Was it embarrassment or regret she saw in his eyes? Clem wasn't sure. In any case, it no longer mattered and she snorted turning away.
"I'm going to take a bath, which should please your offended sensibilities," she informed him with a haughty sniff. "Thank you for stopping by to offer your condolences and kindly keep the fact I was not in my room between us. I often ride when I'm unsettled."
"The fact that you're unsettled is of your own choosing. I meant what I said last night. Marry me."
"No, but I appreciate the offer, Mr. Montgomery, as well as the generous payment for my services. I hope others are so inclined."
"Others?" he demanded. "You can't be serious. You still intend to go through with…"
"Of course I do. Once I make up my mind to something, I rarely change it. You've helped me a great deal and I thank you for that. Last night was not only informative, but also um… unexpectedly pleasurable. I have a much clearer understanding of what's required of me, and an appreciation for why some women would chose this profession.
"Oh I admit the initial act was quite painful, but afterward, you more than made up for that discomfort. I imagine I'll get along quite well now that I know what I'm doing," she smiled, retrieving her robe.
"Oh you do, do you?" he growled. "Well let me enlighten you further, Miss McKay. What we did last night was not in any way, shape or form what you can expect from the average customer. We made love last night, using our bodies to pleasure each other in very intimate ways. The men you bring to your room will be interested in their pleasure, not yours," he ground out, his body stiff with anger.
"How was it making love? I don't love you," she continued thoughtfully, her head cocked to one side as she mulled this over.
"I'm fully aware of that fact and I don't love you either. However, I am attracted to you and somewhat surprised at the um… enthusiasm you brought to our encounter. In fact, I find I don't want to share you with other men," he continued, seeming to force the words out of a constricted throat. "If you won't marry me, I must insist our relationship be exclusive."
"Meaning?"
"You may continue to work at The Red Petticoat, live here if you must, but under no circumstance are you to bring another man to your room. Have I made myself clear?" he asked sternly, standing stiffly over her.
"Crystal," she quipped while nervously taking a step back. "I'm very much afraid that won't be possible, Mr. Montgomery. You see, I'm a whore now. It's my job to bring men to my room and I hope to be paid handsomely for my services. I can't do that if I somehow belong to you, now can I?" she asked kindly. "There are things you don't understand… things I am not at liberty to discuss…"
"Then explain them to me, Miss McKay. It's the least you can do under the circumstances."
"I'll think about it while I'm bathing," she agreed, softened by his tone which had suddenly become conciliatory. He was a decent sort, she determined. Generous, concerned, and it would not hurt to have an ally should things become more complicated.
Montgomery had a good head on his shoulders. She could do worse for a friend. He didn't try to stop her when she slipped out the door.
Chapter Six
Jasper paced her room. Twice he went to the door, determined to leave her to her own devices, but somehow he couldn't turn the knob. As much as it galled him to admit it, he felt something for her, something unfamiliar and strangely alarming.
Taking her virginity had been intended as a kindness. There was an endearing quality about her that brought all his protective instincts to the surface. He wasn't particularly comfortable with these new and unwelcome emotions. While she appeared delicate and fragile on the outside, she obviously had a will of iron and a stubborn streak a mile wide.
It also surprised him she hadn't jumped at the chance to become his legal bride. Hell, women had been chasing him long before he'd inherited a fortune. Wise investments and careful planning made him a very wealthy man indeed. He gambled because he enjoyed it and could afford to, it was as simple as that. Many times he'd folded a winning hand after sensing a man's desperation. For him it was a hobby, a pastime.