Behind the Rake's Wicked Wager - By Sarah Mallory Page 0,93

‘If that is all, perhaps you will go now, and leave me in peace.’

‘No, it is not all,’ he retorted. ‘You have thrown a great many accusations at my head, madam. I demand the right to defend myself.’ He walked to the window and stood looking out, his hands clasped behind his back. ‘You accused me of being a rake. I am not, madam. I admit I have indulged in many a flirtation, but the women have never been unwilling.’

‘Hah!’ She curled her lip. ‘Would they have been quite so willing if you had not had a title, and a fortune?’

‘I would like to think there is more to me than that, but you are right, Miss Prentess, I cannot be sure.’ He added quietly, ‘Since meeting you, madam, I am not sure of anything.’

She had to steel herself not to crumble at this sudden diffidence. To distract herself she went to the mantelpiece and picked up the note that was resting against the clock. She said, as her fingers broke the seal, ‘Your doubts will fade once you are gone from Bath.’

‘Oh, you may be sure I shall do my best to forget this,’ he retorted.

She paid no heed to his words, her attention given to the paper in her hands.

‘This is the note you sent me yesterday?’

He gave a quick look over his shoulder. ‘Yes, I—’

‘Oh, heavens.’ One hand crept to her cheek, she could feel the colour draining from her face. ‘You were

g-going to, to—’

‘Yes,’ he interrupted her. ‘I was going to offer for you.’

‘B-but why?’ She felt almost dizzy.

‘I have already told you, I love you.’

She lifted her hand.

‘No, no, that was an error. You don’t even like me.’

He laughed harshly.

‘You are quite right. You are the most maddening, exasperating woman I have ever encountered, but it has not stopped me falling in love with you.’

She could only stare at his back, groping for words that would not come. After an uncomfortable silence he continued.

‘Oh, pray, don’t be alarmed, madam. I may love you to distraction but after what has passed this morning I will not put you to the trouble of refusing me. You have made your sentiments perfectly clear.’

She shook her head.

‘No. You do not understand. I—I cannot allow you to be near me...’

‘I do understand,’ he said gently. ‘You honoured me with your confidences and they made me realise how repugnant my advances must have been to you.’

He still had his back to her, his gaze fixed on the view over Crescent Fields. Her heart was beating so hard it was difficult to speak, even to think, but she knew she had to try, and she must get it right, or she would never see him again.

‘N-not repugnant,’ she whispered, moving closer. ‘I cannot allow you to touch me because of what happens to me when you do.’ She reached out and put her hand on his shoulder. ‘I want you so much it terrifies me.’ He turned at that and with his eyes upon her it was twice as hard to go on, but continue she must. ‘I have never felt such an overwhelming desire for anyone, for anything in my life before. When you kiss me I am in danger of forgetting everything, my fear of men, of losing control, of falling in love...’ her voice faded until it was little more than a breath ‘...of you breaking my heart.’

He raked his fingers through his gleaming black hair, saying unsteadily, ‘Oh my dear, I swear I will never do that. But you have to trust me.’

‘I do, Jasper, I do trust you.’ She put her hand up and touched his cheek. ‘Do you see what this means, Jasper, do you know what I am asking? I want you to seduce me.’

Still he did not move. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she reached up and touched her lips against his. Immediately his arms came round her and with a sigh she leaned against him, twining her arms about his neck. Their kiss was long and languorous and incredibly gentle, but when at last he broke away she rested her head on his shoulder, aware that not one of her bones felt strong enough to support her.

‘Oh dear.’ She clung to him, murmuring the words into his neckcloth. ‘I do not think I can stand.’

With a laugh he swept her up and carried her across to the sofa, where he sat down with her on his lap and began kissing her again.