Her Mystery Duke(35)
“Jeanne.” His voice was soft, seductive. “Ah, Jeannie, don’t be so hard with me.”
His use of “Jeannie” should have vexed her. But instead, a warm sensation blossomed deep in her chest. Still, she didn't trust it and she didn't trust him. “Please just leave, now.”
“I am not leaving until you hear me out.”
If they continued quarrelling in the corridor, the neighbors might complain to the landlady. She really had no choice. With a sigh, Jeanne opened the door wider and let him in.
She closed it softly then turned to face him. “Well?”
“Why did you tear up the agreement?”
“That contract.” She scoffed. “I have never been so insulted in all my life.”
“Insulted?” He drew his dark brows together and fixed her with a stern stare. “But I only want to give you some security.”
“Only if I agree to never, ever attempt to find out who you really are or to contact you.”
“I have told you. There is no place for you in my life. What did you expect from me?”
“I didn’t expect to treated as though I were the lowest, vilest whore.”
“I haven’t treated you like a whore.”
“You’ve suggested that I am not to be trusted to respect your privacy—that I would throw myself into your life like the worst sort of scheming woman. I've had men who paid me who treated me far better."
“They let you continue living in a hovel.” He made a sweeping gesture about the chamber. “And yet you judge they have treated you better.”
“They courted me with soft words. They never so crudely said, ‘I want to put my cock inside you.’ They never said, ‘Get away from me and never return.’” She mimicked his most arrogant manner.
“You prefer a dishonest approach?” A slight smile gentled his expression and he appeared to appraise her. “You are not as wise and hardened as you pretend.”
She bristled. He did not know her. “I am as wise and hardened as any harlot you could have known.”
“Hardened harlots cannot afford such stiff-necked pride as you have displayed. A hardened harlot would have snapped up the offer of a house and carriage.”
“I value my independence.”
“I ask for nothing in return for my offer.”
She curled her lip up. “Ha! You would feel that I were bound by obligation.”
“I would not.”
“You would feel at liberty to visit whenever you wished.”
“That’s ridiculous. I never intend to see you again.”
She folded her arms over her chest. “You are here now.”
“I only came to hear you refuse my offer to my face.”
“I refuse it. Now please go.”
He leaned back against the door, his whole body seemed to sag and his features took on a pained, pinched expression. “Jeanne—”
“You are most free with my given name.”
He raised his brows. “It’s like that, is it?”
She compressed her lips and hugged her arms tighter. “I am afraid it is. Especially seeing as I am allowed to know nothing of you.”
“Miss Darling, then—please, reconsider.”
“I don’t see why it should matter so greatly to you.”
He snapped to attention with such alacrity that she stepped back. He came closer and stared down with a gaze so intense she fancied he might burn her. She caught her breath. Those gorgeous eyes…
“Why should it matter to me, Miss Darling? The very devil if I know.”
“Then forget me.”
“I cannot.” His tone carried a wealth of torment. “You haunt my dreams. I cannot concentrate on my work. I worry about what you are doing. Are you safe? Are you comfortable?”
“No one has worried over me since my mother died, sir. I am quite capable of looking after myself. You needn’t trouble yourself any longer on my account.”
“Let me look after you. Let me care for you.” He touched her cheek.
His touch sent sparks of delight along her skin. Currents of delight flowed through her, giving her shivers that made her nipples tighten. Images flickered through her mind. His large body pressing hers into the featherbed, holding her down, restraining her movements. His strong, sure hands parting her legs. His fingertips touching her folds that were becoming increasingly swollen, slicked with wetness …
She shook herself.
What was the matter with her? She should rebuff him. Push him away. However, his gaze filled with sincerity and need. Why should he look at her with such need while he spoke of taking care of her? She didn’t know, but she also couldn’t look away.
She attempted reason. “You are tired.”