Though not exactly under those terms.
Elation blazed within her; caution dampened the flames. "And if I win the wager," she said, "does your proposal still stand? Because I'm not giving up on my brother, you know."
"One way or another, you're going to be my wife," he said firmly.
Take that as a yes,her heart sang. Her brain—irritating organ—issued another warning, however.His imperiousness might be exciting now, but do you really want to be ordered about for the rest of your life? You've never been good at following commands. Best begin the way you mean to go on...
"Um, doesn't an offer of marriage usually involve a question?" she asked. "Preferably asked upon bended knee, perhaps accompanied by a declaration of undying devotion?" She thought a moment. "Violins wouldn't hurt, either."
"Bended knee is not my style. And there's no blasted orchestra right now." Jaw tight, he said, "Persephone Fines, will you marry me or not?"
She peeked at his scowling visage from beneath her lashes. "I mightconsiderwedding you. But you might as well know now: I shan't be a brow-beaten wife."
"You? Brow-beaten?" he said in a strangled voice.
"I won't do everything you tell me to." Thinking on it, she felt compelled to add, "The truth is, I'm not likely to do even half of it."
He frowned. "What makes you think I'd want blind obedience from you?"
"Um, perhaps the way you've decided I belong to you? Or the way you like to be in control of things and people around you? And there is the small matter of your sexual predilections, though I've only heard about those second hand..."
"No need to pour on the paint—I get the picture," he said dryly. "I admit I am dominant by nature. But that does not mean I want you to submit to me in all things."
"It doesn't?" she said skeptically.
"If what I wanted was a submissive female, why the devil would I find you the most desirable chit I've ever met? You've many fine qualities, buttercup; being biddable isn't one of them."
She digested that, even as his compliment glowed in her chest.The most desirable."So you are saying youlikethe fact that I am... "
"A hoyden? A saucy little romp?" In a sudden movement that knocked the breath from her lungs, he had her beneath him. "Percy," he said, his eyes dark with hunger, "Iloveit."
His kiss proved that beyond a doubt. Caught between the lush carpet and his tough, masculine form, she gave herself up to the joy of the moment. To the wonder of being desired for who she was. Heat flared instantly between them. She drank in the hot, wine-spiced taste of him as their tongues twined, mated. When he managed to get her gown off her shoulders, she reached for his waistcoat. He caught her hands, pinned them above her head.
"Did you mean what you said," he rasped, "about accepting me as I am?"
A deep flush heated her skin as she realized what he was asking. Curiosity and craving mingled, and she sighed, "Yes."
His nostrils flared. "Good." Slowly, he untied his cravat and folded it to form a neat oblong. "Stand up, sweeting."
Hesitant, but growing more aroused by the moment, she did as he asked. What did he intend to do with his neck cloth—bind her hands? Shivering at the notion, she waited, the insides of her wrists tingling with expectation. Her breath hitched when instead warm linen slid over her eyes, turning her world into a muted, shapeless glow.
She couldn'tsee; she felt utterly powerless. With each rapid breath, worries entered her head. At the same time, the sublime, masculine scent of him wafted from the blindfold, making her tremble with desire.
"Give into me, sweet." His voice rippled hotly over her nape. "I'd never hurt you. Trust me to take care of you."
The guttural yearning in his words undid her. She understood what he needed. Perhaps more than he did. Control, yes, but at a deeper level wasn't this abouttrust? From what she knew of his past, he'd little experience with it. If she wanted him to trust her, she'd have to show him how it was done.
All her life, she'd longed for a heroine's adventure—and a true journey did not come without risk. Releasing a shaky exhale, she bucked up her courage and did what she'd never done before: she surrendered, letting herself tumble into the darkness.
28
Every erotic dreamhe'd ever had, she surpassed in a single heartbeat.
Gavin's hands shook slightly as he fastened the knot behind her head. Tight enough to hold, loose enough not to cause her discomfort. He'd never hurt his brave girl, never. What she was giving him... a shudder of arousal passed through him. His cock had already gone harder than a pike.Everything I've ever wanted.
He planned to take her virginity tonight. He wouldn't force her, however—he wouldn't have to. By the time the night was done, she would be begging him to make her fully his.
For this first go around, he wouldn't rush things. They had all night, and he was going to savor his goddess, pleasure her beyond her wildest imaginings. He circled her; her pale blue gown parted like wings in the back where he'd unfastened the tiny pearl buttons. In the firelight, her shoulders gleamed with the translucence of the finest porcelain. He pressed his lips to one shoulder blade and felt her tremor from head to toe.
