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She pulled back far enough to look into his eyes, as her hand dropped between them to stroke his impressive erection through his trousers. “I want it all.”
He closed his eyes briefly. “I was hoping you would say that.”
When they came together again, it was explosive. Clothes were discarded and thrown haphazardly around the room as they headed for the massive bed in the middle. Isadora arched her back as he lavished attention on her breasts and beyond, until she was trembling for that sweet release.
But he didn’t grant it. Each time she drew close to the precipice, he withdrew his attentions. He teased and taunted her until she was writhing beneath him, until finally, he gave her the bliss that she craved. She cried out as wave after wave of delirium washed over her. “This is how it will be every time between us, if you say yes,” he whispered next to her ear.
Isadora set her arms against his shoulders and moved him until they had reversed position. Her hair fell over her chest as she slid down onto his hard length. He groaned as she impaled herself and started to move. In control, she tormented him in thesame manner, until he was gritting his teeth. “Isadora… you’re going to make me insane…”
She moved her hips just enough to make him yearn for her even more. “Are you sure this is what you want for the rest of your days, my lord?”
He grasped her hips as he looked at her fervently. They were bright and shining with that intense shade of hazel and amber combined. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he growled, as he increased the pace, sending them both over the edge.
Afterward, he set his forehead against hers. “I’m sorry, Isadora. You just made me… forget everything.”
It wasn’t until that moment that she realized he hadn’t pulled out of her but filled her with his seed. She stiffened slightly. “I’m sure there won’t be any lasting consequences.”
She moved away from him, and she could tell he let her go with reluctance. “And if you should deny my proposal and find yourself with child?” he asked. “What then?”
Isadora stilled as she donned her nightdress. “I would prefer not to discuss it until there is a need. Let’s just enjoy this moment for what it was.”
He shook his head with a snort. “You mean, as a way to keep yourself disconnected from me? From anyone?” He got up and shoved on his trousers, and then came around the side of the bed and grasped her shoulders. “There is nothing wrong with caring for someone else, Isadora. Nor letting them care for you in return. If you can’t see by now that I’m completely besotted with you—”
She held up a hand. “Stop right there.” She backed toward the door. “I shouldn’t have given in and allowed myself to come here tonight. Things are moving too fast. I need more time.”
He set his hands on his hips, his jaw clenched tightly. “Of course. Good night, my lady.”
Isadora slipped out of the room and returned to her own. Even though her chest was tight, not a single tear fell. It made herwonder if she truly was beyond salvation, that she had held herself off from affection for so many years that she might never learn how to love again.
With a shuddering sigh, she closed her eyes.
Remington eschewedany more spirits that evening. Imbibing wouldn’t assuage the ache he felt inside, nor would it give him the insight he needed to conquer Isadora’s fears, or doubts, or whatever else caused her to slam up that wall every time they were together. Just when he imagined that he was starting to break down those barriers around her heart, they were locked back into place. He was starting to wonder if he would ever wear her down and make her forget about the man she had cared about so dearly.
He put on a neutral expression the next morning when he joined her for breakfast in the dining hall. Not just because Lady Grace was there to wish them well on their journey to Edinburgh, but because he didn’t want Isadora to see that he was twisted inside. He wanted to demand that she marry him, that they would have a good life together, but patience was the one thing that would eventually sway her mind.
He just prayed he wasn’t waiting in vain.
For most of the journey north, conversation inside the carriage was stilted. It was as if they had a mutual understanding to keep to their own devices. For the most part, Isadora watched the passing scenery, and he could but imagine what she was thinking. But then, Rem supposed he did some musing of his own, because when the city of Edinburgh finally came into view, it seemed as if they had just left Dalkeith.
Rem instructed the coachman to return for them a short time later, which worked out rather well since he said he had a list of things to procure for the household.
“Who is it that we will be meeting today?” Isadora asked.
Thus, for the next two hours, anything that was spoken between them had to do with the men they were in discussion with regarding the prospective rail line to Dalkeith. With the expanding need for coal to other parts of the country, Scotland was in dire need of easier transport. Together, they could make a profitable partnership with their contacts in England. At least, that’s what Isadora was trying to convince their hosts.
Rem found it nearly impossible to tear his gaze away from her when she was in her element, because when it came to discussing matters of finance, she had a natural gift. She spoke with a confidence that most women could not fathom when it came to matters of industry, but she was a born politician. When their business had concluded, it was with a show of respect toward Isadora, when at first they had been reluctant to speak freely in her presence.
As they took their leave, he turned to her. “You are a force of nature to be reckoned with, my lady.”
She glanced at him curiously. “Whatever do you mean?”
He waved a hand at the building behind him. “The way you handled things so effortlessly today and managed to convince those men inside that they would be making a terrible mistake by not taking your advice.”
She lifted a brow. “Was I wrong?”
“Not at all.” He grinned broadly. “In truth, I believe that Mr. Stephenson will be very glad to hear that you are sending future buyers his way. As well as Mr. Longridge. I shouldn’t be surprised if they offered you a share in the profits.”
She shrugged. “I would be open to negotiations.”
