Sex, Lies and Contracts

Chapter Three

"Can I help you? Oh, hi love. What'll you have?"

Julianna stared at the man behind the bar and pursed her lips. “Where’s Mike?”

He grinned at her obvious annoyance and lowered an eyelid in a naughty wink. “He had a thing he needed to go to with his wife. I told him I’d cover his shift. Let me guess. White wine? Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay?”

Julianna bit her tongue. Hard. “Martini, extra dry, extra olives.” She swore she’d drink the whole damn thing if it killed her, and tried not to look longingly at the bottle of white wine she preferred.

He lifted a brow. “You got it. Not driving, are you?”

She bristled and turned to her companion, whom she’d forgotten when faced with her irritating, sex-god gardener. “Tom, this is my handyman. What would you like to drink?”

“Stout, please. Guinness.”

Jack poured, shuffled glasses, and served with an economy of motion and grace. The scents of perfume, heat, and alcohol burned through the air as the crowd thickened in the late evening hour. The marina bar courted a tourist crowd. She had scheduled this first meeting with Tom in a public place where she wouldn’t have to worry about the locals. After all, he was the first official response to her ad. So far, dinner had been a polite, quiet affair with no sparks. She figured a crowded bar might loosen him up a bit, so she’d suggested a quick drink before ending the evening.

Unfortunately, her companion sat on the bar stool, tight-lipped and unsmiling. He glanced around the rustic, slightly dirty waterfront bar as if he smelled something bad. When he paid for the drinks, he didn’t tip. She squirmed and quietly pushed a ten dollar bill across the bar while Jack wasn’t looking.

“Interesting place.” Tom said. “I prefer the New York scene, of course. Happy hour is always quite raucous.”

She nodded. “Yes. I’ve always wanted to see the city.”

Silence.

She watched Jack from the corner of her eye while she searched for more conversational topics. Obviously, he had met many new women this past week. A line of blondes and brunettes laughed at his jokes, cooed over his English accent, and generally made themselves available for a late-night date. She twitched her nose in disapproval. Jack Wolfe didn’t seem to care who shared his bed, as long as she was warm, female and willing.

At least he’d stopped sniffing around her place. Thank goodness.

She drank the rest of her martini and a pleasant heat buzzed through her, allowing her to relax a notch. Tom finished his drink, then stood. “Well, I have to get back early in the morning, so I better say good night.”

She fought past the disappointment. “Of course.”

Jack suddenly appeared. “Another?”

“No, thank you, we were just leaving.” To prove a point, she grabbed Tom’s hand and forced a merry laugh. She went to walk him out, but he stopped her at the doorway.

“I’ll email you and we’ll discuss possible arrangements for marriage.”

Julianna blinked. The beat of the jukebox blared and pumped out Nelly’s “Hot In Herre.” “I thought, I thought we’d meet once more before making a decision.”

Tom shrugged, obviously bored. “I need a wife in order to climb up the corporate ladder. Damn company’s only promoting family men. I want someone who'll stay out of my life but be there for work events. I’ll give you the money for the house and we can arrange a wedding in the city. No big deal.”

She twisted her hands and fought off sheer panic. “Ummm, well, email me and we’ll see.”

“Fine. Nice to meet you.” He leaned over, placed a peck on her lips, and strode out the door.

Julianna stared at his retreating back, then glanced at the bar.

Jack stood with her empty martini glass in one hand, towel in the other. Whiskey colored eyes burned across the room.

She raised her chin and met his gaze head on.

Then turned her back and ran outside.

Gulping in breaths of salt water air, she went round the back and leaned against the side wall of the building. Damn him. Damn him for getting her body tied up in knots. Marrying Tom would be an easy business arrangement, but the idea of sleeping with him, let alone bearing him a child, seemed impossible. Not that he appeared interested in her. Maybe they'd each have their separate affairs like a true marriage of convenience. He was polite. He smelled like onions from dinner and had very weird eyebrows that sloped together into one, reminding her a bit of Groucho Marx, but she'd probably be able to stay at the Cliff House and only travel to New York on certain occasions. Actually, it seemed a perfect arrangement.

Despair hit her low and hard in the gut. Alone, she allowed herself to say the one curse word she loved and rarely uttered. “Fuck.”

“Didn’t know you had it in you, love.”

She whirled around. He stood behind her, framed in darkness. A bright orange glow appeared, and she watched him light a cigarette. He smoked with a lazy gracefulness that contradicted his working class stature. Gardener, handyman, bartender. Yet he spoke like an English aristocrat and seemed above petty day-to-day frustrations. The liquor burned through her veins and heated her temper.

