She flushed and clenched her hands, trying to hide her calloused palms and chipped, ragged nails, once again afraid he was mocking her.
If only she were elegant and worldly, the kind of woman who could dazzle a man like Talon with her charm and wit. The kind of woman who could take a lover and not feel guilty about it.
“I’ll miss my roses.” She blinked, hoping she was strong enough to hold back more useless tears. “I think I’ll miss them most of all.”
He took her hands, bending down until his beautiful face was disturbingly close. “Tell me about your roses. Why do you enjoy gardening so much?”
No one had ever asked her about the things that made her happy. A lifetime of hopes and dreams were locked deep within her. She didn’t even know where to begin. “There’s just something about working in the dirt, getting dirty and sweaty, making things grow.” She shrugged, feeling silly. “When I’m out in the garden, I don’t have to worry about doing and saying all the right things. I can just be myself.”
He brought her hand to his lips, his long lashes sweeping low as his mouth brushed her knuckles. “You don’t ever have to pretend with me. I like you just the way you are.”
His lips were fine and full, warm and satiny to the touch. She wanted to kiss him, to run her hands over his skin. Lord, he was a dangerous, dangerous man.
Flustered, she pulled her hand away. “What are you passionate about, Talon? What makes you happy?”
A flicker of pain crossed his handsome features, but then he smiled. “I like simple things. The wind in my face. The smell of the sea. Warm, willing women.”
Warm, willing women. His words were like a dash of icy water in the face. They reminded her Talon Montgomery had been with dozens of women. He probably had to fight them off with a stick.
She didn’t doubt he could make her very happy for a night or two.
But then he’d move on. She’d be left behind, alone and unloved, more miserable then ever because she’d know what she was missing.
Clearing her throat, she stood. The time had come to put an end to this foolishness. “I think we should leave, Mr. Montgomery.”
* * * * *
Talon cursed himself all the way back to his father’s townhouse. What a royal botch he’d made of everything. Kate was silent beside him, her back rigid with dismay.
Warm, willing women. What a stupid thing to say. But her question had surprised him, and he’d realized that she was the only thing that had made him happy in a very long time. So he’d brazened it out, made it sound as though she were merely one of hundreds, thousands even, to cover his discomfort.
Now she thought he would use her then abandon her without a backward glance. He wanted to pull her off that horse and shake her, make her look into his eyes and see what kind of man he truly was…
His thoughts trailed off, and embarrassed heat crept into his cheeks. Necessity had made him exactly the kind of man she feared him to be.
What was it about her that made him forget himself? When he held her in his arms, he forgot about his men, forgot everything but the memory of her lips melting beneath his, her softness, the scent of roses and innocence.
She made him feel alive, as though anything were possible.
He had to remember this wasn’t a romance. He was being blackmailed, and he couldn’t afford to let himself be carried away by emotion.
It was best to nip this maudlin daydreaming in the bud. He had to focus on the subject at hand—cold-hearted seduction.
He was pushing her too fast.
She was attracted to him. But she was suffering intense guilt over the one meager kiss they’d already shared. Her defenses were up, and she was determined not to give in to him again.
Well, he didn’t have time for her maidenly protests. He wanted her to fall willingly into his arms. He wanted her to be a different kind of woman altogether. One who’d take the pleasure he offered and not be burdened by morality.
He sighed, and she turned to look at him. Her gaze was reproachful, even a little fearful. But beneath it all was something else, something hungry and needy. Something that made him think maybe he hadn’t botched it after all.
Forcing himself to be ruthless, he pasted on his most charming smile. “I’m sorry if I offended you. It certainly wasn’t my intention.”
She gave a dismissive flick of her hand, her face softening. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have come with you. It was selfish.”
“How often do you do anything for yourself?” He shook his head. “Don’t regret the time we spend together, Kate. I won’t allow it.”
“You won’t allow it?” Her voice rose in disbelief. “Don’t tell me what you will and won’t allow. I already have enough men in my life telling me what to do.”
