He stopped mere inches from her person and his mouth curved into something close to a smile. “You do realize I agreed to marry you even when we thought you had run off with an Italian.”

Lottie couldn’t manage more than a dazed shake of her head.

He then leaned in so close that his pungent aftershave tickled her nose. “It’s a bit of a relief, actually,” he drawled. “Now I won’t have to be gentle with you tonight.” He reached out and cupped the back of her neck. Though his grasp was firm, he stroked her hair with surprising softness.

“You horrible man,” she whispered.

“I will be whatever kind of man you wish, Lottie. If you want a brute, so be it.” Then he pressed his mouth to hers in a hard kiss. Gordon Wetherby was no mere toady. He was as calculating as Uncle Alfred, and in less than an hour he would have control over her fortune, her person, her entire life. She pressed her hands against his chest, prepared to push him away, but then an idea sprung forth. And she had just one chance to enact it.

She fought down her revulsion and began to move her trembling hands in slow strokes. Gordon had a rather muscular chest—not that she ever planned to see him shirtless. He immediately pulled back, surprised and panting hard. Lottie could now recognize the signs of desire in a man. He wanted her. Badly. And she would use that to her advantage.

Lottie took a deep breath and silently prayed that she could pull this off. “I…I had no idea you were so passionate,” she said in a breathy voice.

He inhaled slowly and stared deeply into her eyes. “I’ve long had a passion for you, Lottie. And unlike that bastard, I will not walk away from this. Ever.”

Lottie managed to flash him a coy smile at the unsettling words and continued to stroke his chest. “And yet you claim to not be sentimental.”

He actually blushed.

“But if we are to do this,” Lottie began in her most simpering tone, “may I make a request?”

Gordon gave a dazed nod as if he were truly enchanted by her.

“This is my only chance to have a wedding. A week wouldn’t make much of a difference. And it would give us more time to get to know one another.” She pressed her cheek against his, and he shivered. “Don’t you want your family there? Your dear aunt?” Thank God he couldn’t see her grimace at the words.

Gordon sighed and wrapped an arm around her waist. “No, my darling. Given your uncle’s state, we shouldn’t delay.” He actually sounded remorseful as he pulled back. “I am sorry you can’t have a proper wedding.” His gaze then fell on her lips and grew hot once more. “But I don’t think I can wait a week to have you. Not now.” He bent to take her mouth in another hungry kiss, but this time Lottie pushed him away and stalked to the other side of the room.