Chapter 16 #2
“If proof surfaces and the title is stripped…” He jaw tightened as he thought about the consequences.
“I’d transfer everything I can, money, investments, personal property, into a trust for my wife and children.
Set it up through her family or trustees.
The dukedom and entailed estates would go, yes, but we’d still be secure. ”
His voice dropped even lower. “That’s why I need a wife I can trust. Completely.”
Deena stared up at him, eyes wide, lips parted. “And how would you find her if you’re here with me in my chamber?”
The question hung between them, fragile yet razor-sharp.
“I think you already know what’s happening here, Deena.”
She dropped her gaze, refusing to look at him. “I pointed you to the best ladies.”
“I’m not interested in them.” Austin cupped her jaw, and tilted her face up. “I shared a lot today, Deena. How about I get the whole truth from you too?”
Deena trembled beneath his touch. “I cannot tell you everything.”
“But you will.” His thumb brushed her lower lip. Austin felt betrayed by her obvious lack of trust, but he could not break free from her.
She shook her head. “You don’t know that.”
“I know you.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “I know you’d burn the world down for those you care for.”
Deena’s eyes glistened. “Austin—”
He pressed her against the wall.
“Dee, tell me the truth. Are you planning to trap me?”
She froze and shivered against the length of his body. “If that was my goal I would’ve done it days ago,” she said breathlessly.
Austin smirked and suddenly backed away from her. He needed to admire her before he went any further. If they went any further. The look Deena gave was that of slight disappointment.
“Were you planning to trap me too?” she asked him. Her entire body was flushed and she shivered slightly.
“Everything I did with you and said to you was genuine,” he answered her simply and honestly.
Deena frowned and blocked her chest with her arms while Austin paced around her as she composed herself.
“Do you think about the meadow, Dee?”
After some silence, she finally spoke.
“I… told you not to bring that up again,” her voice quivered nervously.
Austin stopped in front of her; a faint smile emerged on his lips. “I think about it every second. I know it haunts you just as much as me. So, tell me, Dee, what do you think about the most from that night?”
“Austin, you know—”
“I want to hear you say it,” he commanded her.
He could see her arousal clearly in the way she blushed.
“No, I—I don’t think about it at all!” she said stubbornly, and he chuckled.
“That’s disappointing. I need to fix that.”
“And how exactly do you plan to fix what we did?” She cocked her head and the sight of her stole his breath away.
“I shall just have to try again.”
Deena gulped audibly. “Try again?”
“Yes, I have never left a lady unsatisfied. It is my duty to finish what I started.” Austin would never go too far with Deena, but he needed another taste of her.
“I’m a difficult person to satisfy.” She lifted her chin stubbornly.
“I know, but allow me to prove you wrong.” Austin closed the distance between them again, cupped her face, and drew her in.
His mouth claimed hers, hard, desperate, and hungry.
One hand slid into her hair, cradling the back of her head; the other pulled her hips flush against his, letting her feel exactly what she did to him.
She gasped into the kiss, and he took the sound, swallowed it, and gave it back to her with every stroke of his tongue.
Deena’s hands fisted in his coat, pulling him closer, kissing him back with equal clumsy ferocity.
She arched against him; her soft breasts and hardened nipples pressed to his chest. She let out a moan as her thighs parted instinctively and his knee nudged between them.
Austin felt her warmth and almost lost control.
He groaned into her mouth. The sound was low, raw, and helpless.
When they finally broke apart, both were breathing like they’d run a mile.
Austin rested his forehead against hers. “That… was not part of the plan tonight.”
Deena quivered against him. “No. I don’t suppose it was.”
He brushed his thumb across her swollen bottom lip. “I’m still not sure I can trust you.”
“I know.” Her voice cracked. “I’m not sure I can trust you either.”
He exhaled, the sound ragged. “Then what the hell are we doing?”
Deena looked up at him, eyes glistening. “I don’t know.”
Austin kissed her again, slower this time, and deeper, like he was trying to memorize the shape of her mouth. Her taste was intoxicating, and the way she trembled against him made his body react.
She pulled back this time; her voice was hoarse with desire. “We’re running out of time.”
“I know,” he whispered.
“One day,” she said. “One day left.” But her eyes remained on his lips, drawing him in again.
Consequences be damned.
“Then let’s make it count.”
She stared at him. Her breathing increased. Her skin was a deep red, and his desire to feel her against him was too strong.
“What are you planning to do?” Deena whispered.
Austin smiled languidly before he leaned in and kissed her again.