He hadn't even realized he was gripping her upper arms. He released her, muttering, "And Portland?"
She chewed on her lower lip. "Well, Ididpromise him a dance at a ball this Thursday." Gavin wanted to growl with rage at the idea of that prat dancing withhiswoman. "But after that," she said, sneaking a peek at him, "I shan't encourage him anymore."
"You had better not," he said sternly. "You're mine."
She glanced at him from beneath her lashes. "For the duration of our wager, you mean?"
Forever.But he gave a brusque nod; it wouldn't do to scare her off. He must stick with his plan to win her over one meeting at a time. The armistice had been an inspired move on his part; with her defenses lowered, he could reel her in with the passion she so clearly craved. By their sixth meeting, he would have her, body and soul. A strange yearning twisted inside him—possessiveness, surely. Yet he couldn't recall feeling this possessive over any woman before.
She gave him a smile that seemed… wistful. "I can't stay long. My maid is outside."
"She can wait a few minutes longer." Unable to help himself, he brushed his knuckles against her cheek. "How are you, buttercup?"
"I'm happy to see you," she said, dimpling.
He tweaked a silken curl between finger and thumb. "I meant after the other night."
"The other…oh."
She turned bright as roses and fell silent. All of a sudden, he remembered that ladies did not like to be reminded of their peccadilloes. As his mother had told it, she'd been seduced, impregnated, and left with no alternative but to turn to drink. The beatings his mother had given him?Hisfault for being an unlovable, disgusting brat. Her desertion? Nothing more than what he deserved.
Tensing, he wondered if Percy expected him to shoulder the blame for what had happened at the club. If she'd rewritten the events in her head. He told himself he couldn't expect a virgin to admit her own desires—
"The other night… I liked being with you." Still blushing, Percy said softly, "More thanliked, actually. 'Twas the most wondrous experience, and I am looking forward to more."
Her honesty dispelled the shadows, replaced them with… pride. His chest swelled as did his shaft, which rose and strained toward her. Could someone so fine, so innocent belong to him?
"Do you know how irresistible you are?" he said, his tone husky.
"Irresistible? Me?" she breathed.
Unable to resist her lush lips, he leaned down—at the same instant, a flash of a dark jacket caught his eye. The hairs rose on his neck; his past taught him never to ignore his instincts. He scanned the stacks with an alert gaze. He saw nothing but shelves piled with books. But then, on the far right wall: a shadow. A second later, itmoved.
Someone was hiding behind the bookshelf. Watching.
He bent as if to nuzzle Percy's ear. "Don't say anything," he whispered. "Someone is watching us. I'm going to get the bastard—stay here."
She tensed against him. Gave a slight nod.
In the next moment, he ran straight for the bookshelf shielding the Peeping Tom. The shadow flickered and footsteps sounded. Through the rows of books, he saw snippets of a black jacket moving away from him. The bastard was trying to escape. Rounding the corner, Gavin saw the man run down the empty aisle toward the staircase, and he gave chase. Grabbed the spy's arm just as the other reached the top of the steps.
"What the hell do you want?" Gavin snarled.
The stranger shook loose and threw a punch at him. Gavin dodged the blow and threw one of his own. His fist connected with a crack against the man's jaw. The man lost his balance, and the next instant tumbled down the stairs. A scream erupted; people flocked around the fallen figure. On reflex, Gavin pulled back against the wall, remaining out of view. He didn't need trouble. With his business and his reputation, he was a prime target for the magistrates.
He peered around the corner and saw that his attacker had risen. A good Samaritan offered the man a hand and was knocked to the ground for his trouble. The brute shoved through the crowd to the cries of "Well, I never!" and stumbled out the front door.
Percy came running up the aisle, yellow skirts and reticule flying.
He motioned her to keep out of sight of the stairwell. Once the crowd below cleared, he crossed over to her, led her back into the thick of the stacks.
"Are you alright?" Percy gasped. "Who was that man?"
"I don't know. He got away," Gavin said in disgust. "I thought I told you to stay put."
She looked upward, as if for patience. "What is going on, Gavin? It cannot be a coincidence that you have been attacked twice now."
He could have denied it, but the shrewd expression on her face told him it wouldn't do much good. "It's no coincidence," he said gruffly. "I don't know who is behind it."
