“He is chatting with your father, Elysse.” He came closer. “Let me guess.” His tone was a murmur now. “You were up all night, dreaming about your outing with Montgomery.”
She trembled. Why was he using that seductive tone on her? “And if I was?” she challenged, wetting her lips. “It is hardly your concern. Besides, you look ragged today, too. You did not sleep well, either.”
“Oh, I didn’t say you looked ragged. You are lovely as always, and you know it. So let me guess again. You couldn’t sleep because you were thinking…of me?” He laughed out loud.
If she’d held a purse, she would have thrown it at his broad chest. “My mother thinks you have turned into a fine, upstanding man of character. I beg to differ. You are rude and unbearable, more so than ever.”
If anything, his expression grew more pleased. “You are so easy to bait, sweetheart,” he said. Then he turned and picked up the parcel, very casually. “Don’t you want to know what’s inside, Elysse?”
She tried to keep her eagerness from her face. “Is it for me?”
He smiled slowly at her. “Yes, it is.” He handed her the paper-wrapped gift.
Her heart leaped and she felt like a child, wanting to tear the wrapper apart. Somehow, she restrained herself, slowly untying the ribbon. Her fingers suddenly felt clumsy as she tried to open it.
He came up from behind her, reaching past her, enveloping her with his body’s heat. “Here.” His breath feathered her nape and she went still. “Let me help you.”
She didn’t move—she couldn’t. Didn’t he know that he was crowding her? That she was practically in his arms? Then he stepped past her, filling her with relief and disappointment. He began to slowly unwrap the paper. He glanced up at her, sidelong, and smiled.
“You are being a tease.”
“Yes, I am.”
He finally tore open the paper, and Elysse glimpsed the gleaming dark brown fur. She gasped as a sable coat fell into his hands.
“Alexi! You remembered—and you even made it into a coat!”
“Let’s see if it fits.” He settled it on her shoulders, and she slid her arms into the sleeves.
Elysse wrapped herself in it. “It fits perfectly.” She met his gaze. “You didn’t forget.”
“I said I’d bring you a Russian sable,” he said roughly. “I never say what I don’t mean. I never forget a promise when I make one.”
Tears came to her eyes as she was cocooned in the fur coat and she became aware of his hands on her shoulders. “How can I accept this?” she asked unsteadily, her eyes searching his. She didn’t know why the coat meant so much to her. It was the most precious gift she had ever received.
“How can you refuse?” he returned. “I won’t take it back.”
He finally dropped his gaze and paced away from her. She watched him, still stunned, feeling mesmerized. She was so happy he was home, she thought nervously. Why did he have to ever leave?
Alexi faced her. “I don’t like you toying with my pilot, Elysse.”
She stiffened. His eyes were serious. She didn’t want to argue. “I am not toying with him. I enjoy his company.” She was aware that she dissembled, that the pilot meant nothing to her.
“You flirted shamelessly with him and you know it.”
She inhaled, hurt by his words. “That is unfair. Every woman flirts. Why are you doing this now?”
“I am protecting you. Flirt as you will—and I know you will flirt insatiably—but just not with my pilot.”
“You were flirting even more shamelessly with Louisa.”
He smiled slowly, without mirth. “I’m a man and a de Warenne at that. She is a woman—and a widow.”
He had just made his intentions clear. He would pursue Louisa, but not for marriage, oh, no. Why did his affair hurt her even more than his criticism? She took off the coat, breathing hard. “I hope you enjoy yourself.”
“You sound peeved. No, you sound jealous. Are you jealous, Elysse?”
Was moisture gathering in her eyes? “I’m a lady. I would hardly be jealous of one of your paramours.” But in that moment, she did not understand her own feelings.
His gaze changed and became searching. “William is my friend. I owe him my life. I am asking you to cease your flirtation and leave him alone. I see no good coming of a relationship between you both.”
Because she trusted him, she was almost ready to agree. But would he leave Louisa alone if she asked? She knew the answer to that question. “We are going for a carriage drive, Alexi. He is hardly a suitor! Who is jealous now?”
He flushed. “Playing with his affections is a mistake, Elysse. Trust me. I know.”
“I’m just being friendly. He’s your guest—last night he was our guest. I don’t understand why you are being so difficult.”
Alexi approached her. His face was set with determination but his long strides were unhurried. She tensed impossibly. He paused before her, and she started when his fingertips grazed her cheek. “And what will you do if he courts you seriously?”
It was almost impossible to think. “If he wants to court me?” He was tucking a tendril of hair behind her ear. Elysse felt her pulse explode. “I don’t know… It is my choice to make!”
He dropped his hand to his side and said flatly, “I don’t trust him.”
She wanted him to lay his hand on her face again—or her shoulder—or her arm or anywhere else that he chose. Her entire body felt inflamed. Confused, she backed away. She had known Alexi forever—no matter how dashing and handsome he was, he was her friend! “That is absurd. What could he possibly do? He may be a pilot but he is a gentleman—at heart, anyway.”
“He isn’t a gentleman, Elysse. I know firsthand. I am warning you that his pursuit of a woman can be ruthless.”
“Why are you doing this?” she cried, frustrated but uncertain why.
“I am trying to protect you,” he said.
She started. For the first time in years, she recalled the promise he had made to her so long ago in Ireland, when they were children. “I am flattered and grateful, but I don’t need your protection, Alexi.”
They stared at one another and the moment felt interminable. He finally said, “He has been blinded by your beauty and lost all common sense.”
“Nonsense,” she managed.
“Don’t you expect all men to lose their judgment when confronted with the possibility of being with you, even if only for a moment?” he asked, very softly.
“No,” she somehow whispered, “I don’t.”
“Liar,” he returned, their gazes locked.
She trembled and reached for his arms. His eyes widened as she clasped his powerful biceps. Elysse felt as if her skin was on fire. It was hard to think. She didn’t really know what she was doing, but holding on to Alexi now felt so terribly right, even if her heart seemed to be trying to pound its way out of her chest.
To her disappointment, he pulled away from her. His own cheeks were flushed and his blue eyes glittered. For one moment, he looked at her, his stare shockingly bold.
Elysse backed up as he turned away from her. She hugged herself. Her body was screaming at her. There was no more doubt as to what was happening to her. She desired Alexi, and it was a desire she’d never felt before.
He said roughly, “Could