Page 36 of Keeper of Secrets

But before she could reach the apex of her pleasure, he pulled back, not enough to break their contact but just enough that her body’s reaction slowed.His dark eyes filled with raw need as he searched her face.“I thought you were a little mouse.”

Had he thought to easily control her?Mildred had been right.It was time to be brave.“I’m being chased by a very aggressive cat.”

He still held her hip in his hand, his thigh between her legs."True.Which means you can’t win.”

She shook her head, knowing she was about to hurt him.But it was what she had to do.“Just like your mother didn’t win.”

He pushed away, looking physically revolted, as he put several feet between them.“How dare you.”

She shuddered then, her arms wrapping about herself for strength.The air in the room was already cooling her skin.“You want to separate yourself from your father?Don’t be indifferent to me the way he was to her.”

“You don’t know anything about it.”

“Then tell me.”

“It’s time for you to go home.”

Her fists tightened as her chin notched up.“Stop running away from me.”

“I’m not running,” he rumbled, moving closer again but this time she shivered despite his heat.“I just don’t want you.”

His words cut into her.She’d known he was going to hurt her back.It was inevitable.“Fair enough,” she whispered, swallowing down a lump.“Then let me go.But don’t tie me to a man who doesn’t want me.”

She felt the rumble in his chest.He reached for her, but his hands weren’t rough.They were gentle as he tugged her from the wall and opened the door.

“You’re still sending me home?”

He stopped, his mouth twitching.“I’ll escort you.”

And then, lacing his fingers through hers, he pulled her out the door.

* * *

He was an ass…Ryker knew it.

Not only had he just lied, he was too selfish to admit it.

Christ, she was right, he was just like his father.She sat across from him in the dark carriage, staring out the window.

He was losing her.He could feel it.She was gaining strength and rapidly acquiring knowledge.Most important of all… she had options.

She didn’t need to marry an emotionally stunted prick of a man.He scrubbed his hands down his face.

He did have one weapon at his disposal.She was attracted to him…

He’d felt the roll of her hips when he’d had her pressed against that wall.Which brought him back to the reason he’d locked her in her room.

It was becomingly increasingly obvious he had to choose.Her or the path he’d laid out for himself.

There would be no middle ground.

But he didn’t want to think about that tonight.What he wanted…

Was her.

To keep her close enough to give himself the time he needed to make the decisions about his future.Again… selfish.

But it didn’t have to be.

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