I can’t do this,” he said. “I won’t do this. I desire you more than any other woman I have ever shared a bed with, Bella, but I’ll be damned if I’ll stand back and knowingly share you. I’ve offered to help you, but I can’t do that unless you tell me what is going on.

I never meant to hurt you, Jarrah,” she apologized, her palms resting on his naked chest. The mere touch of her fingertips caressing his chest sent his senses into turmoil. Was this woman really so innocent she didn’t know what she was putting him through?

I must say no woman has ever offered me her petticoat before.” She giggled. “I was only offering you a way to dry your hands, not suggesting you wear it.

She raised an unbelieving brow. “How do I know you’re not just saying that so you might increase your chance of crawling under my skirt?” His arms outstretched, he waved them casually around him. “Look around us. There is skirt aplenty, all of it ripe and willing for my taking.” His hands fell back to his side. “But I don’t want any of it. What I want is you.

I don’t want to hear what you’re being paid to say, Lotte. I want to know, if I were here with no money, would you still welcome me in your bed?” Lotte nodded. “Yes, I would welcome you in my bed even if you were the poorest of men.” She kissed his chest lightly. “I don’t care who you are the son of, Devon.