“You shouldn’t smoke.”

He shrugged. “Shouldn’t do a lot of things that are fun.”

“What game do you think you’re playing?” she hissed.

Jack grinned and crossed one foot in front of the other as he leaned against the wall. “I’m not the one with a checklist for a husband. Tom seems like a real fun guy.”

She tossed her head. “He’s lovely. We’ll be seeing each other again.”

His lips literally twitched. “Obviously. Make sure he waxes his brows before the wedding.”

“You’re an asshole.”

He threw back his head and laughed. “Two curse words in one night. I must have broken all your records. Really, love, give yourself more credit. Are you that hard up?”

“You’re fired.”

She spun on her heel to march away, but he grabbed her arm and spun her right back. The delicious scents of rum and smoke and male arousal swam around her. He loomed tall and muscular and dangerous, and her body thrilled to the raw power. Her breath caught, her nipples rose, and her pussy throbbed with anticipation. He seemed to literally smell her arousal like a big bad wolf ready to mark his mate. His nostrils flared.

“When are you going to let yourself go?” He lowered his voice to a hypnotic demand. “You teach poetry, for God’s sakes. Too much control and the writing lies flat and lifeless. Look at you. You’re practically shaking with need. I can make you shatter just by slipping my hand down your pants.”

Julianna fought for breath, fought for control, fought for sanity. As if taming a wild stallion, he pressed his lips to her temple in mock gentleness, then spoke against her ear.

Sex contains all, bodies, souls,

Meanings, proofs, purities, delicacies, results, promulgations,

Songs, commands, health, pride, the maternal mystery, the seminal milk,

All hopes, benefactions, bestowals, all the passions, loves,

beauties, delights of the earth….

She shook hard, on the verge of an actual orgasm. The slow slide of his tongue over her lobe teased and taunted, and Julianna clawed for control. His low wicked laugh told her he knew how bad she wanted him. Still, she refused to yield and forced out her words. “Where did you learn that poem?”

“Walt Whitman literally drips sex onto the page. A Woman Waits For Me. I happen to be read in other things besides Dr. Seuss. But I guess I’m still not good enough for you. Quoting poetry and making you come means nothing without money.” With a sneer he stepped back. “Enjoy your night.”

He walked away and left her. Aching. Empty.

And alone.

Jack took a long pull of beer and gazed out at the ocean, his feet propped up on the back deck. The Schooner cut through the water with steadfast smoothness and grace. The sails hugged and caught the wind, and the lights of the horizon flickered in the distance.

He wanted her.

The knowledge twisted his belly with disgust. The irony was almost too much. He searched for a woman who’d love him for himself. Yet, he bodily craved one who was the literal poster image of a greedy, shallow socialite wanting to marry for the exact wealth and title he possessed.

She pissed him off. Her date had barely looked her in the eye, let alone bothered to see past that horrible outfit she wore. For God’s sakes, jeans and tank top would have looked sexier than that buttoned-up floral number. The fabric covered her from neck to ankle.

He cursed under his breath. Why the hell did he care? He had a dozen phone numbers in his pocket. Some were more suited to one-nighters, but the other half might contain the number of his future wife. Julianna Waters was a dead frikkin end.

But she called to his sense of challenge. He wanted to be the first to claim her virginal lure. The hunger in those seething dark eyes made him crave to touch her and bring pleasure. He yearned to wipe the polite façade from her face and unearth the glimmer of passion and rawness hiding beneath. When he quoted Whitman, he’d almost had her. The connection surged hot and strong, and she’d been ready to crumble. But his temper reared. For God’s sakes, her mission to marry a man with money trumped all other impulses—even pleasure.

He put the beer down and focused on re-tacking the sail to change direction. The tangy scent of salt water calmed his nerves. The ocean had roared in his blood since youth, and often when he was uneasy or needed to clear his thoughts, sailing was the only activity to bring him calm. Once he married and the company had the necessary stability, he planned on travelling for most of the year, especially to the ports in the US where his heart now lay. Newport soothed his soul. He missed his father, especially out on the water when he felt a piece of himself was missing.

Time to rebuild. Time to step up, claim his heritage, and be the man his father always wanted. If he found someone to love within the marriage, his life could be complete. If not, he’d do his duty, but he’d crave his soul mate for the rest of his life.

He finished his beer and headed back to the harbor.

An image of half parted lips and sleepy dark eyes haunted him. He fought the impulse to hunt and bury his aching cock inside her.

