Page 70 of When a Lady Kisses a Scot
Silence you. Stated in those terms, the possibility cut through her like a dull blade. She gave herself a moment to compose her thoughts, to retrieve her courage. She could not sacrifice her resolve to a twinge of fear.
“I don’t know.” The words were not a lie, not really. Had someone learned the truth about her mission? Or was the villain intent on tying up any loose ends, as he’d likely done to the unfortunate Valentina?
His hands settled gently on her shoulders, large and strong and warm. “Stay with me. You’ll be safe here.”
The hunger in his voice kindled a longing so intense, her mouth went dry. She could scarcely breathe for wanting him. If only being in such close confines did not present a grave danger. She trusted him with her life. But did she dare trust him with her heart? He might well inflict a wound from which she’d never recover.
She shook her head. “I don’t know if there is a place where I can be truly safe…not now.”
“Give me time…time to convince you.” His voice was lower now, rough-edged and sultry.
“No.” She steeled herself. She had to leave. If she stayed, she might never want to leave.
“Do you believe I’d take advantage of you…if you stay?”
She shook her head. “I know better. Despite your best efforts to convince me to the contrary, I know the man you are.”
“I want you here with me, Sophie. I’ll hire guards. I’ll guarantee you are protected.” He drew her closer, brushing the softest of kisses over the bridge of her nose. “I want to ensure I get the chance to puzzle you out.”
Misery cut into her resolve. She wanted him so desperately. Pulling in a ragged breath, she managed to find her voice. “I cannot stay here. Every minute I’m with you is a risk neither of us can afford to take.”
“I need to know you are safe. I need to know—” Gravel edged his low voice. “I need to know those dark eyes of yours will be here to challenge me.”
“I cannot…it isn’t possible.” If only staying with him would not put her heart at risk. “You should leave London. Now.”
“Not without you.”
Blasted stubborn man. He needed to get away while he still could.
“I know you’re pretending to be something you’re not.” He drew the pad of his thumb over her lower lip, so very softly. “I need to know the truth. Don’t pretend with me.”
The passion in his words washed over her. If only she could abandon this masquerade. But that was not an option. She had to maintain the charade, had to utter the lies that might protect him.
She decided on the truth, at least a small grain of it. “You want more than I can give.”
He framed her face in his hands. The slightly roughened texture of his skin tantalized her.
“I will learn your secrets, Sophie. All of them.”
Her pulse pounded in her ears. If he kissed her…if he took her in his arms and tempted her with his caress, she might be able to resist him. But at this moment, the hunger flavoring his low rasp made her knees weak. Quite unsporting, stripping away what little armor she still possessed.
Pity she could not afford to give in to this longing that permeated to the marrow. The risk was far too great.
“You saved my life.” His sweet breath brushed her lips. “Let me protect you.”
“It may be too late… I should leave.” Her words sounded like a sigh.
He pulled her closer, his clean, natural essence tantalizing her. Holding her almost—but not quite—touching the long, lean length of his body, Gavin dipped his head down, pressing his forehead to hers.
“Stay with me, Sophie.”
Her name sounded so very delicious on his lips. She went very still, drinking in his scent and his touch and the sensual rasp of his words. Oh, God, how she needed to break away.
She needed to save herself, while she still could. Wanting him would bring only trouble. She’d known that from the start. And she’d resisted him. Hadn’t she?
She managed a shallow breath, then another, as if the air around them would ease the pounding of her pulse. He intended to break down the barriers she’d taken pains to erect over the years. He would not settle for lies. Gavin would demand the truth, the one thing she must always deny him.
And without that crucial element of trust, she could never have Gavin Stanwyck.
