Free Forbidden (Scandalous Sirens) by Tracy Cooper-Posey, Julia Templeton Page A

low, “It is no different than what I feel when I think of you marrying my father.”
    She turned abruptly, surprised into it. He was watching her intently. “You cannot be serious?”
    The corner of his mouth lifted the slightest bit. The expression seemed to be a sour one. “The only difference is that you’re already committed to become his wife.”
    His words stirred her anger back to life. This time the anger was aimed at her own wretched circumstances. Her impending marriage to Rufus was a prison sentence. She was trapped, where Vaughn was free. His whole life lay before him, uncharted. Hers was cast in stone. Tears stung her eyes.
    He touched her cheek, gently, sending another tiny burst of pleasure through her.
    “I wanted to know how you felt when you saw me with someone else. I wanted to know I wasn’t the only one who desired.” His hand cupped her face. “And I can see I am not alone.” His thumb slid across her lips. “Am I, my sweet Elisa?” he murmured, his voice caressing her.
    Her heart was fluttering painfully. If she were to acknowledge she felt as he did, where would he take it next? The excitement, the absolute danger that could come of speaking the truth! The possibilities made her tremble anew, helped by the sensual brush of his fingers across her lips, light and maddeningly erotic.
    Natasha’s laughter in the hallway was a douse of cold water. Elisa jumped. Vaughn’s hand fell away just as the girl entered the room with her mother close on her heels.
    “Your flowers are divine,” Caroline said, her smile in place as she walked in the room, her cheeks flushed with laughter.
    Vaughn had moved away from her, with the silence and sleekness of a cat.
    Elisa struggled to keep her voice normal as she replied, “Thank you. I work very hard at tending them. Sometimes the climate here makes it difficult.”
    “Indeed, Lord Munroe tells me I need to find more interest in gardening, yet I find it sparks nothing within me. Now my watercolors, those are entirely—”
    Elisa’s nerves tensed as Caroline stopped in mid-sentence and studied her intently. “My dear, you look so pale. Do you not feel well?”
    “I…have a headache. The heat…”
    “I am so sorry, my dear. Perhaps you should lie down?”
    Elisa wanted nothing more than to escape Natasha and Caroline. She nodded. “Perhaps you’re right.”
    “Here, I will escort you,” Vaughn said, coming up beside her and extending his elbow. He glanced over his shoulder at the other women. “You’ll be staying for dinner?” he asked, voicing the polite question.
    “Yes!” the ecstatic reply came, in unison from mother and daughter.
    * * * * *
     
    Elisa remained silent as Vaughn walked her to her room. Her hand was stiff and unmoving on his arm. She was jealous. He had seen it on her face, had read it in her eyes.
    He deliberately let the silence stretch.
    “Why did you invite them to stay?” she asked at last, without looking at him.
    “Actually Rufus invited them.”
    “Rufus?”
    Vaughn understood her incredulity. Rufus did not invite anyone over. Usually the neighbors arrived and he “rested” while Elisa entertained.
    “Is it not the polite thing to do when a neighbor comes calling?”
    “They have been here all afternoon.”
    He shrugged. “I thought you would enjoy their company.”
    This was met by more silence.
    Vaughn suppressed a smile. The air of injured pride in her upturned nose and down-turned mouth must surely mean he was beginning to break down the impervious barrier she had erected against his advances.
    When they arrived at her room they both reached for the handle at the same time, their hands brushing against each other. He heard her quick intake of breath but she didn’t remove her hand, or pull away.
    He wove his fingers through hers. They were such small hands, so dainty and feminine. Everything about her was fragile.
    “Thank you for walking me to my room,” she said stiffly, opening the door.
    He let