There would be no sleep tonight.

Julianna pushed the covers back and climbed out of bed. Her nightgown stuck to her body, damp with sweat from her dream. The walls of the Cliff House closed around her, pulsing like in the Haunting of Hell House and drove her through the doors.

She stood on the pathway. A sliver of moon peeked behind the drifting clouds, and lights sprinkled down the walkway, past the ocean’s cliff illuminating a dim beacon that allowed her to pick her way along the cobblestone path. Instinct pushed her to follow the familiar route and avoid the sharp drops and hidden cracks until she perched by the heavy rocks.

Julianna gazed out at the night, her body burning as if fevered. Her nightgown twisted around her bare legs and the cool breeze rushed between her thighs, inciting more heat. She swallowed a sob and cursed the man who’d dragged her sexual needs into the light of day.

She wanted him. Right or wrong, he was the first man who’d declared he wanted to claim her and bring pleasure. Her experiences were few and far between. She’d lost her virginity on a second date in a car. A few fumbling attempts and one thrust completed the experience. He’d never spoken to her again and she hadn’t cared. A brief affair with a man her parents hoped she’d marry had given her no gratification. He’d been proper in public and messy in private. Again, she’d been left cold and unsatisfied as he lay sated beside her. Her masturbation attempts were more satisfactory, but they left her burning for more fulfillment, her fingers never quite able to soothe the wild beast inside.

The years caring for her parents finally took its toll and slowly stripped away her sexuality. She’d wrestled those messy emotions into a cold, dark corner and the yearning finally receded.

Until Jack.

The waves screamed and the moon gleamed. Safe in the darkness, she cried out in frustration as her blood heated for a man’s hands on her body. She ripped the pins from her hair and let the wild waves blow in the breeze. Her hands cupped her breasts, massaging them through the thin cotton material, and with an animal moan she ripped down her bodice.

Her nipples ached and pebbled in the cool air. She pinched them and arched back, reveling in her brief nakedness. The crash of the waves against the rocks drove her on and she yanked up her gown, parted her legs, and slid her fingers inside her panties.

She was swollen and aching for something she couldn’t have. Her lips cursed his name as she parted her slick folds and rubbed the swollen nub, back and forth, the steady rhythm tightening the tension inch by inch until her orgasm rushed forth. Her cry echoed over the cliffs as she climaxed. Tears leaked down her cheeks at the release, even as she recognized the empty ache inside her pussy could only be filled by a man. She lay on the rocks for a while, legs splayed, and waited for the control to seep back into her body. Finally she pushed her nightgown back down and rose, a bit unsteady. With a determined breath, she picked her way back to the pathway.

Then froze.

He stood before her, a dark looming figure silhouetted against the rise of the cliff. Julianna sucked in her breath as waves of sexual energy hit her full force. He kept completely still, every muscle locked tight, yet there was a predatory aura in his stillness that tempted her to run. As if he sensed her impulse, he closed the distance between them and the moonlight lifted the shadow from his face.

“No.” The word broke from her lips in her last attempt to deny what he wanted to claim. She knew it was useless—knew in that moment she’d give herself to him and whatever he wanted from her. Her starved body took control and her brief denial drifted uselessly on the ocean breeze to disappear forever.

Lion eyes glowed hot and bright as his gaze took in her wrinkled nightgown, the gaping bodice that revealed one naked breast, and her trembling lips. He reached out and gripped her hand. Slowly, he lifted her hand and breathed in her spicy scent, still damp from pleasuring herself. A growl rose from his throat and he pulled her hard against his chest, locking her against him with an easy masculine power that shook her to the core.

“I came for you tonight, Julianna.” His voice beckoned and hypnotized, hot and creamy and slow as it dripped over her ears and naked skin. “I watched you touch yourself, but it’s not enough, is it? You need me. Need me to slake the burn.”

He reached around and twisted his fingers in her hair, then tugged hard.

Julianna gazed up at his face filled with determination and erotic promise. She surrendered.

“Yes.”

His grip on her tightened in pure triumph. “I’m going to give you what you want. What we both want.” He leaned over her and his breath struck her lips. “Say my name. Say it now.”

“Jack.”

His mouth crushed hers. She clung to him as he plundered her mouth like a primitive warrior intent on crashing down her defenses. His tongue thrust, his teeth bit hard into her lower lip and made her cry out. He bent her backward over his arm and held her off balance while he ravished her mouth with no mercy and little gentleness.

