Page 26 of The Devil's Bargain
She turned to face him, her eyes blazing with contempt. “And if I refuse?”
“Then I’ll be forced to protect my business interests.” He picked up the telegram. “I’d invalidate your patent, claim you forged Edward’s signature, then buy London Water Works for a penny.”
“You are despicable!” She paced the study like a caged animal. “Then why not choose that option? It would certainly be more lucrative.”
One corner of his mouth lifted to a smile. “I’m a visionary. I want your genius, reap the benefits for years to come.”
“I shall refuse to do your bidding!”
“I don’t think so. It’s in your blood, this relentless need to innovate, fix.”
“So it’s either marriage or ruin? Not much of a choice.”
“There’s always a choice.” He stepped closer as she moved away from him. “The question is, which fate frightens you more? Poverty or being bound to me?”
“Perhaps there’s a third option.” Her voice shook.
“There isn’t. Not for me.”
“Why not a business partnership between our companies?”
“That’s no longer an option. I can’t risk you obtaining a husband.” His eyes sparkled as he smiled sweetly. “Say yes. Let me protect you. Let me give you the freedom to create without fear.”
“Freedom?” She laughed bitterly. “Through marriage to a man who’s blackmailing me?”
“Through partnership with a man who sees your true worth.” He caught her hand and stroked her palm with his thumb.“Who wants everything you are—the calculating strategist, the passionate woman who tied me to her bed.”
Heat flooded her cheeks at the memory. “You’re a cur.”
“And you’re running out of options.” His fingers tightened on hers. “Hampton is ready to sign over her shares and grows more desperate by the day to fill her coffers. How long before I push you out of your own company without a shilling of compensation? You know I’m capable.”
Caroline snatched her hand away. “You blackguard!”
“You have until tomorrow evening.” He turned away, gathering his thoughts to be all business again, to push away the guilt that threatened to weaken his resolve. “I’ll have the marriage contract drawn up. You can review the terms then.”
“How romantic,” she spat.
He smiled innocently. “Oh, definitely more so than your late husband had been, I assure you. But first, you must be mine.” He walked toward the door, but her voice stopped him.
“And if I agree? What guarantee do I have that you’ll keep your word about my patents?”
“The same guarantee I have that you won’t poison me in my sleep.” His eyes held hers, reading fury and fear in them. He gentled his voice. “Imagine what we could create together. Trust, Caroline. It’s time we both learned how.”
He left Caroline with her thoughts as his heels clicked on the wooden floor. He released a sigh. Marriage to a woman like Caroline could mean salvation or damnation. The trouble was, he couldn’t tell if they were one and the same.
13
The Unwilling Bride
The firm knock on Devlin’s office door had him drip ink on the pristine paper. He already knew who his visitor was by the rhythm of the knock which had graced his office several times in the past couple of months. He took a moment to suppress his irritation and school his features into polite interest before calling, “Enter.”
She swept in wearing a gown of deep purple silk that barely contained her abundant charms. “Mr Elmstone. I hope I’m not interrupting?”
Devlin watched Hampton perch on the edge of his desk, her skirts riding up to reveal a deliberate glimpse of ankle. The woman was as subtle as a circus performer, but he needed those shares.
“My dear Miss Hampton.” He let his eyes linger on her décolletage. The woman was vexing but lovely to look at. “I hope you’ve reconsidered my offer?”
“Perhaps.” She leaned forward, curling her golden curls around her finger. “Though I was hoping we might discuss more... creative forms of compensation.”
