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“Dominant,” he corrected. “And a few well-administered punishments, I think, would do much to rectify your defiance.”
She squirmed and picked the greenery off the tops of the strawberries. “If you have such a penchant for being the disciplinarian, might I suggest you find a wife and have yourself a gaggle of children to tyrannize?”
Overseeing Lucille was sufficient for the time being, but he kept that thought to himself. “Superior, overbearing, tyranny. Are there other appellations you wish to direct at me?”
“How much time have we?” she threw back at him.
Reaching over, he grasped her wrist and pulled her to him. “What does it say of you, Miss Herwood, that you would still consort—that you would still desire my touch?”
He saw her bosom rise with extended breath. She blinked against his gaze, then pulled herself from his grip.
“Contrary to what you wish to think, Lord Rockwell, I do not pine and burn at all times for your touch.”
He raised his brows, intrigued by the challenge. “Prove it.”
* * * * *
Deana felt her mouth go dry despite the moist berry she had stuffed in it. She should have known she was playing with fire when it came to this man. She had no wish to go near him, but if she did not please him, he might call an end to their sojourn at the Chateau Follet and she would lose the opportunity to earn the remainder of the funds she required. What a situation she had placed herself in! She had not been four and twenty hours at the Chateau and was now facing her second ‘punishment.’
She considered renewing their debate about the Company, but he was not likely to take the bait a second time. Indeed, she suspected he had only humored her the first time. The thought perturbed her. He could afford to humor her, as he could afford many things. She did not often bemoan the difficulties in her life—her mother and aunt did enough lamenting for them all—but she could not ignore the inequity between her situation and that of Lord Rockwell. Did he deserve his place in the world more than she? If she were in his place, she would not allow the Company to turn a blind eye to the practice of sati. How could he have the valiance to rescue Bhadra but take no action to save others from certain death? She encouraged the line of thought for it made her cross with him, and her vexation could serve as armor.
“If you will not take my word for it,” she replied, “then that is the end of the matter.”
“Hardly.”
His impassiveness was maddening. She finished off her wine to indicate the picnic was at an end.
“I have no desire to prove anything to you, Lord Rockwell.”
“You have no wish to be gainsaid.”
“Resorting to childish taunts will not abet you in accomplishing your objective.”
He raised his brows once more. “M’lady has a tart mouth.” He lowered his voice. “I can think of a better use for that mouth.”
His response had her rattled. What did he mean by that? To which she answered herself, Best not to ask. It was not like her to be so provoking. She had encountered men far more difficult than he at the gaming hell and thus had no explanation at hand for why Lord Rockwell could incite her with such ease.
Laying back, he crossed his hands behind his head. “I have no interest in coming to get you, Miss Herwood. Simply know that the longer I wait, the greater the punishment.”
“What sort of...punishment?”
“I have a number of delectable options to choose from, but I think I should like the punishment to fit the crime.”
She fidgeted with her now empty glass while stewing upon his latest statement. It was beco
ming clear that she had few choices here at the Chateau—of her own devising. Perhaps if she had been more creative, she would not have had to turn to Lord Rockwell for her salvation. Alas, there was little to be gained from crying over spilt milk. She had made her bed and should see it to its end.
Without word, she rose and resettled herself on his side of the picnic rug. He turned to his side and fixed his gaze upon her like a predator that had its prey cornered. Her pulse quickened.
“Satisfied?”
“Partly,” he murmured. “Unbutton your riding habit.”
Dread and a dash of excitement filled her to the quick. “Now? Out here? But we could be seen.”
“So be it.”
He must have noticed her pale for he added, “Do you see a soul beside the birds in the trees?”
