Celia choked on an enraged sob, but even so, she did not move. Instead, she hung over his knee in a state of suspended trepidation. She was becoming lightheaded. Whether that was from her current position or the impossible situation, she did not know.

“Now, let us sort this out in a manner which will bring us both resolution. It is acceptable that you have strong feelings when it comes to our marriage. I have them as well. I understand this lashing out is simply your way of dealing with your emotions. Emotions you’ve probably never experienced before. You are frightened of what is to come in our marriage. Worried about being a wife in a new home and with new responsibilities. This is all new to you, but you must remember it is new to me as well.” Gabriel sighed, and with his free hand began pulling the pins from her hair and tossing them aside. Eventually, her coiffure unraveled enough that the tresses tumbled down her back in a cascade of ebony-hued waves. “What I am about to do will accomplish two goals.”

“And those are?” Celia bit out in a strangled voice. He sounded so caring and protective when he spoke like this. All while threatening to punish her. She did not understand why the two sentiments meshed so well when he addressed her. Nor why she liked it so much.

“It is my duty to ease your anxiety and prove my complete and utter devotion to you.” Gabriel’s head bent closer, his breath warm in her ear. “So, I will allow you to stand, Celia, but you must do exactly as I say. Do you understand?”

Celia wished for the strength to tell him to go to the Devil, but her body was clamoring for something. Something that was turning her into a needy, desperate mess. Unable to form a rational thought. Unable to think of a reason why she shouldn’t do as Gabriel demanded.

“Celia, I am waiting for an answer.”

Her head jerked in a nod. “Yes. I understand.”

“Good girl. Now, up you go.”

The firm, praising quality of his words had the surprising effect of melting Celia’s worry away. How odd that she experienced a wave of calm. She felt it in her bones as she slid from his lap and stood, aided by Gabriel’s hands guiding her.

“Remove your traveling garments.”

The command gave her pause, but an arch of his eyebrow reminded her she’d just agreed to do as he instructed.

Although disrobing would be easier if she had a maid, she managed well enough. In a matter of minutes, she’d removed the gown and now stood dressed only in a light corset, an ivory-hued chemise with matching stockings, and her undergarments. She also retained the shoes because when she bent to remove them, Gabriel made a noise in his throat and shook his head.

His eyes raked over her form, turning darker by the minute, the pupils eating up the irises until they were shimmering pools of deep brown.