Page 28 of The Devil's Bargain
“Wait.” His voice stopped her. “A compromise.”
She turned, wary. “I’m listening.”
“Three months. Give me three months to court you properly, as your husband. If by then you still wish for separate bedrooms...” He spread his hands. “I’ll respect your wishes.”
“And if I refuse?”
“Then I submit the evidence of forgery to the authorities tomorrow.” He kept his voice gentle despite the threat. “Your choice, Caroline. Three months of trying to resist me, or a lifetime in prison.”
She was silent for a long moment. “You’re a devil.”
“Yes.” He smiled. “But one who keeps his word. Do we have an agreement?”
“Three months only.” She lifted her chin. “And no force.”
“I never use force. I don’t need to.” His eyes held hers. “Only patience.”
“We’ll see.” She turned to leave, then paused. “What of Miss Hampton? She’s grown rather possessive of your attention.”
“Hampton’s shares will be mine by morning. After that, she’s irrelevant.”
Caroline’s eyes widened slightly. “You convinced her to sell?”
“Let’s say she’s under the impression that signing over her shares will lead to... other opportunities.”
“You seduced her.”
“I let her seduce herself.” He studied Caroline’s expression. “Jealous?”
“Concerned.” She met his gaze steadily. “That you’ll employ similar tactics with me.”
“No.” He moved closer, watching her swallow. “With you, I intend to be perfectly honest about my intentions.”
“And those are?”
“To possess you completely.” His voice dropped lower. “Mind, body, and soul.”
She drew in a sharp breath. “You’ll be disappointed.”
“Three months, Caroline.” He smiled, slow and confident. “We’ll see who’s disappointed.”
She left without responding, her skirts whispering with each step. Devlin watched her go, anticipation coursing through him. Three months to break down her walls, to turn duty into desire.
He’d won harder battles.
Hampton swept into Devlin’s study, her pink silk rustling with determined purpose. She placed the signed documents on his desk with a flourish. “There. My shares are yours. Now, about our future arrangements...”
Devlin examined the papers with careful attention, ignoring her expectant smile. After ensuring everything was in order, he withdrew a bank draft from his desk. “Your payment, as agreed. A very generous sum.”
“Oh, darling, you know I don’t care about the money.” She perched on his desk. “When shall we announce our engagement?”
“There will be no engagement, Miss Hampton.” His voice was silk over steel. “Our business is concluded.”
She stilled, her smile faltering. “But... you promised to consider marriage once I signed.”
“I considered it.” He leaned back in his chair, watching her face. “Briefly. The answer is no.”
“You scoundrel!” Colour flooded her cheeks. “You never intended to marry me at all, did you?”
