Devil's Desire (35 page)

Alex moved to stand closer to Elysia, his arms outstretched in supplication, as he continued in that quiet tone. "You were placed in unreasonable danger because you thought that I needed you—even though you had just overheard that damned scene in the library.
I
asked myself why? Why would you do that unless you loved me, despite all that had happened–you loved me. It has given me hope, again, that I have not lost you."

Elysia felt tears brimming in her eyes at his words. It could not be true. She shook her head dazedly letting his words sink in, but she was still thinking so slowly, her reactions dulled by the wine. Alex, alert to her every expression and movement, mistook her actions, and with a groan sank down onto the satin chair, his dark head held in his hands as he stared morosely at the carpet.

"I love you, Elysia. Can that mean anything to you? I've been a fool and a cad; I have been half-crazed since knowing you. I thought myself so clever—making use of you for my own ends. You were so vulnerable for me to exploit. I won't lie to you that I loved you at first; I didn't even know the meaning of the word. But I desired you as any red-blooded man would desire a beautiful woman. When first I saw you, I didn't realize it at the time, but things were beginning to refocus in my mind it wasn't until later that I clearly understood this change. So in the meantime, I ruthlessly made use of our predicament; excusing myself by thinking that what I offered you was far better than what you would have faced in London—and you would have been grateful to me.

"But everything began to get out of control, for you were not like other women I had been involved with—you hated me. That was something new in itself, but even more, I found myself thinking about you, dreaming of you—until you became an obsession with me. I told myself that it was mere physical desire that
I
was feeling, but even after I had made you mine I still wanted you more than ever and not
just
your body. I was jealous of every thought of yours that was not mine. When I saw you fallen under those trees in the copse, I died a thousand deaths, thinking you dead. That is when I knew that I loved you beyond my wildest imaginings."

He stood up and walked over to the fire, staring down into the flames. "I am a man who has lived fully, taking what he has wanted—my desires always fulfilled. Now, I want
you.
I could force
my will
on you—force you to live with me. You are in my home where I am complete master. You bear my name—and possibly are carrying my child at this moment. Those are hard ties to break. But I will not force you to come to me, nor stay with me—if you desire to live elsewhere. I would like to keep you locked up–imprisoned here, with only me to be in your mind and heart. I am an arrogant and cruel man, and I am a selfish and jealous husband—unwilling to share you with anyone, now that I've found the one woman I love—something I had believed impossible for me.

"But in finding that I love you, I've also lost. For I cannot hurt you in order to have my desires fulfilled." He stood easily before the fire as if he only sought its warmth; the only sign of his agitation were his hands-the knuckles showing white against the tanned skin.

Elysia smiled thoughtfully. He was right, he was an arrogant man—not really cruel, just used to his own way, proud and imperious. But she loved him. She smiled wider, the smile lighting up her green eyes–and he loved her.

A log fell in the fireplace, the sparks flying as
it
settled and was consumed by the flames. Elysia moved, her immobility broken by the sound. The bonds that had held her, in what she thought must be an enchanted spell, were broken as she made her way to the man she loved

Alex felt soft arms entwine his waist as Elysia pressed herself against his broad back, hugging him close to her, as if she were afraid he would disappear before she could tell him how much she loved him. He felt the heat rise in his body—a heat not caused by the closeness of the fire. She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder, but he remained still, allowing her
to
make the first move.

"Alex." Her voice sounded like a contended purr in his ear, as she snuggled against him like a little cat. "I've come to like it here, M'Lord, In fact, I rather fancy myself in the role of Lady of the Manor, and how could I manage to keep my wits sharp if I didn't have such an arrogant, self-opinionated, insufferable—and loveable husband?" she added softly.

Elysia felt Alex's shoulders shake, and heard the deep rumble of laughter as it shook within his chest. He grabbed her arms and released himself. Turning around he swung her up into his arms, holding her tightly against his heart.

"Ah, M'Lady, Was there ever another like you?" he laughed with delight. "You have heard of the Trevegne luck? They say I'm in league with the Devil—well, there’ll be no putting an end to the rumor now. Once they've seen my green-eyed witch of a wife, weaving her spells about us all. But," he added warningly, "only I shall master her, and receive her honeyed kisses. No doubt our children will have horns and tails, but we belong to each other
as
no man or woman have before."

Alex tightened his arms, molding her to him. "Let me hear it again, M'Lady-tell me you love me," he growled, biting her ear as he nuzzled it. "It is something I shall never grow tired of hearing."

"Would you not rather I
showed
you how much I love you?" Elysia inquired, looking up at him with innocent green eyes. "Or if you prefer it, I will just
tell
you how much I love you, M'Lord,"

Alex smiled crookedly, a light shining in his golden eyes. "You would play with my affections, M'Lady? Then you must accept the consequences, for I have a man-sized thirst that will not easily be quenched."

He cut off her murmured reply with his lips, kissing her hungrily all over her soft face until his mouth eagerly closed on her parted lips. Elysia wrapped her arms about his neck, pressing her mouth harder against his, opening its sweetness to his demands, as his hands moved searchingly over her body.

He lifted his lips from hers, staring down into Elysia's heavily-lidded eyes, darkened with the passion that his lips had aroused, and with a desire that matched his own.

“Well, M'Lady? Is the price too high?" he asked softly with a devilish glint in his eyes.

"The price is never too high—if it is worthwhile, M'Lord," Elysia answered softly, a look of invitation in her eyes.