Page 32 of Signed, Sealed, Married

Her hair was swept up, shining like pale gold. It was true her dress was demure. Dark blue with sleeves to the elbow, a high neck, cinched waist and skirt to just below the knees, at first glance it looked modest. Yet it made him desperate at the thought of her naked skin beneath it. The way it shifted and clung as she walked stole the air from his lungs.

She’d driven him crazy from the moment he’d collected her tonight, his skin too tight for the primal urges he battled.

He swung to face his host with a smile he knew held an edge of masculine threat. If Blake so much aslookedat Gisèle with that hungry gleam, Adam would deck him. ‘But such asophisticatednun,’ he drawled.

Deliberately he turned towards the pool where some women, including Blake’s newest paramour, had stripped to their underwear for a midnight dip. As he watched, one took off her bra to pose in a skimpy thong, ogled by a cluster of men.

‘If you’ll excuse us, it’s time we left.’

He spun on his heel and turned to discover Gisèle had almost reached them. He didn’t wait for Blake’s response but marched across, took her elbow and hurried her towards the exit.

Damn their agreement not to touch.

He wanted to wrap his arm around her and tuck her close, as if his bulk could protect her from the avaricious eyes of that slimeball Blake. And any other predatory male.

He’d only known the woman a couple of weeks but she tested his limits. Every day as they worked together he was distracted by the sight and sound of her. His brain threatened to short circuit as he inhaled her cinnamon and orange blossom scent whenever they got close.

But never close enough to satisfy what had become a permanent, gut-deep yearning.

Just as well she didn’t know what she did to him! She’d use that power to her advantage.

Adam’s jaw clenched so hard pain grabbed his neck and the back of his skull. But he couldn’t dispel the tension crawling through his body. At the thought of Blake judging Gisèle and, despite his mockery, salivating over her like a greedy hyena.

‘But I haven’t said goodnight to Mr Blake!’ She half turned.

‘I did it for you.’

He tightened his grip as they wove through the partygoers. Several tried to stop them. He saw male gazes slide over Gisèle and refused to halt. Even when he realised he’d forgotten to reduce his stride to suit hers, he didn’t slow. Something deep inside demanded he get her away immediately.

He’d like to think it was a protective instinct.

Instead Adam feared it was dog-in-the-manger stubbornness. He couldn’t have her, yet, and the frustration was like scrabbling claws shredding his veneer of sophistication.

Sophistication! It was a wonder he hadn’t punched his leering host on the nose and thrown Gisèle over his shoulder to carry her away to his villa.

He imagined it clearly. Initially she’d be outraged but then she’d melt in his arms, revealing she was as desperate for him as he was for her.

Dream on, mate!

He didn’t pretend to know what went on in a woman’s mind, but he couldn’t miss her stiff posture or darting looks. Needling looks. She didn’t want to leave the party.

Why? Had she met someone? A man?

Had he fooled himself, believing he read attraction in her eyes when she let the guard down?

Adam huffed a breath of pure frustration as he guided her through the foyer. It wasn’t like him to doubt himself. This second guessing was sending him crazy.

But after seeing momentary hints of stark vulnerability in her eyes, and dealing with her and her brother enough to begin amending his assessment of them, he’d revised his plans. It struck him how furious and resentful he’d feel if a stranger tried to forcehissister into marriage.

That made him squirm. But if the idea were truly distasteful Gisèle wouldn’t go through with it. She might be fighting in a tight corner but she could walk away from the contest if she didn’t like the conditions.

Which brought him to the desire heavy and unspoken between them.

His aim was to let her grow accustomed to him. Make her acknowledge what she’d gain from their union. He’d charm her. Not overtly but with patience and consideration.

He’d give her time.

Time! The deadline for their wedding was a few weeks away.

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