Bound by Bliss (Bound and Determined #2)(94)

“I see that Duldon has been playing. I think I’d like to play too.” He reached out and pulled the bodice down, pulling her chemise with it. “Very, very pretty. You really do like games.”

Against her will Bliss found her own gaze settling on her breast, on the milky white flesh marred with dark pink circles where the wax had fallen and on the nipple, so tight and peaked and swollen.

“I do believe you do want me, want me badly.” He flicked the nipple with his fingertips.

A low moan escaped—and not one of pleasure.

Lord Temple made a little sound of his own and then: “You can scream if that’s what you want. The walls are thick and the people are used to screams. I’ve heard them before even if I’ve never caused them.”

Did he actually sound like he wanted her to scream?



She would not if she could help it. Noise clearly only increased whatever pleasure the man was finding in all of this—and it would not bring help unless Stephan heard her. Was he still asleep? Did he even know she was gone? If she wasn’t careful then fear would begin to rule her. She had to keep faith, faith in Stephan, faith in herself.

Why had she left him? And it was not only her desire for safety that had her asking that question; with so much suddenly at risk, she was forced to wonder what she really wanted, what she really feared. Why was she not reaching for what she wanted, instead of running from it?

Temple stepped back then, drawing her attention, and walked to a small table set against one wall. A crystal decanter and used glass sat upon it. He picked up the decanter, emptying it into the glass. It filled it halfway. His eyes stared at the liquid with every bit as much interest as he’d stared at her. “Damn. I was waiting too long for my lady friend to come. I will have to get more.” He downed the glass in a single swallow, the scent of cheap brandy filling the room.

He walked to the door and grabbed the pull located beside it. A few good yanks and he turned back to her.

He stared for a moment, his eyes barely moving from her swollen nipple. His tongue poked out, slicking his lips.

She turned her head away, closed her eyes, and prayed.

The clump of his boots led to one of the wardrobes.

She squeezed her eyes tighter.

The clump led back.

“What do you think you do with this? Do you think it would be fun to use?”



With dread roiling in her belly, Bliss opened her eyes and stared.





Chapter Twenty-five


She was gone. Duldon wasn’t sure why it surprised him, but it did. He rolled over in the bed and stared about the room. There was not a trace of her left behind. Wait. No, there were three hairpins sitting on the table, another on the floor. A deep blue ribbon ran out from beneath one of the pillows. Her mask, he had no idea how it had gotten there. What had they done with it when they’d pulled it off?

He pulled on the ribbon, watching as the dark satin of the mask slipped out from beneath the pillow. The ribbon curled about his finger, cool and slick. He lifted the ribbon in the air, the mask dangling. A soft floral scent wafted in the air. Lilac. That was it. It should not have taken him so long to identify it. The gardens at home had been filled with the scent each spring.

Leaning forward, he breathed deep. Gardens. Rich spring gardens when the world was full of life and potential, when everything was just beginning. It suited her. He could picture her dancing and twirling in his gardens. He couldn’t wait to share them with her again.

Swinging his body up in the bed, he let his legs dangle over the edge.

God, he felt satisfied. He hadn’t even truly had Bliss yet, and he felt better than he had in years.

She’d said yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

And of her own free will—or at least nearly so. He had to admit he’d used some of his more persuasive powers. He couldn’t help but grin at the thought. He couldn’t wait to do it again. But, even so, in his experience, those moments when pain and pleasure brought a woman to such a vulnerable state were when the truth leaked out.



And Bliss had said yes.

He wished she’d stayed to celebrate, but he found his surprise changing to acceptance. She’d needed time to think, to reach an understanding of what had happened between them. His toes slid along the floor and he rose to standing, reaching high in a long stretch. He felt so rested. He hoped the hour wasn’t too late. That might also explain the flight of his bride-to-be. It would be hard to explain to her family if she arrived home after the maids were up. He should have been more careful. He hated the thought of her wandering alone about London.

Not that she’d be alone. He’d spoken to Ruby about the matter earlier and made it very clear that if Bliss decided to leave on her own, Ruby was to have one of her young footmen, all former pugilists, accompany or follow her. He would never risk putting Bliss in danger.

He hoped she wasn’t furious this morning. He would not have been a bit surprised if he’d been awoken by her small fists, or even one of her slippers, beating him about the head. His Bliss did have a temper. He wished she’d given him the chance to soothe it and then perhaps he could have found an appropriate punishment for her actions.

She did like her punishment; she melted softer than butter once she realized she had no control.

He had a feeling she’d been fighting to take care of herself for far too long. It was time for her to simply relax and let him shoulder the burden for a while. Although he imagined that Bliss was not yet ready to hear any such words. He fancied that she was still steaming at the ears, unable to believe what she had agreed to, unable to face her real desires.