Sensual Danger (Venice Vampyr #4)

At the top of the stairs, she motioned to the left, and he followed her indication until she stopped at a door.

“May I?” he asked politely and opened the door for her, letting her enter.

Nico caught a glimpse of the room. It was lit by several candles, and warmth emanated from it, indicating that a fire was burning in the fireplace. But before he could peruse the chamber further, Oriana turned and blocked his entry.

“I bid you good night, signore,” she said with a quick bow of her head.

Taken by surprise for a split-second, he almost had the door slammed in his face, had he not reached out his hand and stopped her from shutting it. Jerking it open wider, he took a step into the room.

“Signore,” she protested, her cheeks flaming. “This is my chamber. Yours is next door.”

Nico sighed. It appeared he had more explaining to do than he expected. Exactly how innocent could this beautiful woman be? Was it possible that she knew nothing about the relations between married couples?

“I beg your pardon, my dear wife, but it appears you may have overlooked something. I can only guess that the lack of a mother has made you oblivious to the concept of a wedding night. Surely, were your dear mother—God rest her soul—alive, she would have explained to you about—”

“Signore,” she interrupted him with an icy voice. “Let me be clear, since it appears that a subtle hint from me will not suffice.”

Nico raised a surprised eyebrow, both at her tone as well as her words.

“You married me because you wanted to purchase this house and my father would only sell it if he could arrange a marriage at the same time. Neither you nor I are interested in this arrangement. Therefore, I propose that you and I carry on as before this unfortunate event and live together in quiet ignorance of each other. I shall play the obedient wife in public as long as you make no demands on me in private. I shall turn a blind eye to any mistresses you may wish to entertain and can assure you that you will find no fault in my virtuous behavior. I trust this is agreeable?”

She raised her chin and looked at him as if she had just made an arrangement with the butcher about which cuts of the venison she would like delivered. No emotions played across her face.

“But my sweet wife, you’re mistaken. I admit, at first I was, shall we say, surprised since I had no plans of entering matrimony; however, in light of the circumstances, I’m more than happy to carry out my husbandly duties.” He dropped his gaze to her mouth, then lower to where the swells of her breasts heaved as she took more air into her lungs. The creamy flesh her modestly cut dress revealed looked inviting.

“Signore, I—”

“Nico,” he interrupted. “I would like you to call me by my given name. Trust me, it would be more than awkward if you continued to call me signore when we’re engaged in . . . marital relations.”

Her eyes narrowed, and he could firmly see how her spine stiffened. “You don’t seem to understand. I relieve you of your marital duties, signore!”

Nico took a step closer. “I’m afraid it is you who doesn’t understand. Maybe I’m not making myself clear enough: I wish to exercise my marital duties.”

Suddenly she fisted her hands at her hips. “If you believe I’ll let you mount me as if I were a broodmare, I advise you to turn around and find your filthy pleasures elsewhere.”

Part relief, part anger flared through him. “Ah, so I see, you are aware of what happens in the marriage bed.” At least he wouldn’t have to explain the details.

“I know more than enough. And I can assure you that I have no interest in it. Find yourself a mistress and perform whatever unpleasant activities you have in mind with her. I’m certain she’ll welcome you with open arms since your physique is not disagreeable. A man of your looks should have no problems finding a willing bed partner.”

Nico smiled involuntarily. “So you find me good looking?”

A shocked gasp came over her red lips, and a furious blush suddenly stained her cheeks. “I merely meant to say that a gentleman of your age, looks, and means will not be rejected by those women who offer their favors to married men. So please take your leave. You have my blessing.”

“Your blessing?”

Her words made him want to chuckle, but he kept himself in check, not showing how much he enjoyed her sharp tongue. He hadn’t expected her to resist in such a way. Particularly if she was attracted to him. Well, she’d said he was good looking, but didn’t that amount to the same thing?

“My dear wife, it’s not your blessing I seek.”

Quite deliberately he swept his eyes over her body, lingering on her bosom for more than a few seconds. He wanted her to be aware of his intentions, because he wouldn’t be swayed. When he lifted his eyes to meet hers, a twinge of fear flickered across her face.