Burned by Passion(38)
It had been Blake’s idea that they spend their honeymoon in England. He’d said he wanted her to see parts of his home, to learn more about him. Kira had never traveled out of the U.S. before. In fact, she’d never flown either and the experience had been exciting, more so than she’d imagined even with the clouds of worry hanging over her still.
She worried if she’d done the right thing; and especially about if she could keep her escalating emotions in check where Blake was concerned. The nicer he was to her; the more attentive, caring and loving, it ate at her insides and made her terrified she’d be defenseless if he ever chose to make his strike.
Kira had grumbled about the need for a honeymoon in the first place. “I told you, Blake; this isn’t going to be some-”
“Fairy tale ending; yes, I remember,” Blake had said dryly. But his eyes were burning coals as he’d added, “You keep saying you’re doing this only because of the baby. Well then, we’re going to do it right. There’ll be the honeymoon and you can bet we’re going to be married in more than name only. We’ll work at this marriage, Kira. With both of us knowing it’s all for the baby.”
She’d stared up at him with seething anger, sure he was laughing at her. But in her heart she knew he was right. But how far was she willing to play along with his plans? He’d once complained about his dad having control issues but she could see Blake was not so far different himself. She knew he would make her bend to his will and a part of her shivered at the idea of how it would feel to finally let him.
So she’d come with him to London, and loved every moment of it. It was strange and new to her but it was also amazing and beautiful. She’d never known how much she’d been missing until Blake took her sightseeing and they visited all those wonderful spots. Despite herself, it felt great spending time with him because he was so intelligent, witty and attentive to her every interest. He also knew how to have fun and make her laugh when she least expected it. He was pulling out all the stops to win her over and the thought warmed her even as she berated herself for being so susceptible.
Kira remembered their first night there. Once they’d arrived in the elegant and romantic hotel with its beautifully historic building, she’d been breathless. It was ancient, but had been restored with great taste, with modern touches that added convenience and aesthetic.
From what she’d read about the place it was an old Grand Victorian mansion dating back as far as the late 1800’s. The antiques were fascinating masterpieces and it was like spending the night in a museum. Each room in the suite had charm and character. She found the service was impeccable too and Kira had her first taste of ‘high tea’ which was very formal and delicious. Everything was seen to down to the smallest details and only that morning she’d eaten the best eggs Benedict she’d ever tasted.
It was all old-fashioned service from a bygone era; quite discreet and helpful without being fawning. It was perfect for a honeymoon and Kira couldn’t help wishing this was for real and not something he’d practically had to force her into. This wasn’t about love or romance, she told herself. Having a honeymoon and staying at such a romantic hotel only seemed to dig in that fact even more.
After a week Kira felt like she never wanted them to leave. That night, they had dinner in the fabulous dining room which had a touch of grandeur and lots of character. Kira had enjoyed each course; everything had been sublime, as usual and when they both returned to their room, she’d been glowing from the good food and enjoyable evening.
But now her delighted haze faded as she turned from the window and saw Blake watching her. The physical distance between them didn’t matter; as always when she felt his desire it made everything compress around them. Kira already felt the walls closing in, making her sway on her feet slightly.
She wouldn’t let him get to her; not tonight. Before the honeymoon trip she’d made him promise not to try anything. He’d assured her that he knew she needed more time but that he fully intended that they’d be man and wife in every sense of the word. Kira secretly commended him for his self-control so far but she was also frightened of what would happen if his control ever snapped. Seeing the darkening gleam in his eyes, Kira suddenly decided to escape to the bathroom and blurted out that she needed a warm bath before bed.
She didn’t wait for his response but went quickly to the bathroom and closed the door behind her with a sigh of relief.
Chapter Fifteen
When Kira scurried from the room like the devil was after her, Blake couldn’t help but swear. He should’ve known better than to stand there gaping at her like some horny schoolboy.
Not that anyone could blame him. Kira looked more and more delectable by the day. Tonight she’d worn a gorgeous jersey dress in flattering grey that had gently accentuated her swelling stomach. A pregnant Kira could send a red-blooded man’s libido straight out the stratosphere and as usual, she hadn’t a clue the effect she had, especially on him.
He could hear her in the bathroom now. It was an old building; the walls were pretty thin and besides, when it came to Kira his senses were all the more accentuated. He’d become attuned to everything about her; her voice; the scent of her skin and the way she ate and laughed. He loved everything about his beautiful, sexy wife and it ached that they still had that huge wall between them.