“
He’s not a friend of the family,” Cam said shortly. “And we don’t need his expertise. There’s no way in hell he’s going to have anything to do with Ramsay House.” “He wishes to make amends. He was very kind in offering his services, if we should need—” “When?” Disconcerted by his tone, the word fast and sharp as a rifle shot, Amelia blinked. “When what?” Cam stopped and turned her to face him, his face hard. “When did he offer his bloody services?” “He came to visit while you were gone.” Having never seen a display of temper from him before, Amelia pushed uneasily at his hands, which were gripping her shoulders a shade too tightly. “All he wanted,” she continued, “was to offer help.” “If you believe that was all he wanted, you’re more naïve than I thought.” “I am not naïve,” she said indignantly. “And there’s no reason to be jealous. Nothing improper was said or done.” His eyes held dangerous heat. “Were you alone in the room with him?” Amelia was amazed by his intensity. No man had ever regarded her with such possessive fury. She wasn’t certain whether she was flattered, annoyed, or alarmed. Or perhaps all three. “Yes, we were alone,” she said, “with the door open. All very conventional.” “For gadjos, perhaps. But not for Romas.” He lifted her until her weight was balanced precariously on her toes. “You are never to be alone with him, or any man, except your brother or Merripen. Unless I give my permission.” Amelia’s mouth fell open. “Permission?” “Never,” he repeated grimly. Her own temper flared, but she managed to keep her voice even. “You see, this is why I’m not going to marry you. I will not be dictated to. I will not—” Cam lowered his head and silenced her with his mouth, clenching his hand in her hair as she tried to turn her face away. She felt him press her lips open, delving inside, and her will to resist was undermined by a shock of pleasure. Since she had no hope of freeing herself, she tried to remain cold and still beneath the passionate assault. Feeling her lack of response, he lifted his head and glared at her. Amelia glared back at him. “It’s not your house, and I’m not your—” He kissed her again, taking her head in his hands, concentrating on her mouth until she was pulsing everywhere. She moaned and went weak against him.
”
”