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And I was conveniently available, she thought, and so pitifully ready to believe every charming, seductive lie he told me. Not to mention the merit points he'd gain by rescuing the neighbourhood's penniless orphan. Why couldn't I see that he was taking me in lieu of the money my grandfather owed him? That was why he could still justify continuing his affair with Vanessa— because he was just balancing the bloody books.
She drew a ragged, painful breath.
He said harshly, 'I'm wailing for an answer.'
Slowly, reluctantly, she turned to face him. Her eyes were accustomed now lo the semi-darkness, and she could see that he was propped up on one elbow, watching her, although she was unable to read his expression. But then, did she really want lo? She said, 'I told you—I knew I'd made a terrible mistake and I couldn't think how to put it right. So I suppose I took the coward's way out—and left.'
'And that's all there was to it?'
'Yes.' Or she could ever admit to.
'It didn't occur to you to talk to me? That maybe together we could have sorted something out?'
'I was afraid that—somehow—you'd persuade me to stay.' That, she thought, at least was the truth.
'It's almost comforting lo know that once seemed possible.' His lone was wry.
'I can assure you it didn't last long,' she said defensively.
'Now, that carries real conviction,' he resumed grimly. 'But if that's away of telling me I still have a struggle on my hands, I recommend that you think again. Because I've no intention of fighting fair.' She said tonelessly, ‘I will consider myself warned.'
'On the other hand,' he said, after a pause, 'it doesn't have to be like this.' 'As long as I do what you say? Play by your rules?' Cally demanded bitterly. 'Oh, I'm sure.' 'I was thinking more,' Nick said slowly, 'of that day by the river. And please don't pretend you've forgotten." Her instinctive denial died on her lips. She tensed. 'What of it?'
'It would be good,' he said, 'if we could forget the rest and recapture that time—that place.' He made a slight movement, adjusting his position, and she felt him touch her shoulder, quietly and softly, his fingers cool as drops of water against the sudden bum of her naked skin.
A fist seemed to clench in her chest as reluctantly, painfully, she found herself remembering...
Reliving in too-vivid detail the nearby whisper of running water, the scent of the grass, and the glow of the sun against her closed eyelids. And Nick's mouth on hers, gentling her lips apart, bringing her to trembling life with the delicate play of his tongue against hers and the slow, beguiling drift of his fingers on her body.
While, deep within her, she'd felt the first bewildering, tormenting ache of desire—overwhelming and irresistible.
It might have been yesterday. It could be now...
Now! The word seemed to sting her brain, sending her crashing back to sanity. Oh, God, she groaned silently, what was she thinking of?
Gasping in shock, she jerked away from him. 'Don't—don't touch me. I—I can't bear it."
There was a silence, then he spoke, his voice soft and jeering. 'What are you hoping, my sweet? That you'll offend me so deeply I'll toss you back to your good Samaritan at Gunners Wharf and crawl away, wounded, into the undergrowth?' He shook his head. 'You'll have to try harder than that, darling. And I think it's time to give some thought to the actual terms of our agreement," he added with a touch of grimness. 'Because, under the circumstances, a little touching is going to be inevitable."
Her mouth was dry. 'But not yet. Not so soon—please.'
'A pleasure deferred, then,' Nick drawled mockingly.
She winced. 'How can you possibly say that?'
'Easily,' he said. 'Because I intend to enjoy every inch of you—and every moment of our lime together.' He paused. 'You, of course, must do as you please." He reached out an arm and flicked on the lamp at his side of the bed, bathing the room in pink light.
Cally stiffened. 'What are you doing?'
He said quietly, 'If I'm not allowed to touch, I may at least look.' He took the edge of the covers and tossed them back.
Cally made an unavailing grab for their protection, then lay like a stone, staring into space, her lower lip caught in her teeth, bitterly aware that the delicate layer of chiffon was no barrier at all against his cool, lingering scrutiny of her body.
At last, she said in a small, stifled voice, 'Have you finished?’
He gave a brief, harsh laugh. 'Don't be naive, darling. We both know I haven't even begun yet.'
He turned away from her, onto his side, extinguishing the light and leaving her to draw the covers back into place. She lay beside him, imprisoned by silence and his proximity, not daring to move.
