Furious at her rejection, Nathaniel stalked toward the hallway. “Send my dinner to the Viscountesses room,” he said as he continued toward the stairs. He didn’t give a damn what Cordelia wanted. She was his wife, and she would respect him.
Nathaniel pulled in a deep breath as he crested the stairs. As angry as he was, he did not want to fight with her. Doing so would serve no purpose—no worthwhile purpose at any rate. He had to keep himself calm in order to get through to her.
He would have to compromise and be patient. Perhaps if he approached her as an equal. Maybe if he attempted to understand her actions and assuage her fears, they could move on from this.
Nathaniel reached for her door and attempted to open it. Finding it locked, he tapped on the door panel.
“Who is it?” Cordelia called out from within the bedchamber.
“I came to dine with you. We need to talk.”
“Go away. I’ve nothing to say to you.”
His pulse speed, anger burning through him. The devil with civility! She was driving him mad, and he’d not tolerate anymore of her antics. Nathaniel backed up, then charged the door, ramming his shoulder into it. Cordelia shrieked as the wood splintered and the door swung open.
Nathaniel stared into her wide eyes, not the least bit remorseful for his actions. “I will not be kept from my wife’s chamber.”
“I will not be forced to bed you!” Cordelia screamed back.
Nathaniel chuckled, a deep, humorless laugh. “You think I wish to bed you?”
Cordelia moved to the far side of the room. “I will not be forced.”
“You think too highly of yourself, madam,” Nathaniel said. He sat at the small table opposite the hearth. “I’ve already sampled your wares.”
Cordelia blushed furiously, her cheeks turning pink, then crimson. She reached for a candlestick. “How dare you,” she threw the silver base at him. “Get out!”
Nathaniel ducked, avoiding her weapon. Then, as it crashed against the wall, he stood. In four long strides, he reached her. Grasping her by the shoulders, he peered into her blue eyes and said, “You are my wife, and you will act like it.”
Desperate to shut her up and end their standoff, he crushed his lips to hers in a bruising kiss. She pressed her hands against his chest but parted her lips, her tongue darting out to meet his.
The little hypocrite.
Intent on kissing her senseless, he pulled her tight against him and adjusted the angle of his lips.
Nathaniel felt the moment Cordelia surrendered, and a sense of victory flooded him. She relaxed against him, her hungry lips greedily taking all that he offered. When a small moan reverberated through her, he broke the kiss.
He’d not come in here to seduce her. Though he would very much like to take her to bed, he had no desire to do so while they were angry. He stared at the now pliant Cordelia and gave a slight grin. “Perhaps tomorrow we can talk?”
She parted her lips as if she meant to say something, then pressed them together.
“I will see you at breakfast.” Nathaniel bowed and left the room.
