“I do not accept it.”

Her fury escalated with vivid crimson infusing her perfect skin. She took in a deep breath and remained silent for several minutes, trying to calm down, he supposed.

At last, she turned her liquid eyes to him anew. “Where will I be working?”

“Blackthorne Castle.” At that, her gaze squinted, so distrustful he wondered if she disliked the place.

“What position?” She came again.

“Duchess.” Then he crossed his arms and waited.

Though the carriage jostled on, she froze. Still, he waited. Her expression motionless. He inhaled. Her spine ramrod-straight, her hands fisted tight. His chest constricted.

Reaction did not delay.

Her eyes bulged sulphurous. “You must be out of your mind!” She hissed hotly.

“Probably.” He himself did not know exactly what he was up to here. His first plan had been to take her out of danger. He did not conjecture anything beyond that.

“Stop the carriage!” She commanded haughty.

“No.” He countered, beginning to lose his cool.

“Stop it, I said!” She put her hand on the handle, he covered it with his.

“And I said no.” His temper rising to meet hers.

“You mean to force me into this?” Her glare burned him.

“First, I am going to take you home, put out your fire the best way I know, and then we are going to talk this through rationally.”

The flush on her face resembled entirely like arousal. “This machination is not rational at all.”

Who could disagree?

The carriage stanched. Arms crossed, she planted her feet firmly on the wooden floor of it. “I am heading to my home.”

When she looked at him, he saw her eyes dilated and she breathed in short puffs. One fact she had no way of denying, their out-of-control desire.

“Yes, you are. But not now.” He climbed down and extended his hand to her. “With your feet or with mine?” Would she walk or would he carry her?

Infuriated, she charred him with her stare. “Go to the devil!” She diverted her gaze from him, seemingly dismissive.

“Mine, then.”

Carefully taking her, he threw her over his shoulder and walked to the door steps. The carriage entered the side of the house, where it found an appropriate drive. No one would see them.

“Put me down, you uncivilized wretch!” She hissed.

In his chambers, he granted her wish. Both breathed raggedly and they ate each other with their stares.

“You want to leave?” He jerked his square jaw to the door. “Leave.” He said, giving her a choice.

One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. She grabbed him like a vice and brought his mouth down on hers and they were kissing each other savagely.

His arm locked around her waist and plastered her to the wall, while the other bunched her skirts. On cue, her legs came around his hips.

Jagged breaths, they continued ravening their mouths. Tugging her bodice and uncovering her breast, he palmed it.