Was her voice always so husky? Or did his ears play tricks? He fisted his gloved hands by his sides and prayed for strength.
“What happened…changed me. I’m not a whole man.”
Those sinfully thick eyelashes veiled her eyes. He couldn’t remember seeing anyone in such minute detail before. It was like all the light in the world shone just on her.
“You looked whole the other night,” she said evenly, although color rose in her cheeks.
Oh, dear merciful God in heaven. How could she remind him of that? It was meant to be the one time. It must be the one time.
His aching cock twitched as if to deny that assertion.
“You know what I mean,” he snarled, nearly frantic with the painful heat sizzling through him. Heat that found no outlet. “You know…What the devil are you doing?”
“Unbinding my hair.” She sounded unconcerned. Her deft fingers undid the long plait that curved sinuously across one shoulder.
“Don’t.” The command emerged as a croak.
“I need to brush it out and put it up for the day.”
“Blast you, that’s not why you’re doing this.”
He couldn’t help but watch those busy fingers. Nor could he turn away when she buried her hands in the bronze mane and combed it loose so it fell like a shining curtain. Desire knotted every muscle in his body.
He lifted his hands to touch the glorious mass. Then hesitated midair. Feeling like the greatest fool in Christendom.
“Why do you think I’m doing it?” She shook her head so her hair slid around her in dark gold splendor.
“Your purpose is…seduction.”
He stumbled over the last word like a prim spinster. Decadent images of that silky hair flowing about him as he pounded into her body fired his brain.
“You say you’re impervious to the lure of the flesh.”
“I never said that.”
“Then what’s stopping you?” She raised one hand and tugged at the ribbon holding her plunging neckline closed.
“Don’t damn well do that.” He should walk out the door right now.
“Why?”
He couldn’t immediately think of an answer. All he could think of was how he would hurt her with his vile clumsiness if this scene reached the end she clearly wanted.
Why in Hades didn’t she avoid him after that rough coupling? What was wrong with the chit?
His lips parted on a groan as her bodice gaped to reveal the valley between her breasts. He forced himself to concentrate on her face instead of her bosom. His heart slammed to a stop. The silent determination in her eyes shook him.
If he intended to retain a shred of honor, he needed to get out of here. Now. She didn’t know what she invited. She couldn’t.
“I’ll wait outside while you dress.”
“Coward,” she said softly but distinctly.
“Charis, it’s for the best.” He tried to remember why he couldn’t just jump on her and take what he wanted. His mind was a black, impenetrable jungle.
“Is the Hero of Rangapindhi running for cover?”
“I’m no hero,” he snarled, cut to the quick. He abhorred the name the press bestowed on him. He turned to escape, unable any longer to bear the sight of what he wanted most in the world. Displayed for his delectation like a banquet. As unreachable as the stars. “I’ll order breakfast.”