He stepped closer. "You're a scheming little wench."

Sabrina swallowed hard but remained rooted to the floor. "I'm sorry you feel that way. If you consider everything, I'm helping you. You're in some kind of trouble. Without my vows, you'll be in a real fix."

The determination in her eyes and the tilt of her chin told him she would do as she said. Damnation! He had no choice. "Blackmail. It must run in your family."

Her dainty nostrils flared. Looking away, she eyed the bookshelves. "I'm only asking what I'm due. Keep your fancy wedding. The show would only be a farce. Why give the duke such satisfaction?" Her voice quavered.

With her back turned, he didn't know if she experienced a spurt of anger or remorse, however, he did appreciate her low regard of the duke. "Of course, why should we?"

Slowly she moved to the wall and fingered a book. "Will you accept my condition?"

Hunter pulled his frock coat from his shoulder and retrieved his leather pocketbook. Walking to the desk, he found a pen and ink. After a second's pause, he drafted a banknote. If he accomplished nothing else in his life, he vowed he would learn everything about his bride-to-be. Rage hit him in the gut. He was about to enter a loveless marriage, one that could easily resemble his parents'. The reality left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He walked up behind her. "The money, Miss Barrington." Turning, she pinched the banknote, but he didn't release it.

Panic flashed in her eyes. "Aren't you going to give it to me?"

"We've a deal. You set the boundaries, and that includes more than saying the vows." He released the banknote.

"What do you mean?" Folding the draft, she tucked it into her pocket and then looked up.

"Let me refresh your memory." Planting his hands on the books, he bracketed her.

She moved backward, her heels clicking against the oak shelf. "What are you referring to?"

"Baizer moi, Sabrina ... for six thousand pounds."

Her eyes grew wide. "What? That discussion has nothing to do with this!"

Leaning a little closer, he caught her gardenia scent. "Oh, I disagree. You're a scheming liar. Show me you can keep your word."

She frowned and suddenly she tilted back her head and closed her eyes. "Kiss me then and be quick about it."

Lowering his mouth, he brushed his lips across hers, but her rigid posture challenged his pride. Surely he could get some reaction from her. After all, she would be his wife ... a cold, stony one. This thought urged him on, and he kissed her again, this time pressing his body against hers. Suddenly her closeness and soft lips stirred his base needs. Her gardenia scent aroused all his senses more. Although he cursed himself for reacting, something inexplicable made him want to taste her sweetness again. As he deepened the kiss, she let out a mewing sound and her lips quivered beneath his. Her lips began to melt, mold against his.

Suddenly a knock shook the door. Deliberately Hunter continued to kiss her and lifted his head long enough to bid the intruder to enter. He captured her lips again.