"Just how many brothers do you have Mr. Delancey?"
I couldn't stop the sharp laugh that burst out of me. She sounded extremely annoyed. Jackson had no idea why. But it was very, very clear to me.
"Our brother Jake is in LA with his fiancé."
"He's even better with horses than I am."
"I don't know Daniel, he has his own touch and do you."
I smirked at her again.
"I've been told that I have a light touch with the wildest of animals."
The red was back in her cheeks.
"Please excuse me."
She stood and we did as well. I couldn't resist another barb.
"You don't want dessert?"
Jackson finally seemed to pick up on the tension between us. Francesca bristled noticeably this time. He glared at me before trying to placate her.
"What my brother means is, can't we convince you to stay for dessert?"
She was calm and gracious as she shook her head slightly.
"I'd prefer to rest now. Thank you for your hospitality."
I frowned. She did look slightly delicate suddenly. Almost, as if she were defeated.
I stared at her graceful back as she walked for the room.
"What the hell was that about, Daniel?"
I shrugged.
"Nothing. A misunderstanding."
"It didn't sound like a misunderstanding. It sounded rude."
I glared at Jackson. He might be the eldest but he didn't always know what the hell he was talking about. Especially when it came to women. He was even more notoriously commitment phobic than I was.
"Stay out of it, Jackson."
"Hell no."
I sighed. Maybe he was right. I had made a complete mess of things.
"What are you waiting for? Go after her and make your apologies."
I poured myself a glass of bourbon and tossed it back.
"You know, I think I will."
I put the glass down and went to find Francesca.
Francesca
The man was impossible! I'd never been so outraged in my life. Or so humiliated. This was nearly as bad as the morning of my wedding.
Daniel was no stable hand. He was rich. One of the heirs to the massive Delancey fortune. A world famous horse breeding family going back generations. In his way, he was American Aristocracy.
Just like I was.
And just the sort of man I wanted to avoid. Permanently.
I cringed, knowing how much he must have laughed at me today. He'd been playing a joke on me all along. And I'd not just fallen for it, I'd given him everything.
More than I'd given anyone.
Not even Philipe.
Even with my former fiancé, I hadn't let myself go like I had with Daniel. It had been exhilarating. And terrifying.
I'd been right to be afraid to open myself up like that. Not that he'd given me a choice in the matter. He'd taken without asking. It was my own fault though. I should never have invited him to my room.
I would not make that mistake twice.
It was too bad though... I tossed my head as I walked through the mansion. I'd liked him better without his name. Particularly his last name.
"Francesca. Wait."
I ignored him, walking faster down the hallway.
"I said wait, dammit!"
I gasped as his hand closed around my arm, spinning me to face him. He smelled of the bourbon he'd been drinking at dinner. Leather and bourbon and man. He smelled wonderful if I was honest with myself.
Suddenly, I felt tears well up in my eyes. I forced myself to appear calm. My voice dripped with boredom. That was the surest way to put a man off.
Make him think you couldn't even be bothered to dislike him. That he was forgettable. Nothing could be farther than the truth. I would never forget the past twenty-four hours. But he didn't have to know that.
"Let go of me please."
"Like hell I will!"
His mouth crashed down on mine. I tried to hold perfectly still, to give nothing back. He laughed and pushed me backwards until my back hit the wall. It was barely tens seconds before I melted. He pressed me against the wall, his hands holding me firmly against him. He was hard again. I felt my body responding even as my anger at his deception grew.
"Stop!"
He lifted his head as I pushed him away. He was hard as stone, completely unmovable. He didn't step away, but he did stop kissing me.
We stared into each other's eyes for a moment then he cursed, dragging me into a nearby room. The library. A welcoming sofa sat in front of a gas fireplace. The walls were lined with books. There were comfortable chairs scattered through out the room.
He let go of my arm and shut the door behind him, locking it.
Then he turned to face me.
"Francesca."
I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling exposed and vulnerable. He smiled at me charmingly. But I didn't want to be charmed.
"I thought you were the type to appreciate a good joke."
"I don't find this at all amusing."
I lifted my head, looking at anything but him. The way he was looking at me was unnerving. He didn't just look lustful. He looked utterly possessive.
As if I belonged to him somehow.
And I belonged to no man.
Not anymore.
Never again.