A Daring Passion

PHILIPPE WAS STILL AWAKE when the sun crested the horizon.

Although he was exhausted, there was an odd sort of peace in holding Raine in his arms as he had watched her sleep. Perhaps because she was one of the few people in the world who was not demanding something from him, he ruefully acknowledged.

Nothing but her freedom, an unwelcome voice whispered in the back of his mind.

It was a voice that was easily dismissed.

He did not doubt for a moment that once he had Raine in France and surrounded by luxury, she would soon forget any desire to return home.

Bending his head, Philippe brushed his lips over hers until her lashes lifted to reveal a sleepy pair of eyes.

“Good morning, querida.”

She frowned in confusion. “What is the time?”

He smiled. “Far too early to be awake, but I have several appointments that I must keep. I will try to return by luncheon so that I can bring you a tray. Do you have anything you particularly wish?”

Her eyes widened. “You intend to leave me locked in this room all morning?”

He gently tucked an unruly curl behind her ear. “I cannot take you with me and I do not yet trust that you will not run amok in London the moment my back is turned. Besides, you had a late night. It will do you good to rest.”

“I do not want to rest.” Her hands lifted to press against his chest. “I want to return home.”

A chill inched down his spine at her words. “Your home is now with me, Raine. It will behoove you to remember that.”

“My father…”

He swooped down to halt her words with a fierce kiss. She would learn that her place was with him. Pulling back, he regarded her with a narrowed gaze.

“Your father was a careless, some might claim a worthless, protector for you. I shall take a great deal more care of you.”

That stubborn expression settled on her pale features. “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and the last thing I desire is a…a protector. Especially if it is you.”

The anger that only she could manage to stir flared through him before Philippe was sternly dampening the emotion. She was like an untamed filly that would only respond to a firm, steady hand.

His hand.

He allowed his gaze to sweep over her sleep-flushed features, his fingers running over her bare skin with a blatant brand of possession.

“You were not so reluctant last eve to put yourself in my care. In fact, you did so on several occasions with quite delicious results.”

A delightful blush stained her cheeks. “Must you be so crude?”

“There is nothing crude in speaking of your passionate nature, menina pequena. You are a woman who needs the attentions of a man. A man who will not allow you to run roughshod over him.” He smiled into her dark eyes. “A man that can surround you in the luxury your beauty deserves.”

“A man like you, I suppose?” she said tartly.

He chuckled softly. “For now.”

“You know nothing of me or my needs.”

“On the contrary, I know you intimately. And I intend to know you more intimately still.” He allowed himself one last lingering kiss before pulling the blanket off his naked body and tucking it firmly around Raine. “But alas not now. I must be on my way.”

She huddled beneath the blanket, her eyes flashing fire. “I will never be your mistress.”

He rolled off the bed and smiled mockingly down at her. “My dear Miss Wimbourne, you already are.”

With utter indifference to his lack of clothing he walked across the room and slipped through the door. He began to move down the hall before he paused and returned to shift a chair so that it was blocking the door. Only then did he return to his proper chambers and swiftly prepare himself for the day.