Page 51 of Redemption

“I don’t give a damn about your past,” he snarled. “I do care what you think of me.”

“What I think of you?” Surprise made her cool composure slip.

“Yes, me,” he growled. “If I were to make love to you, a decidedly pleasurable thought, I risk the possibility of you believing I am doing so simply because of your past. I am nothing like the men who used you.”

Rhea stared at him for a moment in confusion. The man had just said he desired her, but refused to act on it because he thought she would compare him to the swine Ruckley had sold her to? Impossible. She would never believe such a thing of him. In the back of her head a voice question that belief. It was immediately trampled by the sudden realization that she had been hoping for something more tangible where Percy was concerned.

Alarm streaked through her. It was far too dangerous to expect Percy or any man to want her solely for herself in spite of her sordid past. The carriage rocked to a halt, and Percy quickly exited the vehicle then stretched out his hand to her. Rhea placed her hand in his and stepped down onto the sidewalk. The pulse of energy that glided up her arm filled her with a mixture of emotions. Feelings she didn’t want to have. His fingers squeezed hers with a gentleness that warmed her heart. Their eyes met, and she shook her head in bemusement.

“You’re nothing like the men in my past, Percy Rockwood,” she said softly. “And if I were to offer myself to you it would be because of that very reason.”

Despite all the noise on the busy street, Rhea only heard her rapid breathing as her heart pounded fiercely in her breast. Percy carried her hand to his mouth, his lips brushing her fingertips in an almost reverent manner. Part of her wanted to reach out and run her fingers through his hair, but she suppressed the inclination. He straightened upright, and retained his hold on her hand.

“Let me take you to Covent Garden this evening,” he said with a small smile. “The Drury Lane Theatre has a production of The Bride Effect that is apparently quite good.”

Rhea hesitated to accept his invitation. The desire to be in this company and in his arms was at war with the logic of staying away from him. He squeezed her fingers again, and she realized she’d known all along what her answer would be.

“Yes,” she replied softly. At her simple answer he kissed her fingers again. This time his mouth lingered. Heat spread across her skin and into her cheeks. Percy’s smile broadened. With a small tug, she pulled her hand free of his grasp and started up the steps to Sherrington House then paused to look at him.

“What time should I expect you?”

“I’ll call on you at seven o’clock. We’ll have dinner at a restaurant I know of in Covent Garden,” Percy said as he stood at the foot of the house steps. The last thing she saw as she closed the door to the house was Percy standing on the sidewalk watching her walk away.