Tessa frowned at the dismissal, but she obeyed Gabriel. Celia huffed again. No doubt, that woman had been on the receiving end of many an order from Gabriel Rose. Her single-minded pursuit betrayed the depths of her interest in the man.

Once the door closed again, Gabriel resumed his seat in the oak chair. The suppers waiting on the cart were ignored as he rolled up his shirtsleeves to expose leanly muscled forearms.

“Come to me, Celia.”

His voice was a low rumble that did such strange things to Celia’s insides. She dared not look at him for fear she would launch herself into his arms. Why she felt so tightly wound, like a string ready to snap, she wasn’t sure. There was electricity in the room now, its sudden appearance turning things dark and murky. Whatever this man meant to do, she suspected she would allow.

Willingly, or perhaps not.

“No,” Celia said in a voice that trembled with exquisite anticipation and only a small amount of dread.

“No?” He echoed her refusal as though surprised to hear it. “That was not a request, wife. Come here so we may address this matter properly.”

“Will you snap your fingers next?” Celia whirled around; her eyes blazing with uncertainty and irrational anger. “Summon me like a stray foxhound to your side?”

“If need be,” Gabriel replied calmly. “Although I doubt that will work with you. Bringing you to heel will require different measures.”

“Bring me to heel?” Celia stared at him in disbelief while repeating his words.

The next moment she was striding across the room. Upon reaching him, her hand flew with the intent of delivering a resounding slap across his handsome face.

Gabriel caught her wrist before the blow could land. A split second later, his boot swung out, taking her feet out from under her so that she tumbled awkwardly across his lap. With quick, precise movements, he arranged her body. She was thrown over one knee, his other leg trapping both of hers while effectively pinning her in place. His heavy arm and huge hand splayed across her lower back.

Celia was so stunned that she was speechless. Then fury erupted like a wild summer storm.

Squealing with alarm, she twisted and turned in a futile attempt at escape.

Gabriel chuckled at her efforts which only infuriated her even more.

“Be still, my little thorny sugarplum. And refrain from crying out as well. That is, unless you enjoy having an audience.”

CHAPTER 28

That ominous threat succeeded in arresting Celia’s movements. Horrified that he might actually follow through on his statement, she immediately stopped struggling.

“See? You can obey my commands without creating greater problems for yourself.” Gabriel was the embodiment of serenity. His hand continued pressing down on her back, his fingers splayed wide. “Being a brat is never acceptable, but I know how to handle you when you act like this. And I imagine, given your nature, this will be a common occurrence.”