Page 49 of A Scandalous Proposition
‘You don’t know me at all.’ She was surprised to discover that the distance separating them had shrunk and that his leg now brushed against her skirts.
‘I know a very great deal about you.’
‘What do you know?’ She spoke in a whisper, the words barely audible as she forced them past the obstacle constricting her throat.
‘Let me see.’ His arm circled her waist and pulled her towards him. ‘I know that you possess great courage and that you care desperately about the welfare of your family.’ His lips brushed against her temple. ‘I know that you are willing to risk your life because you can’t bear to think of your countrywomen being sold into prostitution.’ The fingers tracing her bodice had moved lower. ‘I know you loved your husband but didn’t really know him because you spent very little time together.’
She gasped. He captured the breath as it left her mouth by covering her lips with his own and drawing it into his lungs.
‘I know that you feel guilty about the desire I’ve awoken in you.’ His lips were still teasing hers as he spoke. ‘And that you are confused by your feelings when you’re with me because you think you are being disloyal to your husband’s memory.’ He gently nipped the pulse beating out of control at the base of her throat. ‘How am I doing?’
She gulped. ‘You see a great deal.’
‘You’re an open book to me.’
‘That’s hardly a compliment.’
‘You want me to pay you compliments?’
‘Do you remember how?’ She flashed an impudent smile.
He tutted. ‘I’ve never had to deal with such a disrespectful female before.’
‘That’s better. Now you’ve remembered how to say nice things.’
His lips twitched. ‘Look at me, Florentina.’
‘I can hardly avoid doing so since you’re holding me so tight.’
‘And why do you think that is?’
‘You drank too much wine earlier and need my support to remain on your feet?’
‘Is that what passes for good manners in Spanish society?’
‘Do you always avoid the issue by answering a question with another question?’
‘Do you?’
Florentina giggled. ‘Don’t imagine that you will get the better of me by bandying words. I fully intend to be there when you confront Dawson, you know.’
‘I know that’s what you intend.’
‘And I will succeed too.’
‘How so?’
‘You assume that you’ll get the better of me, simply because I’m a woman and supposedly incapable. But you forget that I spent several years scouting in dangerous areas. Getting the better of you will be child’s play by comparison.’
‘Ah, thank you for the warning. Now I shall know precisely how to act.’
‘And how will that be?’
‘Nothing could be simpler. I shall, if necessary, lock you in your room.’ He paused, his eyes glistening with mischief. ‘And if you still put up a fight I shall be obliged to tie you down.’
She gasped. ‘You wouldn’t dare!’
He met her gaze and held it, determination etched in his expression. ‘My advice to you is not to put that assumption to the test.’
