Chapter Nineteen #2
His forefinger slipped beneath her chin, raising it until Penelope had no choice but to stare up at him.
His hair was mussed, a lock of rich, dark hair falling across his brow and nearly shielding his bright-blue eyes.
Anger roiled off him in subtle waves, his mouth stretched into a thin, tight line.
“Your obedience pleases me, but I want you to stand up now, Penelope.” His tone was curt.
Rising gracefully to her feet with his assistance, Penelope could not hide her concern as Simon turned away and flung the flowers on his desk. He then stalked to the sideboard and poured himself a glass of liquor from one of the many decanters lined up on the furniture’s gleaming surface.
“What has happened?” Penelope asked hesitantly, glancing at the bedraggled bunch of flowers. It was a mix of lavender and sweet pea flowers, softly fragrant despite their less-than-pristine appearance. They reminded her of the bridal bouquet she’d held in her trembling hands just the day before.
Their wedding might as well have been a lifetime ago.
Simon gulped down a healthy splash of what Penelope thought might be whiskey before he answered.
“A damned hackney nearly killed me a few moments ago as I crossed the thoroughfare.” Simon shook his head, scowling as he poured another tumbler full of the dark-amber liquid. “Had I not had my wits about me, you might possibly have become a widow before you even became accustomed to being a wife.”
Penelope cocked her head. “Crossing the street…whatever for?”
Simon’s expression became shuttered, a flush coloring his angled cheekbones. “It doesn’t matter.”
Concern battered her heart, causing it to thump with wild abandon. “Are you hurt?” she asked, noticing that there was a small scrape on his jaw. It was not bleeding, but it was a bit raw. It appeared painful.
“I managed to avoid sustaining serious harm. The front wheel served me a glancing blow as the coach passed. Knocked me back into the sidewalk where I promptly landed on my own arse.”
“But you are uninjured?” Penelope pressed, biting her bottom lip.
“I am.”
“Did the coach stop? Surely, they were concerned for your welfare.”
Simon snorted in disbelief. “They did not. In fact, they greatly increased their speed as they drove away. One of my footmen gave chase for a block or so but could not keep up.”
Penelope could not comprehend the relief that flooded her. She shivered with the force of it, sending a little prayer heavenward that although he’d been a bit scuffed, her husband escaped the encounter with no serious injuries.
“Perhaps it should be reported. Someone driving so recklessly could hurt someone.”
“That hack was only one of many in this city driving recklessly. I assure you nothing would come from bringing it to the attention of the authorities,” Simon said in a determined voice. “Speak no more on it, Penelope. There are other matters to discuss.”
Crossing over to the desk, Penelope picked up the bouquet, trying to ignore the way her stomach tightened when he spoke in such a manner. “Are these for me?” Confusion had her heart hammering in her chest.
Simon’s features darkened as he plucked the ruined flowers from her grasp. Tossing them back onto the desk, he then set the empty tumbler down beside them and slid a muscled arm around her waist.
“There was a girl selling flowers on the opposite side of the street. I thought you might like the lavender since it is your preferred scent.” His beautiful mouth twisted into a semblance of a smile. “My intent was to give them to you, provided you conducted yourself well during your punishment.”
“You purchased them for me.” Penelope stared up at Simon, unable to conceal her bewilderment.
This man was a multitude of contradictions.
After subjecting her to what was sure to be some manner of physical punishment, he planned on presenting her with a bouquet of her favorite flowers.
They were still lovely, even if they were no longer in pristine condition.
Something warm swirled in the pit of Penelope’s stomach, turning her into the normally shy creature she usually presented to the world.
Words tangled in her mouth, dying a quick death on her tongue as she tried to reason out what this could possibly mean.
Why would Simon buy her flowers if he truly resented their marriage? Why spend a fortune on her wedding trousseau and on the ring adorning her finger if he did not care for her even just a little? And why bother protecting her from her parents if he did not hold a flicker of affection for her?
“Thank you, my lord,” she murmured without thinking when she finally found her voice. “They are beautiful.”
“You are a pretty little liar,” he replied, the faintest tone of victory ringing in his words.
“It’s quite obvious they are ruined. But while that unfortunate moment of pathetic, romantic weakness may have cost my life, I am heartened by one undisputable fact.
You are owed a punishment, and I’ve not forgotten it is due. ”
With one forceful sweep of his arm, Simon cleared an area off his desk, sending the flowers tumbling to the floor and Penelope squeaking in alarm.
The blooms landed in a jumbled heap along with the empty crystal tumbler.
Gripping her upper arms, Simon spun her around so quickly that she was instantly dizzy with the abrupt movement.
Simon’s breath was hot on her skin, his lips brushing the curve of her neck. The aroma of lavender and spicy-sharp whiskey mingled with the leather-and-fresh-pine scent of his cologne. He kissed a spot just below her ear, teeth nipping at the delicate skin until Penelope gasped in disbelief.
Not because she was frightened of him, but because it felt so good. And that realization, that surprising, unwelcome awakening, was far more dangerous than any threat of punishment.
“Pull up your skirts, wife, and bend over my desk.”