Free Breaking the Governess’s Rules by Michelle Styles Page B

interesting?’
    ‘He is twice your age. Is that why he wants you, Louisa—to add to his collection of pretty things? Has he ever kissed you?’
    Louisa’s hand plucked at her skirt and she pressedher lips together and slowly, almost imperceptibly, she shook her head. ‘Such matters are none of your concern. But know that he has great admiration for me.’
    ‘Admiration,’ Jonathon scoffed as the white-hot rage in his soul eased. ‘Is that the same as love?’
    ‘It is a form of love.’
    ‘Is it a passionate love match, then?’
    ‘Yes, yes, if you insist. It is … what I want.’ She shook her head. ‘Not that you would understand such simple concepts as restraint and forbearance.’
    ‘Why isn’t he here with you?’ Jonathon brushed her cheek. ‘If this man was dying of love for you, why did he allow you to go back to England alone? Any man should know the folly of that. If you were my fiancée, I would make certain no other man had a chance of going near you.’
    ‘I don’t believe in love, not that sort,’ she whispered, not meeting his eyes. ‘I seek the comfort of companionship.’
    ‘You did once.’ He trailed a finger down the side of her face. ‘You were the most passionate creature I had ever met. You wanted to grab life with both hands. And now, you only want a companion. You might lie to yourself, Louisa, but do not lie to me. Sir Francis and his bloodless offer is not what you desire.’
    ‘That is all in the past, Jonathon. Finished and ended. It was never love, simply desire. Desire that flared out of control, but burnt out quickly.’
    ‘It is something you should worry about. Do you think Sir Francis will want to marry you once he discovers your youthful indiscretion?’
    Louisa stared at him in astonishment. She had givenhim the letter that proved her point and he still appeared intent on destroying her and her reputation. Surely he had to let her go. Last night proved nothing except that she was a fool. ‘What do you mean?’
    ‘What a man asks from a mistress is different from what he demands from a wife.’ A faint smile appeared on his lips. ‘Have you told him about what passed between us? Surely a husband deserves to know about his wife’s lovers.’
    ‘There is no us, Jonathon. That particular folly ended years ago.’ She tilted her head and dared him to say otherwise. The sudden image of Jonathon vital and determined in Sorrento flashed through her brain—Jonathon loudly declaiming to Sir Francis and everyone else who gathered on the Hotel Trasemeno terrace for their afternoon tea about her past, or, worse, Jonathon gathering her in his arms and kissing her in front of everyone. The thought unnerved her. She glanced at him under her lashes. He would never do it, would he?
    ‘Then he has no idea why you left England. Interesting. Perhaps he should be enlightened.’ Jonathon cupped his fingers under her chin and forced it upwards so he gazed directly into her soul. The shifting colours in his eyes mesmerised her. ‘What hurts most, Louisa, is that you think so little of the people you profess to care about. You were the one who said that those closest to you should share your innermost secrets.’
    ‘Are you threatening me?’ She wrenched her chin away. ‘Threats are only effective if the person is prepared to carry them through. Venetia Ponsby-Smythe taught me that.’
    ‘Threats or promises, Lou?’ he asked, using his oldpet name for her. He ran his hands lightly down her arms and saw the pulse at the base of her throat quicken. ‘What will Sir Francis do when I appear in Sorrento to give this demonstration?’
    Jonathon traced the outline of her lips with the back of his thumb. They shifted and moved under the subtle pressure, sending pulses of warmth throughout her body, making an ache grow within her.
    Louisa inhaled and caught his citrus scent. Heat infused her body as her breast strained against her stays. It would be so easy to give into him, so easy to