Page 49 of The Rogue’s Countess

Even with his back to her, Gideon knew exactly where she stood. She was only a few feet away but just out of reach. The tension in the air between them was heavy and thick as the silence continued. It made him damned uncomfortable. He wasn’t used to being in the wrong, and it didn’t speak well of his character that he needed to apologize for the second time in less than a day.

Palms pressing into the surface of the workbench, Gideon steeled himself to face her. Slowly turning around, his jaw tightened as he watched her quickly step backward. From the moment he’d found her living in Chelmsford House, she’d displayed a fiery spirit he’d come to enjoy. It was unlike her to retreat. Gideon’s gut suddenly twisted with a savage jerk.

Christ Jesus, she was afraid of him. Never before had he ever given a woman reason to fear him, and he didn’t like the sensation. Worst of all, he didn’t like that it was Phoebe. He didn’t want her to be frightened of him. He wanted something much different. The thought tightened every muscle in his body, and he quickly slammed the door closed on a slowly awakening revelation. Gideon cleared his throat as he met her gaze.

“My conduct last night was that of a disreputable rogue, Phoebe,” he said quietly.”

Some of the color drained from her cheeks, and Gideon’s body became rigid at the fleeting look of embarrassment that crossed her face. She dropped her gaze to stare at the brick walkway. She looked as vulnerable as she had that night five years ago. It made him want to pull her into his arms and simply hold her, but he held himself in check. The strained silence between them seemed to intensify, and Gideon fought to find the right words to apologize to her.

“You blamed yourself for what happened, Phoebe, but that burden is mine to carry. My lack of judgement and restraint caused you pain. I deeply regret that.” As he apologized, Phoebe raised her head to meet his gaze. She shook her head in protest as her cheeks flushed a bright pink before she averted her gaze.

“I disagree. You are not solely responsible for my humil…my discomfort. I was…I didn’t object. If anything, I…encouraged you.” The color in her cheeks deepened, and she turned her face away from him. “I know you would have released me if I’d protested.”

“If I were as honorable as you suggest, I would not have taken things beyond the point of no return. If I’d been thinking clearly, the outcome of last night would not have placed you in such a difficult position.”

Gideon clasped his hands behind his back as he leaned slightly to the right to force her to meet his gaze. As their eyes met, she straightened to look directly at him, and he did the same. Phoebe’s expression was unreadable as she studied him for a long moment.

“You mean your proposal of marriage?”

The words were barely a whisper, but each one of them hammered their way into his chest. He’d unintentionally backed her into a corner from which there was only one logical escape. The thought made him want to visit the boxing ring with one hand tied behind his back. He deserved to have someone spar with him until he fell senseless to the floor of the ring for what he’d done to her.

“Yes. It’s the most logical solution to the situation. If a child was conceived last night, things would be difficult for you,” Gideon said grimly. “While I would not shirk my duty to you or our child, I believe you would refuse any assistance from me, even though I’m certain your financial state would be, and currently is, less than desirable.”

The color flushing over her cheeks again made her look as lovely as the first time he’d seen the moonlight casting its glow on her face. The memory of how she’d responded to his caresses flooded Gideon’s head, and he failed to stop the small rush of desire stirring inside him. Disgusted with himself, he folded his arms across his chest to prevent himself from acting impulsively. What was it about this woman that left him without any grasp on reason where she was concerned? Gideon saw her throat bob as she nodded.

“I will not deny my finances are limited.”

“Then accept my offer of marriage, Phoebe. I promise you will never go without. I shall never harm you intentionally or force you to do anything against your will, and I will protect you from anyone who tries to hurt you. I will ensure you are provided for in the event I precede you in death, and you will have the freedom to do as you please with one exception.”

Phoebe gasped softly as he finished detailing the list of items he’d thought of while lying sleepless in his bed last night. They were conditions he believed would convince her a marriage between them would be a satisfying and fulfilling one. She stared at him in astonishment for several seconds, then as if she’d just absorbed his last statement, she narrowed her gaze at him with suspicion.

“And this one exception?” Phoebe’s mouth thinned slightly as a small spark of her spirit flickered in her brown eyes as if he were a predator hovering nearby, ready to strike. Gideon’s jaw clenched as he saw the distrust in her eyes. He cleared his throat.

“The only caveat to the freedom you will have is that you will not make a fool of me by taking a lover. I promise to do the same.

“Are you saying you intend to grant me all of these conditions if I marry you?” she asked softly in obvious surprise as she studied him carefully.

“Yes. I will have a nuptial agreement drawn up with all the details for us to sign before we are wed.”

Gideon’s muscles hardened as a voice in the back of his head pleaded with her to say yes. He quickly crushed the thought. What the hell was wrong with him? He was negotiating a marriage contract and nothing more. Mocking laughter filtered its way into his head. Phoebe stared at him for a moment with misgiving.

“And will you…do you…expect me to…”

Her face reddened with embarrassment, and she turned her head away from him once more. Gideon’s mouth tightened as he suddenly considered the possibility she wouldn’t allow him into her bed. It was the one condition he’d contemplated making a required stipulation before quickly tossing it aside.

When he’d told her last night that he wanted to make love to her again, it had been true. He wanted her, and he knew she wanted him. Now faced with her question, he wasn’t quite sure how to answer her. Clearing his throat, Gideon chose his words carefully.

“I’ve already said I will never force you to do something against your will. Our marriage will be nothing like the one you endured with Helstone. An appropriate name for a man who clearly made your life miserable.”

“But you expect to share my bed.”

The breathless note in her voice was either one of anticipation or trepidation. Gideon couldn’t determine which. Every muscle in his body tightened into knots of tension as he considered the possibility this might be the one condition that would override the others when it came to her final decision whether or not to marry him.

“I do not see it as being an unreasonable expectation. We are good together, Phoebe.” Gideon saw conflicting emotions cross her face, and he stepped forward to lightly touch her cheek. “I know I excite you, and I’ve not hidden my desire for you. Would you deny both of us the pleasure of experiencing each other again?”

“No, I…I cannot deny any of what you said.” She inhaled a deep breath then met his gaze steadily. “Very well, I agree to your conditions. I will marry you.”

The moment she agreed to his proposal, exhilaration barreled through him. Startled by the emotion, he pushed it aside. He was marrying Phoebe to protect her from any potential scandal if she were with child and take responsibility for the babe. The last thing he would allow himself to do was fall in love with his countess. He knew affection between them would grow, but love was for fools, and Phoebe wasn’t a fool.