Desire and Deception by Nicole Jordan

how many women would have jumped at the chance to become his wife? Jason's mouth twisted wryly as he thought of all the grasping females who had already attempted to trap him into marriage. He ought to find it amusing that his first proposal was being summarily dismissed—but somehow he didn't.
    He watched Lauren move restlessly about the room. She had wrapped her arms around her body as if she were chilled, but her silk skirts swayed gently with the movement of her hips, displaying a gracefulness that was unmistakably alluring. She was seductive without even realizing it, Jason thought. The light from the candles caught her hair in a scintillating reflection, causing it to shine like newly minted gold, like golden guineas.
    Guineas?
    Jason let out his breath slowly, not even realizing he had been holding it.
    "Very well," he said softly. "Take off your gown, Cat-eyes."
    Her sudden stillness told him that she had heard him. After a moment, she turned slowly to face him, regarding him with eyes that were wide and questioning.
    "You wanted to earn a hundred guineas, did you not? I don't carry that much gold, but I'm willing to pay a hundred pounds for your services."
    "You want me . . . to undress?"
    "I like to see what I'm getting for my money. Although my previous offer still stands."
    "What . . . what do you mean to do?" she asked, a quiver adding to the fascinating huskiness of her voice.
    "I intend to accept your proposition. I want the entire night, of course."
    Lauren stared at Jason, certain that he must be joking. She had never meant for her suggestion to be taken seriously. She had only meant to distract him so she could take his pistol. So what was his game now? And why would he want the entire night? Was he trying to trick her? "I won't marry you," she repeated, searching the sculpted planes of his face for signs of conspiracy.
    Jason flashed her a smile that radiated masculine charm. "As you wish." When she continued to stand there gaping at him, he eyed her speculatively. "Do I detect concern, sweetheart? Why, surely a woman of your vast experience would not be afraid of a man my size. You're not so fragile that you cannot support my weight. And I assure you, you will be a pleasant change from the diminutive lovelies one usually finds at Madame Fanchon's establishment."
    "I . . . you . . . I didn't mean—" Lauren stammered.
    "You're not as experienced as you led me to believe, is that it?"
    "I . . . no."
    Jason chuckled. "Well, perhaps you'll learn not to tell tales in the future. I certainly won't relish calling your bluff time after time. A relationship should be based on mutual trust, don't you agree? And I suppose I should begin by being perfectly honest—I expect quite a lot for a hundred pounds. Now take off your gown. I find myself growing impatient."
    Although he felt some sympathy for her, although he knew he was taking advantage of her vulnerable state, Jason didn't regret his relentlessness. He was determined to persuade her that they belonged together, and making love to her would give him an opportunity to prove just that. It wouldn't be necessary to take her virginity, of course. The mere fact that she had spent the night in his company would compromise her enough to make his claim to her hard to refute if her guardian exhibited any objections later. He would be gentle, certainly.
    Lauren obviously didn't think so. She bit her lip anxiously as she watched him. "I can't," she whispered.
    "You can't or won't?" he countered. Seeing how pale she had become, though, he realized how truly nervous he was making her. He picked up her wineglass and held it out to her. "I won't hurt you, sweetheart, I promise. Here, have some wine. It will help you relax."
    Lauren hesitated, torn by indecision. She needed the money he was offering in order to leave England—even if she did somehow manage to get away from this captain who seemed determined to keep her here.
    She cast a worried glance at Jason's wineglass. He