A flame flared to life and burned bright, pushing her to meet him halfway. She gave it all back to him with an animal wildness that exploded. Her nails dug hard into his shoulders and her tongue tangled and battled until she gasped for breath and felt as if her very sanity slipped away.

He ripped his mouth from hers, bent down, and lifted her over his shoulder. With long, easy strides he walked back to the house, down the hallway, and into her bedroom. He shut the door with a quick kick and dropped her on the bed.

“Take off your nightgown.”

She blinked. Her initial shyness faded under the hard glitter in his eyes that commanded her to do it and do it quickly. Her heart pounded as she pulled the gown over her head and tossed it on the floor.

“Now the panties.”

Wetness pooled and dripped between her legs. Her fingers shook and she paused.

“Do it.”

Julianna swallowed hard and slid them down her legs, lying completely naked on the bed. The abandon of letting a man see her vulnerable made excitement race her heart and heat her blood. Her nipples hardened and her breath came hard as she waited.

“Jesus, you’re gorgeous. Now, lie back and spread your legs.”

She blinked at him, torn between years of restraint and her need to give him everything he asked for. As if he knew the inner battle that waged, he took a step toward the bed and loomed over her.

“Let yourself go, love. I’m not going to hurt you. Now, do what I say or I’ll punish you later.”

A primal thrill speared her belly at his threat. She sensed the erotic dominance and ached to surrender. Julianna lay back on the pillows and spread her legs wide. He murmured his approval and took off his clothes. She felt his dark, hungry gaze probe every inch of her naked body, and then he was lying on the bed next to her.

“Very nice.” His approval flushed her skin a dark red as she let him drink his fill. He fanned her long dark hair out on the pillow, then coasted his hands lightly down her body. She flinched as her nipples pushed against the gentle touch for more, but he kept moving downward, caressing her soft belly, thighs, under her knees, all the way to the soles of her feet. Then back up his fingers glided, to rest on her inner thighs. She tightened with need and anticipation, but he only pushed her legs apart wider, so her pussy opened. Julianna moaned and felt her juices drip. Her clit throbbed for attention.

“You have a beautiful pussy,” he whispered darkly, taking one finger to part the folds of her lips to reveal her clit. “Pink and wet, perfect for my tongue to massage. But you didn’t wait for me tonight, did you, Julianna? You took your own fingers and pleasured yourself, so you have to be punished first. You’re going to have a long time to wait before I give you satisfaction.”

“Jack—”

“Shhh, no talking. Do what I say and I’ll let you come. Now, let me suck on these gorgeous breasts.”

Keeping her legs wide open but avoiding her center completely, he eased to the side and gave her tits full attention. His breath teased one crown while his fingers massaged the other one. Julianna sank deeper and deeper into a pit of hellfire, every inch of her body sensitized and waiting for his touch. He used one thumb to flick her nipple back and forth while his tongue circled and played gently with the other. She arched upward, desperate to feel her pussy against his hard thigh for some relief, but he used one muscled leg to lock her in place. Still, he played with her breasts, taking the tight tips into his mouth to suck hard, scrape his teeth, and then soothe with his tongue.

“Oh, please, Jack, please—”

With a low laugh of pleasure, he shifted his weight and moved downward. “Oh, I will please, baby. You taste like vanilla ice cream. I’m going to lick every last inch of you, but not your pussy. You’ll have to wait.”

Sanity began to fade as he tasted the sensitive curve of her neck, dipped his tongue into her navel, nibbled on her public bone. Still, he kept her legs splayed and gave her no relief, only his hot breath stirring her swollen flesh as he explored her thighs and ran his tongue close to her aching heat.

“Tell me what you want,” he demanded, as he kept her bucking hips down in a punishing hold.

“Please lick my pussy.” Her verbal and physical constraints burst forward in a flood of erotic need. “Make me come, oh, God, Jack, please.”

“Very nice.”

He took his fingers and held apart her swollen lips. Bent forward. Breathed hard on her engorged folds. Then dipped his head.

His wet tongue surged forward and licked her clit. She cried out as he used a steady pressure that slowly increased, swirling his tongue around and around as his fingers thrust hard and deep. The pressure on her clit and the driving force of his fingers drove her mad, and her head thrashed from side to side in an agony of pleasure. Suddenly, the orgasm ripped through her and she screamed, her hips bucking against his mouth as he kept the pressure on and swallowed her through the convulsions.

Her body jumped and shook in the aftershock, and then she heard the sound of ripping as he sheathed himself with a condom. He rose over her like a wild stallion, his erection pulsing and enormous between her wet thighs.

