Page 31 of No One's Bride
Could she imagine sitting astride him, taking him deep?
Would she beg him to pump faster, tug her hair, suck her bud?
“’Tis the book talking.” She pointed discreetly to the ebony box wedged under his arm, as if it were an annoying relative one did not wish to offend. “Ye wouldnae say such things otherwise.”
No, of the many tense conversations he’d imagined having with Ailsa MacTavish, none related to them fornicating.
“Are you suggesting I’m a puppet and the devil is pulling my strings?” he snapped.
“Something is dreadfully amiss. But I have good news.” She lowered her voice so the grimoire couldn’t hear her theory. “While we’ve both fallen foul of the love spell, it doesnae mean we’re developing feelings for each other. I suspect we’re about to be plagued by a host of compatible mates. Why else would Lord Brockton approach me?”
Sebastian frowned. “Because you’re an attractive woman of good fortune.” And he was confused why he’d not seen it before.
“My lord, I’ve gone to great lengths to make myself invisible. I’m the most unapproachable woman in theton, yet half the men waiting in this hall willnae stop looking in my direction. Explain that if ye will.”
Sebastian glanced around the vast hall. Brockton wasn’t the only man eyeing Miss MacTavish’s delightful form. Mr Smythe-Jones gawped with equal fascination, as did Pendleton.
The rats!
“Perhaps they’re wondering why we’re together.”
“Then shall we test yer theory?” She moved to where Gladys stood like one of the grim marble statues. After exchanging a few words with the maid, the lady returned. “Well?”
Did he tell her every eligible man watched her with hawk-like intensity? Did he tell her there was some truth to her claim? She would likely be the object of many a man’s desire.
Good God!
Would desperate debutantes hound him?
Would wallflowers cling to him like ivy?
Would scheming mamas trap him into marriage?
His heart raced faster than his brain. “Then I propose we work together to ward off all predators.” It was all so irrational, but he’d be damned if he’d take the risk.
“What can we do?”
He thought for a moment. “What if we pretend we’ve developed an affection for each other? I’ll take you riding in the park. We’ll visit a museum or two. Dull places for courting couples. We’ll let others think I’m considering proposing.”
Lost in thought, she pursed her lips. “Once we’ve broken the spell, we could say we realised we’re nae suited.”
“Yes, I’ll say you were too opinionated.”
She jerked her head. “I’ll say ye’re as gruff as a bear.”
“I don’t suffer fools. That doesn’t mean I’m hot-tempered.”
“My lord, Hostile should be yer middle name.”
“I’m not so belligerent with you.”
An incredulous snort escaped her. “Admit ye love riling my temper. Ye challenge my opinion at every turn.”
Sebastian shrugged. “Very well. I shall endeavour to be more accommodating. That way, people are more likely to believe I’ve developed some affection for you.”
She looked like she doubted his ability to appear convincing. “Aye, but when we’re alone, ye should be yer usual domineering self.”
“Agreed.”
