He grinned and brushed his thumb over her nipple, making her gasp. “I have hardly begun to seduce you, my love. Just you wait.”
His words made heat blossom between her thighs. “Promises, promises! I hope you can make good on these extravagant claims.”
“Oh, I shall, my love. Believe me, I shall.”
A delicious shiver of anticipation ran through her as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply and thoroughly, leaving her weak in the knees.
At the moment, hooves clattered in the yard, and the sound of Lord James bellowing at the stable hands reached Isabella’s ears. “He’s back.”
The delicious languor that had filled her moments ago drained out of her to be replaced by tension.
“So he is.” Martin nuzzled her neck, but his posture stiffened. “Shall we go speak to him together?”
It was so tempting to say yes. She wanted Martin by her side, but she feared what Lord James might do to Martin if they went together.
“No, I think it would be best if I spoke to Lord James alone. I worry that he might do something rash if you accompany me.” Truth be told, she was just as worried that Martin might do something rash.
Martin’s jaw muscle bulged. “I’d like to see him try.”
“I don’t doubt your valor or your bravery, but Lord James is twice your size. I don’t want to provoke him unnecessarily. I think I might be able to placate him if I can speak to him by myself.” She could offer to give him the information he needed to insinuate himself into Lord Henry’s good graces, and hopefully he would be satisfied to let her go.
“I don’t like the idea of your being alone with him and delivering bad news. What if he loses his temper?”
“Martin, please. I can handle myself. I’ve been handling myself for many years in far more treacherous waters than these. Please trust me.” The period between Lady Eleanor’s annulment and her marriage to Lord Henry had been downright terrifying. Not one buttwoprospective bridegrooms tried to hunt them down and force Eleanor to the altar. If Isabella could survive being in the eye of that storm with Her Grace, she could survive anything.
“Very well, but I’ll stay in the bailey while you speak to him. If he does anything untoward, just call out my name, and I’ll come.”
“Agreed.” It eased her mind to know that Lord Martin would defend her at a moment’s notice if needed. “I must go.”
“I know.” He pulled her close and pressed a brief, furious kiss to her lips. “I’ll see you shortly. Be brave.”
“I will.”
Holding her head high, she turned to go.
“I love you,” Martin called as she was leaving.
Warmth, confidence, and courage flooded through her at his words. Truly, she could do anything with his love to buoy her up.
“I love you too.” She back turned and smiled at him before forcing herself to leave the dovecote.
Whatever Lord James might throw her way, she was ready for it.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Isabella’s heart poundedloudly in her ears as she approached Lord James, who was handing off his horse to a stable boy.
“My lady, I didn’t expect to see you again so soon! Have you found a way to rid yourself of that little rat you call a husband already?”
“I’ve spoken with him,” she said, evading the question. How should she broach the subject? Should she work up to it, or just tell him bluntly that she no longer wished to proceed with their agreement?
“And?”
Normally, she managed to be cool and collected under pressure, but her mind was still addled by all that had transpired with Martin. Words were not forthcoming for the first time in her life. “Well, he…that is to say I…”
“Get on with it. I have other business to attend to.” He frowned at her, and there was a warning in his gaze. This was not going at all as she had hoped.
“I wish to renegotiate our deal. Circumstances have changed, and I don’t believe a marriage between us would be wise.”
