Page 21 of The Devil's Bargain
Her gaze was scathing, and he laughed, feeling like a fool. He was tied up in the most undignified manner but couldn’t help finding his captor as delightful as the first morning coffee.
“Would you like to help me choose the jewellery I’m to bribe her with? And perhaps a diamond necklace with matching earrings for you.”
“Empty promises won’t loosen these bonds, Mr Elmstone.”
“Back to formalities? After I’ve made such an intimate visit to your bedchamber?” His voice dropped to that silken purr that had haunted her dreams since their encounter at Madame Tansley’s. “And here I thought we were becoming friends.”
“Is this how you and your friends play together?” Her eyes roved over his bound form with appreciation. His thick thighs and calves were impressive indeed, and their power was undeniable. Feeling heat rise to her face, she moved to her dressing table and poured two glasses of brandy. “Now, about Clearwater...”
“Ah yes, back to business.” He watched her approach with the glass. “And how do you propose I drink while bound?”
She smiled sweetly as she perched beside him. “I suppose I’ll have to assist you.” She brought the glass to his lips, careful not to spill. “Consider it incentive for honesty.”
He took a slow sip, maintaining eye contact. Caroline admired his wide mouth with a hint of smile in the corners. “You know, most women try to kiss information out of me. Sometimes exposing their bosom gets the job done. This is a refreshing change of pace.”
“I’m not most women.” She set the glass aside then climbed onto the bed while he watched with widened eyes. “And you’re not most men. Which is why I knew you’d find being bound as seductive as if I were to undress.”
He raised a brow. “Only the combination of the two would render this seduction, Caroline. Otherwise, I’m merely a captive at your mercy.”
“Your outlook is disappointing,” she said slyly.
There was genuine admiration in his eyes as his gaze raked over her face and hair. They travelled downward and lingered at her chest, no doubt noticing her coiled nipples. She could already feel her nerves tingling there just by the way he admired her. She unbuttoned his coat slowly and watched his questioningexpression. The devil was charming, but she tried to maintain a detached façade.
Then her lips parted as her eyes took in his shirt stretching over his chest.
“I have to wonder, what would you have done if I hadn’t taken the bait?”
“Oh, I had several contingency plans.” She patted his chest lightly then proceeded to unbutton his shirt. “I do love to be thorough in my preparations.”
“Just as I love a worthy opponent.” His eyes held a dangerous gleam. She was rewarded with a grunt when she lowered her bottom onto his thigh, tantalisingly close to his stiffening member. He swallowed but managed to keep his voice even. “You should know, Caroline. I don’t play unless I know I’ll win.”
“Neither do I, Mr Elmstone.” She leaned closer, her loose hair brushing his bare chest, her lips mere inches away from his. “Neither do I.”
“Careful, Caroline.” His voice roughened. “You’re playing with fire.”
Her hip pressed slightly against his impressive length as she shifted forward. She gasped quietly at the contact when the thick ridge dug into her flesh. Moisture began to pool between her thighs.Focus,she told herself.
“Am I? I rather thought I was playing with the devil himself.” She traced a finger along his jaw, feeling the rough stubble. Her thumb then traced his soft lips. “Tell me about Clearwater’s bid. What’s their angle?”
“And if I do? What’s my reward for such cooperation?” His voice came out breathless.
“Your freedom, of course. Unless you prefer to remain bound in my bed until morning? Or Miss Hampton’s company?”
He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. “No need to be jealous of her. You could always take advantage of me.”
“I shall,” she said, brushing her bottom against his rod. Heat pooled in his eyes.
“You wench…” he groaned.
She slid off his thigh and sat back on her heels, parting her knees as she did so. His eyes lingered between her thighs then flicked back up.
He shifted slightly, testing his bonds, his stiff rod extending down his thigh beneath the tight buckskin breeches. “Perhaps we could trade. A secret for a secret. A truth for a truth. After all...” His dark gaze caressed her face. “We’re both players in this game, are we not?”
Caroline recognised the danger in his offer, but found herself tempted nonetheless. What other choice did she have? This man could destroy everything she’d built or help her build something even greater. The question was: could she trust him?
“Very well.” She straightened, adopting her business manner despite her state of undress. “I’ll tell you how I developed the latest modification to the filtration system. The one that increased efficiency by thirty percent.”
“Intriguing.” His voice dropped lower. “But I need more specific parameters. Which innovation exactly? The copper alloy modification or the pressure distribution system?”
