“I know how intelligent you are, so you must expect he is only after you for one thing.”
She scowled. “Pray, what in heaven’s name are you talking about?”
Nash’s lips tightened and his jaw hardened. “You know what I am referring to, Maxey. Raúl’s only purpose is to bed you.”
Maxey laughed heartily. “Oh, you are being humorous again, Nash.”
“It is true.”
“Yes, I’m certain it is, but isn’t that the same reason you haven’t given up on me? Don’t you want to bed me as well?”
His dark brows pulled together. “Our situation is different.”
“No, it’s not. The only difference is that you have known me longer than he has, but your goal is the same. I think if I had given myself to you that first night, you wouldn’t have me coming with you to Devonshire right now.”
“Maxey.” His voice lowered as he grasped her elbow. “That is not true, and you know it. I have told you the reasons for bringing you with me, and having my way with you has nothing to do with it.”
She laughed. “Then why wouldn’t you make that promise to me last night? Why did you refuse?”
“Because I am attracted to you.”
“Yes, because you want to have yourwickedway with me. Admit it.”
His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. She held her breath for his reply.
Chapter Eleven
Nash growled underhis breath as his attention darted around the crowded deck. A few people stopped meandering, throwing glares his way. Inwardly, he groaned, knowing they had overheard the conversation.
“Maxey, please lower your voice. Either that or let us return to our cabin to finish our debate.”
“No, Nash. I would rather stay out here. Then I’m assured you won’t force your lusty attention on me.”
“Force?” He looked at her. “I did not force you. I have never forced you. If you recall, your body responds willingly to my touch.”
“Don’t remind me.” She scowled and folded her arms. “I hate that you have that kind of control over me.”
“The fact still remains, our relationship is not based entirely on satisfying our desires.”
She threw him a glare. “That’s because we haven’t satisfied them at all.”
His heartbeat thudded in his chest. What made her speak of this? She knew how he felt. It sounded as if shewantedhim to satisfy her. Well, there was only one way to find out.
“Then let us end the argument right now.” He took hold of her arm again, turning them toward the stairs, and led her below deck.
She stiffened but didn’t struggle. He assumed it was to keep the other passengers from watching them too closely.
“What are you doing?” she snapped.
“I am proving to you that having mywickedway with you is not the only reason I like you.”
“And how are you going to do that?”
“I am going to make love to you.”
“What? You contradict yourself,Mr. Black.”
“No, because after I make love to you, you will see that I will remain by your side, protecting you until we prove my uncle guilty of killing William. I will show you I do not just want you for your sweet, luscious body, whereas if Raúl would bed you, he would ignore you for the rest of the voyage.”
