Page 21 of The Phantom Duke
The reality of it came crashing in on him. His head filled with her scent, citrus and with floral undertones. He breathed her in, watching the silky shimmer on her hair, the delicate femininity of her figure.
“Simon, leave us,” Damien ordered.
“Ah, very well. Deprived of beautiful company. Such is my lot,” Simon said, bowing to Maria and leaving the room.
Damien did not take his eyes from Maria. The bounce of her curls was quite alluring and framed her delicate, fine-boned face in a way that he found he liked intensely.
“I offered no conditions, Lady Maria,” he said. “No, if we are to be married, I will call you by your name. Maria.”
He had already been thinking about her as simplyMaria, but he had not really let himself hope that she might accept his proposal.
“You did not. But I am demanding them; you have not furnished me with your name. Am I to call youPhantom?” she said defiantly.
“I would not advise it,” Damien growled, stepping closer to her.
He could see the flush deepening in her round cheeks. Her eyes were bright, catching what little light there was. Her chest heaved. Damien allowed his eyes to wander to her soft, white bosom.
The modiste who had crafted that gown’s neckline knew her craft well, for Maria’s breasts were emphasized so nicely by the fabric’s curves and a froth of white lace. His mouth went dry, as fantasies of cupping her breasts filled his mind.
Maria cleared her throat, her eyes darting about, as if she sought escape. “Well, then.”
I will not lose control of myself and give away too much. Give away nothing, in fact. Her needs are greater than mine!
His needs ached within him now that he was close to her again. The two-hour ride in the carriage to Thornwall had been exquisite torture. She had the beauty of a courtesan to kings combined with an innocence that awakened a beast within Damien.
“What shall I call you?” she asked.
“Damien,” he replied.
“Would you hear my conditions, Damien?”
“Would you hear mine?”
She turned away as though to look around the room, but the tip of the cane slipped. Maria stumbled perilously. Damien’s hand was quick, catching her wrist as the cane clattered to the floor. His hand enveloped hers. She gasped, staggering slightly and bumping him.
Her bosoms pressed briefly against his chest. Damien bit back a wild groan, so the sound emerged like an awkward cough. His arm went about her waist instinctively, hand resting on the small of her back.
“Is it customary for you to manhandle your guests?” Maria asked breathlessly.
His own breath quickened, simply hearing that tone of voice. “Only when they’re about to take a tumble.”
She placed a hand on his chest, palm flat and fingers spread, as though savoring the feel of his pectoral muscles. Looking up at him, she smiled, then pushed with all her strength. Damien rocked on his heels, and Maria remained locked in his embrace. She was warm and soft against him, and her show of defiance only heightened his desire for her.
Damien let his mouth curl into a slow, sly smirk. “I will release you when I see fit.”
This time, she kicked him in the shin. Pain stabbed his leg, and his lips pressed tight around a groan. She stepped away from him, snatching up the cane and prodding it into his chest.
“I will release myself when I choose.”
Damien grabbed the end of the cane and pulled, drawing her back to him until he was close enough that he could kiss her if he chose. He let her think he was intending to steal that very thing from her, one hand half raised as though to cup her cheek, lips slightly parted. His trousers grew tight, as his manhood hardened and pressed against the fabric.
He did not see fear in her eyes. At least, not just fear. There was anger, defiance and…something else. It would be so simple to tear that gown from her shoulders and to ravish her right there in the room.
Damien imagined too readily what her moans would sound like and how she would feel clinging to him, begging him for more. His heart raced, and it took every ounce of control not to show his desire, to externalize only his dominance and authority.
“Very well. Join me for dinner, and we will discuss your terms,” Damien said softly.
“I will return,” she said.
