Page 78 of A Little Bit Dangerous
She touched the diamond pin in his cravat. “Your moniker suits you. Like this precious gem, you steal my breath, Christian. I’ve never known a man be so hard and ruthless yet so insanely beautiful.” A thousand nights with him would not sate her craving. He deserved the love of a woman who could give him everything.
He brought her fingers to his lips and brushed a kiss over her knuckles. “Aaron once said admitting you’re afraid is not a weakness. I’m afraid I’m going to lose you. I’m afraid of what tomorrow will bring.” He glanced at the deserted staircase. “Aramis offered you money to leave.”
She swallowed. “He did.”
“Will you take it?”
A knot tightened in her chest. She couldn’t lie to him but she was so scared. Scared of the conte, of Mr Griffin, of trusting a man only to feel the crushing pain of disappointment.
“I can deal with the truth,” he reminded her.
Something had shifted inside her. Easing his discomfort was more important than easing her own fears. Was this love? She wasn’t sure, but she felt connected to him in ways she could not explain.
“I don’t want to leave.” She placed a gentle hand on his chest, covering his heart. “I want to stay here with you. But hardships teach us to be realistic. I’d run to the ends of the earth if it meant keeping you safe.”
He captured her chin, his mouth closing over hers in a tender kiss that hurt her heart. “Don’t go upstairs,” he whispered. “I don’t want anything to ruin our plans. Like me, Mrs Maloney is likely desperate for your company. I’ll make it up to her, but I need you in my bed tonight, Isabella.”
She understood.
Making love eased the restlessness. Making love made their problems seem insignificant. And the pleasure of having him one last time was far too tempting to resist.
* * *
Christian locked the door, and took a moment to breathe through the ache in his chest. Since seeing the conte, Isabella had been on edge. He was losing her. He could feel her slipping like sand through his fingers. If he didn’t find a way to get rid of the bastard, he’d be left with nothing but a shattered heart and painful memories.
Love is a figment of the imagination.
It’s the lies we tell ourself that hurt.
Aaron’s words entered Christian’s mind. The sentiment of a man who’d tolerated too much to believe in fairytales. A belief system that had helped his brother through the toughest times.
“Christian? Is something wrong?” Isabella’s soothing voice caressed him. “If you’ve changed your mind about—”
“I’ve not changed my mind.” He swung around. “I’ll never change my mind about you.” He needed to be constant enough for both of them. “Now I have you here, I’m considering chaining you to the bedpost.” Yet he was the one wearing imaginary shackles, though he hoped his teasing smile settled her concerns.
Amusement danced in her eyes. “I’m sure it would be an interesting topic to discuss during dinner. As long as you don’t mind eating from an upturned table.”
Now was not the time to consider Aaron’s black mood. Nothing would dampen his ardour. This might be the last time he’d take Isabella in his arms, and he meant to savour every second.
“Might I suggest we undress before our mouths meet?” He slipped out of his coat and draped it over the chair, gestured for her to remove her outdoor apparel. “We should be naked when our passion consumes us.” Hell, his blood was already surging southward.
The minx removed her gloves, every tug of a finger causing a powerful tug deep in his abdomen. “This room smells of you. If your bedsheets smell of you, you’ll struggle to get rid of me in the morning.”
He began untying the knot in his cravat. “There’s something arousing about a lover’s scent. Perhaps it’s why your shift still hangs in my armoire.”
She blinked as she shrugged out of her pelisse, her gaze darting to the wardrobe. “But you gave me back the laundered garment.”
“No. I gave you one of Delphine’s which looks similar.” He couldn’t explain it, but he’d wanted to keep something of hers. To own a small piece of the woman who drove him wild. “I’m keeping yours as payment for services rendered.”
“What services might those be?”
He removed his waistcoat. “Food and lodgings.” Though he was the one who owed her a debt. She’d made him see that loving someone was possible. He’d just have to pray fate granted him a boon. “And access to my extensive knowledge of Egyptian artefacts.”
“You’ve benefited from my expertise, too.” She hiked up her skirts, her hand moving to her garter. “It’s only right I have something of yours.”
“Leave your stockings. I wish to remove them myself.” He dragged his shirt over his head and smiled upon hearing her little gasp. “Strip and I’ll give you something you’ll treasure forever.”
Her eyes widened. “Not a child?”
