Page 43 of Landen

“I would haveto think about it first.”

“How long?”

“A few days.”

“Just what Ithought.” He gave her a knowing look.

*****

“You ripped thedress,” Tessa murmured,

They were both tryingto catch their breaths after a very rough and energetic sex that hadstarted in the living room and ended up in the bed.

“I will buy youanother, several as a matter of fact.” He brushed back thehairs from her cheek, his eyes darkening as he took in the passionshining in her dark brown eyes.

“No, youwon’t.”

“Are you goingto stop me?” He cupped her cheek and turned her to face him.

“I don’twant things. All I want is you.”

“You have me.”He was about to claim her lips when she wedged a hand on his chest.

“Do I?”

“What is thatsupposed to mean?”

“Nothing.”

“Please talk tome.”

“We arepretending this will be a happy ending.”

“It can be.”

“Please don’tdo that. I am a grown-ass woman who went into this thing with youwith wide-open eyes. You are British, and I am an American—ablack American at that. You are fabulously wealthy, and I earn anincome.

It is not a shabbydeal, but compared to the amount of money you have, it’s noteven a drop in the bucket. I am not Cinderella, and I certainly donot believe in fairytales. We will not end up together, and I ambracing myself for the day when you say goodbye.”

“What if Idon’t?”

“Please,stop.”

“I have moneyof my own. We could go somewhere - we have flats and houses inScotland, Italy and France. I have my place in London. We could liveanywhere.” The idea was suddenly taking root inside his mind.

“You want toget away from your parents.”

“Yes.”

“Because youknow deep in your heart that they would never approve of me.”

He considered lyingto her, but he refused to insult her intelligence. “Yes.”He acknowledged quietly.

“Because I amblack.”

“Amongother things,” he admitted.

Pulling out of hisarms, she dropped back on the pillows.

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