A Daring Passion

That cold, remote part of him that allowed him to always be in complete command of his emotions was decidedly absent. Raine’s fault, of course. Now she could suffer the consequences.

“Open the door or I will break it down.”

There was another pause, and then clearly realizing that he was perfectly capable of breaking down the door, Raine pulled back the bolt and yanked the door open.

Standing on the threshold, she folded her arms over her chest. “There. Are you satisfied?”

Philippe narrowed his gaze as he took in her damp cheeks and reddened eyes. Lord. She had been crying. The knowledge made his chest tighten in an uncomfortable manner.

“No, I am not bloody well satisfied. What the devil is the matter with you?”

Stepping back, Raine paced toward the center of the room. “I am tired. I wish to rest before dinner.”

Philippe slammed the door behind him as he followed in her path. Reaching out, he scooped her off her feet and cradled her in his arms. There would be no more running. Not even if he had to tie her to the damn bed.

“Do not walk away from me, menina pequena,” he growled. “Not ever.”

There was no fear on the pale face as Raine met him glare for glare. “Philippe, let me down.”

A hard smile touched his lips. “Very well.”

While she eyed him with open suspicion, Philippe strode the short distance to dump her onto the four-posted bed. Before she could move he had pursued her downward and trapped her beneath his body.

“No.” She pressed ineffectively against his chest, squirming beneath him.

Philippe gritted his teeth as his muscles stirred. Raine had never looked more beautiful with her golden curls spilling across the pillows and her face flushed with anger. Just like an exotic angel that begged for his kisses.

He fully intended to ease his frustrated desire, but not until she properly regretted her ungrateful behavior.

Planting his hands on either side of her shoulders, he regarded her with a grim expression.

“Tell me, Raine.”

Her chin tilted. “Tell you what?”

“Why did you just toss a fortune in jewels back into my face?”

“I did not toss them.”

His breath hissed between his teeth. “Do not fence with me. Not now.”

For a moment their gazes tangled in a silent battle of wills. Then, with a frustrated sigh, Raine turned her head to one side.

“I never asked for jewels,” she said stiffly.

“I am well aware you never asked for them. They were a gift.”

“A gift is a pretty fan or a book of poetry. A diamond necklace is…”

He studied her pale profile, his body tensing. “Do not halt now. What is a diamond necklace?”

Raine slowly turned her head to meet his searching gaze. “Payment.”

Philippe growled deep in his throat. “You dare to suggest that I am purchasing your favors?”

“Are you not?”

His gaze took an insolent survey of her slender body stretched beneath him.