The Passion (Notorious 2)

She would not accept defeat. She had to put an end to the constant state of turmoil that had afflicted her since his arrival in England.

She had no illusions that it would be easy; nothing with Nicholas was ever easy. It would take all her willpower to resist his influence and to persuade him to return to America without her.

And if her arguments failed?

Catching sight of herself in the cheval glass, Aurora came to a halt.

Then she would give him what he wanted. Her body.

Troubled, she stared at herself in the mirror. In the dim lamplight, the woman there was almost a stranger, her complexion flushed, her fair hair falling around her shoulders in casual dishevelment, but it was her attire that seemed foreign to her. She wore a dressing gown of deep blue brocade and nothing more.

She could feel the fabric pressing against her naked breasts, creating an erotic friction. Perhaps this was a mistake…

Aurora gave a start when she heard a soft scrape of sound behind her. Her nerves clanging, she turned to find Nicholas in her bedchamber. He stood just inside the window, observing her, his expression inscrutable.

When his gaze raked her dressing gown, lingering on her bosom, she nervously drew the lapels closer together.

"I am not sure there is any point to this discussion, Nicholas," Aurora began, gathering her courage. "I told you weeks ago I had no wish for a permanent marriage."

Moving farther into the room, he leaned a shoulder against the bedpost. "Weeks ago you were still reeling from the shock of my being alive. I didn't press you then because I thought you needed more time to consider."

"Well, I have considered. And my feelings have not changed."

"Mine have," he said softly.

"I cannot imagine why."

"Because I've come to know you better."

She turned away from the sensual look in his dark eyes and began to pace again.

"I think our marriage could work," Nicholas finally said, watching her restlessness.

"I don't see how."

"Aurora… why are you so opposed even to considering being my wife?"

"There are so many reasons, I don't know where to begin."

"Name one."

"Very well. For the first time in my life, I am free to live as I choose. Why would I wish to give that up?"

r /> "Because you might find something better."

She gave him a searching glance. "Better? What could be better than independence?"

His mouth twisted in a wry smile. He had once felt the same way. "If you really wanted independence, love, you wouldn't hesitate to come with me to America. You will have far more freedom there than here in your rigid, upper-class society."

"Not as your wife, Nicholas. A wife has no rights whatsoever, not here or in America, either. I lived under my father's domination all my life. I won't endure that again."

He frowned at that, not liking the comparison. "I don't believe I am anything like your father."

"No? You are just as forceful as he is. And I think you might be just as ruthless. You would do anything to get your way – "

"I have no intention of trying to rule you. If I did, I would have demanded you return with me at once. I would never have given you a choice about our marriage."

"You don't seem to be giving me a choice now."