Bound by Love (Russian Connection 2)
Page 168
“Of course.” She kept her voice low, carefully controlled. “I hope you will give Lord and Lady Summerville my regards.”
“That is all you have to say?”
“I wish you a safe journey.”
His fingers tightened on her shoulders, and with a sharp jerk, he turned her around to meet his scorching gaze.
“Dammit, Leonida.”
“What do you want?” She wildly shook her head. “Tears? For me to beg you to remain?”
“You know what I want.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, unable to meet the brilliant demand of his gaze.
&n
bsp; “No, Stefan.”
“Leonida, I have no time for these games,” he rasped, pulling her hard against his chest. “I intend to be on the first ship to England. And you will be with me.”
“This is no game.” She struggled as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. A futile effort. “I have told you over and over that I will not be your mistress. Why will you not accept my decision?”
He lowered his head to whisper directly into her ear. “Perhaps because you are my mistress.”
“No.”
“Shall I take you to your bedchamber and prove otherwise?”
She steeled herself not to shiver, but the potent pleasure was undeniable. He was leaving and her body ached to know him one last time.
“Stefan…”
He buried his face in the curve of her neck. “You make me crazed.”
“Then you should be pleased to leave me behind.”
“Never.”
It was the absolute certainty in his voice that had her struggling out of his grasp. The man was insufferable.
“You cannot force me to accompany you.”
Their gazes tangled in a battle of wills.
“Is that a challenge?” he gritted out.
“It is the truth.” She tilted her chin, refusing to be intimidated. “As you well know.”
“What I know is that you need me, whether you are willing to admit the truth or not.”
She ignored the painful ache in the center of her heart. “Surely you don’t mean to imply that I cannot survive without you? I assure you that I have done quite well on my own.”
“Have you?” he taunted.
“Yes.”
His eyes darkened with a loneliness that was echoed deep within her.