As if intuiting her thoughts, Leandro moved across the room to stand before her. His gaze was quietly reflective as he stared down at her. ‘You know that we are sharing a room together tonight?’ he commented.
All the hairs stood up on the back of Isabella’s neck. ‘I saw,’ she replied quietly, her dark eyes widening. She knew he wouldn’t like what she had to say, but she had to say it. ‘To be honest …I don’t really think that’s such a good idea.’
‘Why not?’ His eyes immediately blazed back his irritation.
‘Because a lot of time has passed since we were together and I don’t think I’m ready to jump straight back into a physical relationship.’
‘So what are you telling me, Isabella? That you intend to live like a nun while we are together under the same roof?’ The twist of his lips was scornful.
‘I need more time to …to think about that side of things.’
‘Dios! Why are you being so deliberately difficult?’ he flared.
Isabella flinched. ‘I’m not being deliberately difficult!’ she retaliated angrily. ‘I did as you asked, Leandro …I came to live here in Spain with you and our baby! Isn’t that enough change to be going on with for the moment? My feelings are all churned up here! I need time to deal with how I feel without you pressurising me to sleep with you!’
‘No!’
‘What do you mean no?’ Her heart was pounding in her ears as Leandro reached out and locked his hand round her wrist. His grip was like a tight iron band and, before she could think what to do, he roughly pulled her to her feet, his warm breath on her face. ‘I have been aching to do this for ever and will not deny myself any longer,’ he breathed huskily before bringing his lips down almost violently ardently upon Isabella’s.
Yes, yes! Isabella cried silently as a jolt of pure lust streaked through her veins. It’s been too long …too long. His at first coaxing, then demanding kiss was full of the vivacity and passion that sparked the creation of this boldly decorated room, and it was so hard to resist its rapture when she needed it more than she needed to take her next breath. Yet the possibility stole into her mind that Leandro might only be using her to gratify his own baser needs and the unwanted thought was like a snake in paradise. It kept pricking her consciousness like the sharpest pin and in the end she had to take action. Twisting her mouth away from his, Isabella leaned her elbows against his hard chest and broke free from his embrace. Her breath was ragged.
‘I told you I needed time! Why won’t you listen?’
Her dark eyes were full of tears and Leandro reeled from the wave of emotion and lust that swept through his body like a violent storm cloud and slowly drew the back of his hand across his mouth where her taste lingered like sensual sugar tempting and frustrating him. He knew from the way her body had trembled against his and the way she had moaned into his mouth that she welcomed his kisses, yet he could not understand why she held back from their ultimate union. He had already told her that he intended to marry her, so why was she so reticent? He wished she would be more honest with him because it immediately set up a feeling of mistrust inside him that she might have some other ulterior motive for keeping him out of her bed. Having experienced the manipulation and duplicity of women before, Leandro baulked at the idea of experiencing it again.
‘I am listening, Isabella, but unfortunately you are not making any sense!’ he said now. ‘You have not been with anyone else since we were together, you tell me, and you have had my baby! It is clear that we have a strong connection between us, so what is the problem?’
How could she tell him that she was wary of his intentions because she didn’t think he loved her? If the thought had not even crossed his mind, why would it mean anything to him if she voiced it? Swallowing back her tears, Isabella wearily pushed her fingers through her hair.
‘I’m suddenly feeling quite tired. I think I’ll go and lie down for a while.’
‘That is your prerogative, of course, but do not think to divert the issue by doing so! I fully expect us to share a bed together tonight so you had better get used to the idea! While you are resting I intend to make some phone calls and catch up with some work. My housekeeper has left food in the kitchen for us when we are hungry so you must help yourself whenever that may be. Do not wait for me; I will see to myself when I am ready.’ He paused, his glance hovering for a long unsettling moment on Isabella’s mouth. ‘The run of the house is yours. You must feel free to look around as much as you want to familiarise yourself where everything is. I will join you in our room later …that is a promise.’ Leandro regretfully started to withdraw, feeling undeniable frustration that again there was such dissension between them. It did not bode well for the start of their renewed relationship.
‘Leandro?’
‘What is it?’
‘What will I do tomorrow when you leave to go to work for the day?’ Still smarting with indignation from his dictatorial attitude towards her, Isabella crossed her arms in front of her chest.
‘You may do whatever you please, Isabella. Why not work on your book? There is of course a car at your disposal for when you want to go out …I will leave it out on the drive and the keys are on the dressing table in our room. There is also a map in the glove compartment so you cannot get lost. However, I would ask you to wait in a little while before you venture out because my mother, Constanza, is paying you and Raphael a visit first thing in the morning.’
‘But you won’t be here for her visit?’ Feeling her heart accelerate a little in sudden panic at the idea of meeting his mother without him being present, Isabella anxiously stroked the delicate skin of her throat.
Shrugging, Leandro dropped his hands to his hips. ‘I am sorry …but it is the first day of filming tomorrow and I have no idea what time I shall be home.’ Reaching into the back pocket of his jeans, he took out his wallet and extracted some notes. ‘Here is some money for you to get whatever you need for you and Raphael. Please take it …it is yours.’
‘I don’t want your money!’
Her dark eyes flared because Isabella was genuinely embarrassed that Leandro should give her money …as if she were some kind of pauper. She might not be exactly rich but she had not come to Spain without any funds whatsoever! His answering scowl was immediate and foreboding. ‘Isabella,’ he intoned seriously, ‘you are the mother of my son and soon to be my wife. Do not act as if I am treating you like some charity case. From now on my money is yours too and both you and our son must have whatever you need without question. Is that clear?’
‘Leandro,’ she replied a little breathlessly, ignoring the money in his outstretched hand, ‘it is far too early to talk of financial arrangements when there is still so much to sort out. And marriage is something that we have yet to properly discuss too.’
‘Bastante! Enough! It has been a long day, no? And perhaps something of a strain for both of us.’ He put the money down on a chair behind him and sighed. ‘Now is not the time for us to argue over the matter. Go and take your rest and I will be in my office.’
And before