time with you, you will come to like me—maybe even welcome me into your bed.”
She laughed, low and melodic. “Never.”
"Then you have nothing to lose. Let me attempt to woo you. When the time comes for me to return to London, I will provide for Henry's education." A skeptical look overtook her face and he quickly added, "Whether or not you have come to desire me."
She looked at him skeptically, her hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed. "What do you stand to gain?"
He smiled in response, a spark of hope glinting in his eyes. “The chance to change your mind," he said, his voice softening.
She stared at him, her eyes deepening in intensity. “Is that all?”
He ran his gaze over her, desire coiling within him. Getting closer to her was the only way he could achieve what he desired—to possess her completely. “You must grant me one kiss,” he murmured, a devilish glint in his eye, “on each occasion we spend time together."
Her cheeks flushed and she averted her gaze.
“Surely one kiss a day would not be overly disconcerting. Not when you have so much to gain?” He brought his hand to her cheek, gently stroking his fingertips over her silky flesh.
