Bewitching The Recluse [BOOK 2 of Price Family Saga]

34. Chapter (At The Bottom Of Madness)

The Marquess sharply directed his gaze at his steward and sternly declared, "Lafferty, that was the last time you spoke about my private matters to anyone. You have significantly jeopardised my relationship with Miss Ward," Travis frowned.

"So, a relationship, you say," the steward retorted, raising an eyebrow.

"I know not what your intentions are," the Marquess thundered, "but if you aim to sabotage me, then you'd better leave this house. I won't tolerate any more meddling in my affairs—if you stay, consider this your final warning—after the next one, you're truly done."

Lafferty didn't say anything further, only bowed and left the study, not sparing curses under his breath. Travis leaned against the back of the chair and closed his eyes, but this time, his thoughts returned to Isabella once more. 

It had been a few days since that moment in the grove, and although he noticed more understanding in her gaze, she still kept a distance, remaining cool and measured towards him. When he saw her riding off somewhere in her leisure time, jealousy surged within him once more, but with great effort, he stayed riveted to his home and refrained from chasing after her to drag her by her hair straight into his bed. His estate was still struggling for survival, and even though a significant portion of the loan remained, he definitely couldn't afford to remain calm, let alone content with how things were unfolding.

Let her have her fifty lovers, he seethed with rage akin to a hornet, scribbling into the ledger with such force that it tore slightly, but I'll be her last. I'm going to win her over, even if it's the very last thing I ever do in my accursed life. I will not let her slip through my fingers—for I don't believe for a moment that the affair with the captain is more than a distraction to her... more than her obstinate response to my rejections and previous threats.

"The lad will soon be in need of a tutor," Bella told him one day in her report on Teddy's progress, "and above all, he should meet other children."

Travis nodded, even though his mind was racing: And I need you to lay in bed with me, preferably tied to the bedpost, begging me to touch you in all sorts of ways imaginable, while I delay your peak until you're completely insane for me. 

He also studied her face carefully to discern whether there was any hint that the scoundrel had made love to her properly and satisfactorily, so that Travis could torment himself anew for the next few hours with his unrestrained imagination...

But she appeared reserved, almost melancholic, as if uncertain of how to conduct herself after the entire episode that unfolded in the storm... And perhaps that fool Hayes had caused her some distress, he gritted his teeth to the point of pain at the mere thought.

"He's remarkably astute," Bella continued regarding Teddy, blissfully unaware of the impure and disconcerting thoughts that traversed Travis' mind. "Despite his playful antics, I manage to incorporate the lessons into his studies in a lighthearted manner."

"I'm delighted to hear that," Travis replied with a forced smile, concealing the inner turmoil he felt.

He remained oblivious to the content of her words over the past ten minutes.

You won't believe it, but I know of some lessons that I could teach you. Oh, how I would relish in hearing your voice express delight the moment my hand meets your elusive arse, he contemplated, grateful for his seated position. Otherwise, he would struggle to conceal the burgeoning arousal in his breeches, making his presence in her company considerably more challenging, almost unbearable.

"That concludes my message, sir," she said, adding a touch of formality, somewhat shyly.

Travis noticed her hesitancy to meet his gaze. It pained him, but he managed to restrain himself. He had already expressed his sentiments, and he didn't wish to coerce her into further discussions about their situation, though he yearned for her to take at least one conciliatory step, however small. There was no other choice than to grant her the time, though his patience diminished faster than the wick of a burning candle.