“Say it,” he commanded, his eyes wild with hunger.

“Put your cock inside me now," she urged. "Take me hard."

With a satisfied murmur, he surged forward and buried himself to the hilt. Julianna gasped at the tightness and her body struggled to accept him after all the years without a man. She instinctively tried to push him away, but he soothed her with gentle caresses and waited for her body to release. She felt her inner muscles loosen and relax at the enormous size of him. And then the pleasure hit.

He moved slowly at first, getting her body used to the fullness, but she felt the pleasure steadily build again as her body milked him with her juices. He cursed under his breath, something dirty, and she arched, her feet hooked tightly around his hips. He slid completely out of her, caressed her sensitive nub, then surged back. The pace built until she was again at the edge of orgasm, desperate for the relief only his cock could give her. She urged him for more, but he laughed low and kept teasing her, wringing strangled cries from her lips as she reached hard for release.

His hands tweaked her hard nipples. His cock drove harder and harder, and she got closer until she screamed his name and he finally gave in. With one last thrust, she dived over the edge and heard his hoarse shout as he followed. Her muscles contracted and squeezed mercilessly around him and he slumped over her. His skin was warm and damp, and already she felt darkness slipping over her as her body surrendered to the sensual beating. His arms rolled her close and tucked her in, and then she drifted to sleep with his name lingering on her lips.

Jack stared at the naked, sleeping woman beside him. He tamped down on the sense of pure triumph and possession streaking through his testosterone system. Always logical and able to sort out a situation, he admitted last night had been a mistake. Erect and uncomfortable, he’d sought a brisk walk along the cliffs to ease the tension. When he found himself at her window, he turned and saw her on the rocks. Half naked, head arched up to the sky, pleasuring herself. He knew in that moment he had to claim her body, despite his disgust for everything she was. His primitive instincts roared through him and civilization had no chance at survival. Jack made a quick decision to sleep with her and wring her out of his system. Then go on with his search for a real wife.

Julianna grunted in her sleep and smashed her face into the pillow. Unlike her ladylike tendencies in public, her private fantasies in the bedroom surpassed any of his expectations. She took everything he gave and begged for more. Jack looked down at his rock hard erection with dismay. His need for her wasn’t going away. Last night had only increased it. He knew before she woke, confused and upset at her impulsive decision to take the gardener to bed, he needed a plan. Something to disarm her defenses.

He left the bedroom and made his way into the fully stocked kitchen. He noted with amusement the organic whole bean coffee with a fancy espresso machine and got to work. He loved Americans and their joy for toys.

He made the coffee with quick, economical movements and brought in two cups. After his first sip, he grudgingly approved of the machine. It was the best damn cup of coffee he’d ever had.

Jack watched with pleasure as she lifted her head halfway up the pillow as the heady scent hit her senses. Slowly, one eye opened. She stared at him, perched half naked in the chair beside her bed. Jack watched the flicker of expressions cross over her face as the events of last night replayed in her mind. A chuckle strangled his lips when red hot color flooded her cheeks. She sat up.

“Good morning. I made coffee.”

She didn’t answer, focused on his wardrobe of black briefs and a morning erection. Ducking her head, she reached for the cup. “Good morning,” she said. “Thank you.”

He grinned with delight at her polite tone and wondered if she’d speak so properly if he had his cock deep in her throat. He pushed the thought aside and got to work before her defenses shot back up.

“I know you may be regretting last night. Probably thinking it’ll never happen again, it was a mistake, so on and so forth.”

She didn’t respond, but he knew he’d snagged her attention. “So, before we make a mess of our morning I’d like to offer you a proposal.”

One brow arched. He caught a glimmer of irritation from cocoa brown eyes, which only made him want to slam her back on the bed and kiss the expression off her face. “What proposal?” she asked.

“You want to marry someone with money.” He put up his hands as she opened her mouth to snap at him. “I’m not judging, just noting what you told me. I may not agree, but I certainly understand. A wanderer isn’t in the cards for your mate. But if last night was any indication, you need to let off some steam before you explode.”

He spoke fast. “Who knows what type of husband you’ll decide to settle down with? This is an opportunity for both of us to satisfy ourselves sexually without any expectations. I’ll be leaving in a few weeks. We’ll keep our affair a secret, and I’ll only visit you late at night. You pursue your proper husband, and I’ll finish my work here and move on. We’ll keep out of the public eye, there’ll be no nasty gossip, and you won’t ruin your reputation.”

