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She inhaled sharply. “You built the Red Bolt, too?”
“I built every one of my ships, and I lease some of them to merchants.”
She was impressed, and he could tell she was trying not to show it. “How did I not know about this before?”
“You did not search,” he chuckled.
“Oh, but I did. When I learned that you had set your eyes on my sister, I searched for everything I could find about you.”
Rhys laughed now. “Did you, now? Is that how you found what to base your list on?”
A look of guilt momentarily passed over her features, but she would not be unsettled. “Yes.”
“You would not have known this unless you had spoken to my advisor, Paxton, and he would never have told you. Very few people know I build ships.”
A slight smile touched her lips. “I suppose we all have secrets.”
“Indeed. I did the same thing you did when I decided to court your sister. I was told you would challenge me, and I sought to know everything about you. Alas, I was not able to find your work with—” he deliberately trailed off, deciding not to finish because it was her secret.
“You build ships, you support pugilists, you are England’s most beloved Marquess…is there anything you do not do?” Those words revealed the extent of the impression he had made upon her tonight, and he was greatly pleased.
“You cannot expect me to tell you all of my secrets in one evening, Elizabeth.” He clucked his tongue in mock disapproval.
“Will you tell me at another time?” she asked sweetly.
“In exchange for one of yours, yes.” Their eyes held, and he was once more reminded of his desire. She must have been as well because her eyes darkened, her skin flushed deliciously, and the rise and fall of her chest betrayed her quickened breathing. He slowly took a step toward her, hoping she would not retreat. She did not, and she surprised him when she came closer.
Their bodies brushed, and the excitement that rushed with his blood at that instant had him wishing to lock the door and use one of the ribbons laced into a braid in her hair to tie her hands while he gave her pleasure. Her lips parted, and he lowered his head.
As he was about to kiss her, she suddenly pressed her palms against his chest. Every cell in his body cursed the rejection. When he looked at her, she shook her head.
“Good night,” she said quickly and turned, hurrying out of the room.
Rhys shut his eyes and clenched his teeth. He was beginning to wish he had not asked her to stay out of his business in exchange for keeping her secret because she had turned it into a weapon against him. She made him want her then left him burning in the flames of his need.
He was lost as to how he would live in this castle with her for four days. This trip did not bode well for him.
