“Why do you insist on refusing me?” He ran a hand through his hair as his voice tightened in frustration. “As your husband I would be within my rights to insist on your cooperation.”
She paced a few steps away from him to quell her own agitation. “Why should I admit you to my bed? However nice it was, you still ran off to that dreadfulsenhorathe next day, humiliating me in front of the entire ship! You didn’t even have the decency to apologize.”
“I shall not apologize for actions that did not harm anyone!” He hissed the words as he followed her.
At his steady approach, she slipped behind an overstuffed chair, not taking her eyes off him. He sighed.
“Diantha, I shall not strike you.” He ground the words out through clenched teeth, but at least he stopped following her. “No matter how thoroughly you provoke me.”
She mastered her trembling knees. “I appreciate that, my lord. But I do not appreciate being told that my company is so very dull that it is only acceptable with the promise of—”
She broke off, floundering for an acceptable expression.
“Conjugal relations. Sex. Making love.” He listed the terms as he came around the chair. She edged back a step but did not retreat farther. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders. “Come, now. Let us begin again.”
His fingers worked sensuously at the joining of her neck and shoulders, and she closed her eyes inenjoyment. She opened them again to see a flash of triumph in his eyes. “Making love” indeed. He only caressed her to manipulate her.
“No.” It cost her not to give in, but better to have him staring at her as he did now, infuriated, than smirking in contempt. His hands dropped to his sides.
“As you wish then. I shall see you tomorrow.” Just as he bowed, a small cough interrupted them.
In the doorway, the majordomo presented a sterling salver containing a small white rectangle. “Forgive me, but the lady was quite insistent.”
Kieran strode over to pick up the calling card. “The Dowager Comtesse de Pontrevault. A distant connection through my grandmother’s family.” Before she could speak, he ordered the majordomo to admit their visitor.
As soon as the door snicked shut behind the little man, he addressed her. “We’ll finish this discussion later. The dowager is prominent in Parisian society. It might not be a bad thing if we could persuade her to take you under her wing.”
Diantha opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, and simply nodded her agreement.
“How is your French? It’s important that you make a good impression on her.”
She arched a brow. “May I remind you that I attended finishing school just outside Paris? I am quite sure my command of the language is adequate to greet the comtesse.” She could not repress a smile as she strolled over to a gilt-edge mirror over the mantelpiece. “And I am certain she speaks English.”
“How typically American!” He frowned at her. “For your information, the rest of the world is not going to learn English for your convenience.”
Straightening her lace collar, she shrugged. “Something you had best mention to some of your compatriots, then. I’ve never met as many snobs as I did in England.”
“I happen to be a Scot, thank you.” He crossed his arms and observed her actions with a cold stare.
“One in need of a comb.” She beckoned him over. “Here, let me fix your hair.” He approached, still radiating hostility.
“I never said you were a snob.” She spoke softly. “Just disheveled.”
Somewhat mollified, a smile twisted his lips as he caught sight of his reflection. Most of his hair remained in perfect order, but the side he had run his hand over hung in loosened waves.
“Let me fix that.” She plunged her fingers into the silky strands before he could move.
“What are you doing?” He pulled his head back, out of her grasp, but it was too late.
“I don’t have a comb with me.” She chuckled in spite of the scowl on his face. “At least now you don’t look uneven.”
Dark waves framed his face, brushing the edge of his firm jaw, enhancing the wide-set eyes inches from hers. She found it hard to breathe. “Much better.”
“Is it?” Her lips tingled as his gaze settled on them. “I suppose I’ll have to take your word for it then.” Her hands dropped to his shoulders and he bent closer to her.
The door opened.
Kieran closed his eyes and sighed before wheeling around to greet their guest.