She sipped her coffee and stared at him. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “How do I know you’ll keep a secret?”

He dropped his gaze to her naked breasts, hanging heavy and ripe. Her nipples hardened immediately and stood to attention, practically begging for his mouth. He gave a low, wicked laugh as she yanked up the sheet to cover herself. “Because I want you and it’s an arrangement that suits us both.”

She tossed a heavy tangled mass of chocolate curls over her shoulder and challenged him. “How do you know my cravings aren’t slaked? Maybe I got you out of my system last night. Maybe it’s time for you to leave.”

Lust speared deep and hard. God, she was gorgeous. All flushed, soft skin and wet heat. She wanted to play games with a master. Damn, she had spirit. She never let a man peek beneath her surface. He stretched out his legs in lazy abandon as she watched him from heavily lidded eyes, halfway cautious. He reached for her cup and placed it on the table. “Maybe we should find out.”

He moved quickly. In seconds, he ripped off the sheet and pinned her to the mattress. He caught her wrists and held them high above her head while he held her down with one heavy thigh. She breathed hard, her mouth open slightly in shock. He kept his hold firm as he allowed his other hand to lazily trace the outline of her body, flicking her nipples, travelling downward to stop dip two fingers in her pulsing wetness. Her eyes darkened and she arched away from him, trying to free herself.

“Let me go.” Her words caught on a pant as he used his thumb to work her clit in a gentle, steady rhythm.

“I’ll give you one more minute to make your decision. Tell me to go again and I’m out of here.”

He covered his mouth with hers and drank in the heady taste of her while he continued to arouse. Her tongue tangled and battled with his as he fought for possession of her mouth, then celebrated his victory by marauding every last inch of her slick, hot entrance. Her juices flowed freely against his hand and she twisted wildly underneath him, desperate for more. When he pulled away, he no longer felt like playing. He waited.

“Tell me to go.”

She moaned, caught halfway to orgasm. Her fingers clenched against his and she gave him the words. “Don’t go. Take me.”

“You agree to the bargain? You belong to me at night. You do anything I say, any way I say it. Got it?”

“Yes. Please, Jack.”

“Get on top of me.”

He ripped off his briefs and flipped her over so she straddled him. He fitted himself with a condom, then guided her to take him, inch by slow inch. She gasped as he filled her, and his hands rubbed the ripe globes hanging down as he urged her on. When he was buried deep, she wiggled to adjust, and he almost lost it. Jack gritted his teeth, cursed viciously, and held onto his control.

“Now ride me. Hard.”

She threw back her head and rode him. He rubbed her nipples, then gripped her hips as she ground her clit against his cock, searching for the release. He reached between them and worked his fingers over her throbbing bud, slick and swollen. Then he felt her explode inside of him, her juices running over his dick as she clenched tight. She cried out as the orgasm took hold, and without a second thought, he followed her over the edge. His body shook as he let go, and then she slumped over his chest, breathing hard.

He remained quiet as he stroked her back, the skin pale and silky smooth. The luscious curve of her ass sat perfectly in his palm as he squeezed the tender flesh in a rough massage. She finally spoke.

“You drive a hard bargain.”

He laughed and gave her a quick slap, ignoring her yelp. “You’re too bossy. You need someone to take control sometimes.”

She huffed out a breath and lifted her head. “I’m not bossy.”

“Woman, you’d scare the hell out of a lesser man.”

She nibbled at her swollen lower lip. “Do I come off as too intimidating? Maybe I need to be a little more approachable?”

He laughed. “Julianna, I’m not giving you husband-hunting tips. Consider yourself warned.” He disentangled himself and stalked toward the bathroom. “I’m going to shower, than get back to work. I’ll see you tonight.”

She sat on the bed in a tangle of sheets, looking a bit shy and awkward. “I’ll wait for you here, then?”

“Yes, I’ll come to you. Make sure you’re naked and ready for me.”

She winced but nodded. He made sure not to look back and reminded himself this was a game. He refused to soothe or comfort her. She knew the rules—hell, she’d laid them out personally. He still needed to find his wife, but Julianna would be a pleasant diversion while in Newport, and his deception regarding his identity could be kept secret. No one would get hurt. She had no need to know he was the heir to millions, along with a juicy title. His lips twisted in irony as he turned on the spray. Thank God he’d realized her true colors before he became enchanted with a woman who was, at heart, a liar. Still, she’d gotten under his skin, and this was the best way to exorcise her demon.

Satisfied with his logic, he finished his shower and left.