Lord, he’d curse her to the devil if she ever said that aloud.
Seated opposite with his eyes closed, Thorpe exhaled deeply. He seemed so content in sleep, not nearly as intimidating. Not that she found him to be so anymore. During the last two days he’d mellowed, his tone conveying warmth and humour whenever he spoke to her. With others, he was still abrupt and cold of manner. The beard had served to enhance his menacing aura. Would he behave differently now stripped of his disguise? Would he still use arrogance as a shield?
Would the real person reveal himself?
Occasionally, and for the purpose of work, Daphne had worn a wig. And it was true. A mask of any sort gave one a sense of invincibility, gave them licence to be daring, to be someone new. Did Thorpe don his disguise to help with his work? Or did it stem from a need to distance himself from the man inside?
Perhaps he’d loved someone once, and the lady had broken his heart? It would certainly explain his obsession with duty, his need to ease his frustration with women paid to give pleasure rather than seeking commitment.
It all proved puzzling.
Even Lily Lawson failed to attract his attention. What did Daniel Thorpe dream about if not a golden-haired beauty with porcelain skin?
Daphne stared at his handsome features. He had incredibly long lashes for a gentleman.
“Is there something you wish to say?” His voice startled her. The corners of his mouth curled up although he didn’t open his eyes. “I can feel the heat of your penetrative gaze.”
Thank heavens he’d not got the ability to read thoughts. In a moment of fancy she’d imagined running kisses along that smooth jaw.
“I was just thinking …”
“Is that not a dangerous pastime?” he teased.
Daphne sighed. “Do you think there was more to Lily’s relationship with Thomas than she led us to believe?”
Thorpe’s eyes flew open. “Yes, it’s possible, although that would make Thomas a fool.”
A fool for finding love elsewhere? Or a fool for choosing Lily? Could Thorpe not see the woman’s merit?
“But you must admit, Lily possesses all the attributes men desire in a woman. You must have thought her attractive.”
“Me?” He pointed to his chest. “I thought this conversation was about Thomas.”
“As he is not here to answer, you may do so on his behalf.”
Thorpe raised an inquisitive brow. “Despite being his friend, I cannot presume to comment on his preferences.”
“Then comment on your own. Did you find Lily Lawson attractive?”
He seemed confused for a moment. “And you want me to answer truthfully?”
“Of course.” Thorpe had never lied to her. “You have no need to spare my feelings.”
“Very well.” Tugging the sleeve of his coat, he straightened. “Yes, Lily possesses a certain beauty I imagine most men drool over. But while she has the face of an angel, she has the body of a child.”
“Oh, I see.” Daphne didn’t really see at all.
“To please me, a woman must be curvaceous.” His heated gaze skimmed the length of her body, travelled slowly back up to linger on her breasts. “I have large hands and prefer them full. To please me, a woman must have hair as dark as night, possess intelligence, and a tongue as deadly as a blade.”
“Oh.”
“In short, you are the most attractive woman of my acquaintance.”
A hard lump formed in Daphne’s throat. A molten heat pooled between her thighs. She wasn’t sure how to respond and so the truth was the only option open to her.
“And it would be fair to say you are the most handsome gentleman of my acquaintance.”
He inclined his head. “Is that with or without the beard?”