Shayla Black by Strictly Seduction Page A

furious, you know.”
    Brock shrugged. “She can’t afford to refuse me.”
    “ So you say.”
    Irritation pricked him. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”
    “ Will you fetch her if she doesn’t come ‘round today?”
    “ She will come.”
    In the next instant, Brock’s secretary poked his head into the room. “Mr. Taylor, I believe you were expecting Lady Wolcott. Shall I show her in?”
    Flashing his father a triumphant grin that hid his relief, Brock nodded. “Indeed.”
    A moment later, Maddie stood in his portal, hopelessly wind-blown, wearing another drab frock that had seen better days. Cheeks flushed, she clutched a reticule with white fingers, looking angry enough to tear the skin from his body with her bare hands.
    Jack backed out of the room’s side door with a mirthful grin.
    “ What is the meaning of this missive?” she hissed. “Do not presume that you can, at your convenience, demand my answer to your proposal.”
    Brock fought back disappointment. She would rather go to prison than marry one of his class? Than to wed him?
    “ Your week is up. I merely meant to remind you that I require your decision today. And since you deem my proposal ridiculous, I assume you’ve chosen the debtor’s option.”
    His gut seized up in knots. If she called his bluff, Brock had no bloody idea what he’d do.
    “ I did not say that.”
    “ So you choose me?”
    “ Blast you, I’ve chosen nothing! I cannot abide this ridiculous ultimatum.”
    “ It is a fair trade, really. Your connections for my wealth. Security for your aunt in her dotage, all the finest for your daughter, even a generous dowry.”
    “ That, sir, is very much like blackmail.”
    He shrugged. “Perhaps, but I can offer you more if you wed me, Maddie.”
    Approaching her silently on the thick carpet of his office, Brock reached behind her to lock the door, closing them off from the rest of the world. He hovered, crowding her space. So close, he noted the fabric of her bodice stretched thin across her lush breasts—and hard nipples. So close, he saw the pulse fluttering wildly at her throat.
    “ I can offer you ecstasy, sweet girl.” Her spicy-floral scent teased him mercilessly. Brock couldn’t not touch her. She made him so bloody hard. “I can fill your delectable body with pleasure that will take your breath away.”
    A flush crept up Maddie’s cheeks, even as she rolled her eyes. “Your modesty overwhelms. Alas, I am without interest.”
    “ Hmm. So you are refusing my proposal?” He clenched a fist.
    “ I am refusing to be handled like a trollop.”
    She turned for the door and grabbed the latch. Brock seized her arm and spun her to face him again, putting her back against the wall. With her tempting red lips parted inches below his own and her body so near, he couldn’t stay away.
    He curled his fingers around her nape and dragged her closer. “I will touch you as a woman should be touched by her lover. It won’t be polite. I won’t let you lie in the dark and think of England. I intend to make certain you’re with me through every thrust, every breath, every moan, every peak.”
    For a suspended moment, Maddie stared at him, her eyes darkening to the shade of a rain-drenched cloud. The pulse at her throat beat even faster.
    “ No. I—” She shook her head. “No.”
    “ Most definitely yes.” He covered her lips in a hot press that demanded more. When she gasped, he took advantage, sliding his tongue inside to taste her. She stiffened, but Brock didn’t give up.
    He seized her mouth again, driving deeper, drowning in her heat and taste. She softened, then melted against him, her lips turning pliant, tongue grazing his shyly at first, then with more passion as she clutched at his chest. That sweet flavor of her he’d never forgotten seeped into him, boiling his blood and blinding him to reason. Need clawed at him. He clutched her, palms sliding down the length of her back, then resting on her hips. He