Angel in Scarlet (Bound and Determined #4)(27)

“What do you require? I am not willing to try another man, and I am not yet willing to risk my virginity.”

“I want something more difficult than that. I want to know if you are willing to let me see what you truly feel. If I ask you to do something, can you let me see how you feel about it? If you want to proceed with this game, I want no pretense between us. That is what I require.”

Could she do that? And was he actually prepared to proceed with their game? What had changed his mind? And if he was, could she really let him see into her deepest thoughts? She knew he had seen her pleasure and excitement the other night, and he had realized she was not happy earlier when Granderson was touching her. And she did want to continue; despite everything, she was not ready to give up. “I can try. I think you see what I feel whether I want you to or not.”

“I can perhaps guess, but I want you to show me, to hide nothing.”

She swallowed. “Again, all I can promise is to try.”

He inched closer, and even with her downcast eyes she could see the toes of his boots. He moved to the chair and took his seat, his feet set apart. “Should we try this again?”

Nerves curled in her belly. “Yes, but…”

“But…? Speak, and speak honestly.”

“But if I do this, if I try this, can you accept my honesty? Can you believe that I am not after a wedding ring?”





Chapter 8


Could he do that? Could he believe in her honesty? Could he trust? “I could perhaps believe that it is not your target, your goal. I have yet to meet a woman who truly did not want marriage.”

She rather expected he was wrong about that. She had known many women who did not truly desire marriage but saw no other opportunity. Life was not kind to a woman alone. “I have never said I did not wish to marry.”

“You merely do not wish to marry me?” He raised a brow, and she could see he was yet to be convinced. “Yet you wish to risk your maidenly virtue?”

“Did you say ‘maidenly virtue’? Somehow the phrase sounds most odd coming from your lips. And, yes, it is my risk. Why does it bother you so much? I am quite sure you have not always lived virtuously.”

“Perhaps, but the fact that I do not choose to always live virtuously does not mean I do not respect such behavior in others. You know that when we were courting I never pressed you for even a kiss.”

“I think I was the one who pressed for that kiss,” she sighed softly, her face pensive.

“And then you didn’t want any more. You seemed to shun my every touch. Perhaps that is why your sudden desire has me troubled.”

“I did want them. That first kiss was wonderful. I thought of it frequently. I still think of it. I just…” Her voice trailed off. “Just trust that I did want your kiss.”

She had made it clear that she wanted that first kiss. He could remember how he’d felt as her eyes stared into his, then dropped to his lips, then up to his eyes again—and then another drop. It had been impossible not to lean forward, not to press his mouth against hers—not to deepen the kiss, not to…

It had been one of most sensuous kisses of his life, despite its rather innocent nature. He’d left her that night, forced himself from taking things further, with the firm thought that he had found the one. Then she’d changed and he’d convinced himself that it was all an act, that as soon as she had the commitment of that kiss, she’d revealed her true nature.

Or perhaps she had been frightened by the passion of that kiss? That had worried him too. He had not wanted a woman who was frightened by passion.

Now he did not know what to think.

Who was Angela really?

And was he willing to find out? Was that why he was preparing to take this further, or was it simply that there was something about her that he could not resist? Did it matter? It seemed that he could not resist proceeding, could not resist her innocent charm combined with the promise of her curious eyes.

And then? That was a problem for tomorrow.

This was about tonight.

He leaned toward her, let his eyes focus on those breasts he had yet to touch, imagined their softness, their weight, their taste. He might not be ready to move quite that far until he understood more of what his angel wanted, but a man could dream. “Have I satisfied your curiosity?”

“Yes, you have answered my question, at least as far as you are able.” She bit down, her teeth moving across her plump lower lip, her breath growing suddenly shallow as she followed his gaze.

Good. He put thought aside, let his desires out. He sucked in a breath, letting his lips purse, imagining her ripe nipple between them—letting her see his need. “So if I have adequately answered your questions, I do believe it is your turn. You were going to show me just how honest you can be about what you feel.”

“If that is what you wish.” Her eyes finally met his, and he could see trepidation in them but also the returning flicker of rising desire. Her eyes said that she knew exactly what he was thinking.

“What are you feeling at this moment?” He would see if she’d show the honesty he needed.

She leaned back on her arms, reclining slightly, but held his gaze, although he could see the effort it cost her. She was far more timid than she wished him to know. “I am nervous. It is hard to imagine being honest about everything one is feeling. There are always things one would prefer to keep hidden.”