“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think you would approve.”
“I absolutely donotapprove.” He gave her a severe look. “Putting your life and reputation at risk is unacceptable, no matter the reason.”
Her bottom lip trembled. “But I have to help Pippa—”
“That is no excuse,” he stated. “As for Longmere, leave him to me. I have business with him.”
Business that had once again been delayed because of Livy. By Jove, the chit was a handful. The kind of woman who would age a man before his bloody time.
“What sort of business?” she asked.
“It’s irrelevant at present,” he said shortly.
Her expression tentative, she said, “Are you still angry?”
He gave her the truth. “Yes.”
“Do you still want to…to court me?”
Her vulnerability constricted his chest. She was so young. Pure of heart and intention, even when her actions were reckless in the extreme.
“You said I needed time to think, but I know what I want: you. Always you.” Her voice broke a little. “Please, Hadleigh, won’t you give me another chance?”
Staring into her pleading eyes, hefeltthe beauty of who she was: it shone through her tawdry disguise and hit him straight in his gut…and in his prick. His jealousy had faded, but now his blood was pumping with a different sort of need. Whether it was right or wrong, he wanted Livy. Wanted to cherish and protect her as much as he wanted to own her surrender. For some reason, Fate had seen fit to give him his precious little queen, and he could deny destiny’s gift no longer.
The instant he made the decision, a boulder lifted from his shoulders. A sense of rightness settled inside him. Concurrently, anticipation heated his loins. His girl needed a firm hand…and it would be his pleasure to give her what she needed.
“Don’t lie to me again,” he said.
“I won’t.” Livy chewed on her bottom lip. “Will you still court me then?”
“No,” he said firmly.
Her eyes glimmered. “Please, I swear—”
“We are beyond courtship, Livy.” He cupped her cheek, trailing his thumb along her delicate cheekbone, swiping away the single tear that had fallen. “Our bond has changed over time, and my mistake was trying to convince myself that I still see you as a little girl when it is clear that you are a woman now. A woman who knows her mind and who wants to be my lover and my duchess. Who is willing to follow my rules and guidance. Am I correct?”
For a heartbeat, she just stared at him.
Then she breathed, “Yes. Oh,yes.”
“When we are together like this, you may address me as Ben.” He tested her. “Orsir.”
Her quiver of excitement electrified the space between them and sent a stiffening jolt to his cock. God help him, shewasaroused by dark games. The things he could teach her…
“Yes, sir,” she whispered.
“Now you have been a naughty minx not once but twice,” he said in a deliberately cool tone. “Taking risks and lying to me.”
Her expression instantly grew contrite. “I am sorry—”
“And you will make amends.” Taking her hand, he led her over to the stone bench. He sat upon it and patted his thigh. “Put yourself over my knee for your punishment.”
19
Shaking with anticipation, Livy lowered herself onto Ben’s lap, her torso pressing against the hard rack of his thighs. She could hardly believe this was happening. For a terrifying moment, she’d thought she had lost him forever, but somehow he had decided to give her another chance.
