His Lady Mistress

210 His Lady Mistressin the thick travelling rug Max had insisted she bring. Everyfibre of her, body and soul, ached to stay exactly where shewas, for the dream to continue. Every nerve tautened, musteringthe will to pull away, back beyond her defences.He spoke again, in cool, dispassionate tones. ‘We’ve arrived,Verity.’ Careful hands lifted her away and set her downon the seat. She shut her eyes briefly, resisting the urge towriggle back into his arms and beg him to hold her. Neveragain could she let him close. Being pushed away cut to hervery core.Breathing slowly, Max watched her. She looked deliciouslytousled, her curls hopelessly tumbled on her shoulders.Scarcely surprising since he had been unable to resistthe temptation of removing her pins and tangling his fingersin the silken, cool tresses.The need to pull her back into his arms and kiss her senselesshammered in his blood. He mustn’t. The sudden tensionin her body as she woke seared him. Don’t ever touch meagain. She didn’t want him near her, let alone kissing her.The chaise door opened and the steps were let down. Hestepped out and turned, prepared to assist Verity down.‘I can manage for myself, my lord.’The words cut into his heart. His touch sickened her. Eventhe simplest gesture of courtesy. Every instinct screamed athim to lift her into his arms, to hold her close. Sharply heturned away and nodded to the waiting footman to assist her.He watched her precede him into the house, her head high,her back straight. Gone was the gentle, vulnerable girl whohad trusted him. Now grey eyes blazed at him like twinswords. He had honed the blades himself.In the hall he remembered that he had a gift for her. Somethinghe ought to have given her before they were married.‘When you have changed for dinner, my dear, I would beobliged if you would join me in the drawing room.’His heart ached at the tiredness in her face as she lookedat him. ‘Of course, my lord.’