Page 33 of My Darling Rogue
Gabriel released Celia. His bottom lip stung where she’d nipped him in desperation.
He grinned. “Do you think that will dissuade me from what must happen?”
Celia’s eyes were wide. She was shocked by her own actions, but then the chocolate depths of her gaze darkened with a hint of steel.
It only made Gabriel more determined to see her bend to his will.
“I won’t allow you to do this in front of others,” she snapped.
Gabriel’s eyebrow cocked. “In private then?”
Celia stomped her foot. “Deuce it, but you are maddening.”
“We’ll call it a courting ritual, if you like. Start an interesting trend. Prospective beaus turn prospective wives over their knees to test compatibility.” Gabriel considered her, rubbing a thumb over his wounded lower lip thoughtfully as though such a scenario were a true possibility. “As for our own situation, it’s evident we are a match. You enjoy such activities. And I most certainly relish them.”
A noise that sounded like outraged frustration issued from Celia’s throat. That defiant chin of hers tilted higher.
“We are not courting, Mister Rose. And you’ve made your stance on marriage perfectly clear.”
Sebastian’s words rose in Gabriel’s mind at that moment. His friend’s annoying, unwanted advice that he find a wife and settle into his own home.
It pricked at Gabriel. The impossible idea that he might possess his own family. His own happiness. His own contentment.
His own life.
It was becoming more tempting by the second to heed Sebastian’s words. And to consider fulfilling it with this woman despite the obstacles between them.
“Perhaps I’ve reconsidered,” he stated nonchalantly.
Celia’s eyes flared. “Have you now? I wish you luck in your search for a wife.”
She struggled in freeing herself from his grasp, but Gabriel would not let her go so easily. His arm slid around her waist, his mouth dipping closer to hers. “Did you not suggest we undergo an engagement of sorts to better explore this attraction between us?”
Her back stiffened. “I did. And you refused. It’s too late to avail yourself of the offer now. I’ve rescinded it.”
“Have you now?” Gabriel mocked, eyes narrowed while drawing her firmly against him. Her hands balled into fists, two ineffective weapons resting lightly on the wide plane of his chest.
God’s blood. Her stubbornness made him ache all the more. How he wished to tame this woman. Make her beg for him. Hear her screams of pleasure and moans of satisfaction.
Before he could say more, the library door swung open. Lady Caroline’s head appeared in the opening, her eyes wide at seeing the close embrace between Gabriel and Celia.
Celia tried jerking free again, her cheeks blushing pink. Gabriel merely arched an eyebrow at the intrusion and held her even tighter.
“What is it?” Gabriel barked. Their bodies were no closer than if they shared a waltz, but the fact Celia was alone with him for more than a few minutes was scandalous on its own.
“Ahh, a necessary interruption, Mister Rose. You are needed in Lord Ravenswood’s study. The footman said something about an unexpected visitor?” Caroline’s gaze swept over them, boldly curious and perceptive. The library door opened even more, giving the small group still standing in the corridor an unobstructed view. Lord Harvey’s features were pinched with fury. Indeed, the man looked as though he might suffer an apoplectic episode.
“The Earl requires your presence, Mister Rose,” Celia said tightly. She’d gone completely still, no longer fighting Gabriel’s hold.
“If it were anyone other than Ravenswood, I would tell them to go to the Devil.” Gabriel’s mouth brushed her ear, making note of her imperceptible shiver. “You’ve been granted a reprieve.” His arms finally loosened enough so she could back away. “But this conversation is not over, Celia. Nor shall I forget your punishment.”
* * *
Gabriel rappedon the door of Sebastian’s study, his knuckles striking the wood forcefully.
Annoyance was evident in his actions. Annoyance at being interrupted. Annoyance at leaving Celia behind in Harvey’s company. The summons to Sebastian’s study effectively broke apart the group intent on playing parlor games, but Gabriel did not trust Harvey when it came to Celia. The man wanted her badly enough that he might do something extreme if it meant she would be his.
“Come in,” Sebastian called out, and Gabriel wasted no time pushing through the door. His impatience was hard to conceal. For whatever purpose Sebastian had summoned him, he wished it over quickly.
