Page 43 of When a Lady Dares
“It would appear you were being summoned. And I highly doubt the person who dispatched those jackals wished to extend an invitation to high tea.”
“Such intrigue,” Sophie scoffed. “As I understand it, the pale weasel sought to arrange a sitting for his employer. Perhaps I should recount my harrowing experience for some sensational magazine.The Case of the Menaced Mediumhas a bit of a ring to it.”
They approached the gleaming ebony carriage that waited steps beyond the Hound and Fox. There was no sign of Stanwyck’s driver.
To her surprise, he smiled. “I suspect Avery has taken another opportunity to share his lady’s company. I’d sent him on with the coach when I came to investigate what was going on outside the tavern.”
“Precisely how did you know where to find me?”
“I didn’t.” His words bore the ring of truth. “On the way to my club, I heard voices in the alley. When I realized you were there, I knew I’d need to surprise the bastards. The carriage noise would’ve tipped them off. I instructed Avery to proceed here with the coach and occupy himself however he saw fit.”
“As much as it pains me to admit it, I am glad that you came along when you did. The situation was becoming rather an ugly one.”
“You showed quite a bit of spleen. The rotters should have known they wouldn’t best you.”
Was that a note of respect in his tone? Would he ever fail to surprise her?
“Actually, I’d found myself in a bit of a pickle. Chivalry is evidently one of your better qualities.”
“Impossible. I do not possess a chivalrous bone in my body.”
“Must you always be contrary?”
“It is a trait that has served me well.”
“Regardless of your chivalry or lack of it, you have my gratitude.”
A wolfish smile curved his lips. “In that case, I say I am due a fair reward.”
“I’d think my appreciation should suffice.”
He shook his head slowly as he drew her to him. “Once again, I find myself taking a contrary view. I propose a far more satisfying prize.”
…
Gavin searched Sophie’s face, taking in the small nuances of her reaction to his statement. Damn that stiff, razor-edged seam she formed with her delectable lips. He’d half a mind to kiss her just to see if she could keep her spine so rigid when he teased a response from her beautiful body.
Bollocks.Rigid was exactly the word to describe his condition at that moment. He forced himself to tear his focus from her mouth. The delicious warmth in her immense brown eyes didn’t help his condition a bit, especially when she veiled them with her lashes, almost, but not quite, shy.
She is a manipulator, he reminded himself harshly.A bloody actress, skilled at making a man believe any lie she conjures.
The tense set of her mouth relaxed into a sweet temptation. She was bloody delectable. Nearly irresistible. Perhaps he’d knock her off-kilter again, just a bit. He hadn’t lied when he’d told her his challenging kiss in the hotel was only the beginning. This time, he’d up the stakes. He’d see precisely how skilled an actress she was…or wasn’t.
…
Sophie had long wondered how Pandora felt when she’d opened the forbidden box. The moment Gavin Stanwyck’s lips touched hers, she knew.
His mouth glided over hers with luxurious ease. Pleasure coursed through her body, blending with shock at his audacity.Such an arrogant man.How dare he kiss her…again! How dare…
Liquid warmth swirled through her veins. His kiss melded gentle possession and masculine conquest, sweeping her away in a current of longing. Despite the indignant voice deep within that insisted she should not allow such liberties, she clung to him, seeking his strength and his scent and the decadent taste of his mouth. She tilted her chin higher, meeting his caress.
His kiss earlier that night had been a sweet, heady indulgence. But this…this kiss seemed a possession—body, heart, and soul.
She reached up, threading her fingers through his hair, drinking in the feel of him. Parting her lips in leisurely exploration, he slid his hands over the curve of her hips, holding her to the long, hard plane of his body. His low moan sent a little thrill coursing through her. So, the conquest was not his alone.
He dragged her closer, kindling a firestorm deep within her. She should pull away. She should mark his face with the slap he richly deserved.
If only the feel of his body against hers did not conjure such a delicious yearning. She glided her fingers over the well-honed definition of his shoulders, his lean, powerful biceps, the sleek muscles of his back. His erection pressed into her belly. Desire heated her skin. Ah, his touch was so very intoxicating. Pity she did not dare to fully surrender.
