Page 91 of When a Lady Dares
No doubt her unusual career would one day give way to a desire to settle into a life centered around home and hearth. But for now, she craved her independence. She’d seek out opportunities to travel, to explore her passions. Even now, she could picture the yearning in her father’s eyes as he recounted the adventure he’d had as a young man. How he’d itched to go back. Indeed, he’d often spoken of bringing Sophie with him. Soon, she’d explore the sites Papa had described in such vivid detail, seeing the pyramids and the Sphinx with her own eyes.
Someday, she’d make her own adventure. She wouldn’t cast her dreams aside. She could not allow her own traitorous heart to stand in the way.
Burrowing against the down pillow, she let another sigh escape. In truth, the point was moot, wasn’t it? Gavin had whispered sweet words of passion during their lovemaking, but he’d made no mention of enduring emotion. He’d given no hint of what his heart craved.
In time, the danger they faced together would be in the past. They’d go their separate ways. Their parting would be bittersweet.
Nights in Gavin’s arms would be naught but a tender memory.
Somehow, that would have to be enough.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Sophie awakened with the morning’s first light, smiling to herself as she rolled onto her side. Sleeping beside her, Gavin bore none of the arrogance he often used like a disguise.
She drew a fingertip along the line of his jaw, feeling the crisp new beard, the slight prickly texture that held an appeal she couldn’t quite define. What was it about this man that led her to cast her best judgment aside like an ill-fitting shoe? What was it about this man above all others that made her crave him so—not only the pleasures of his touch, but the tenderness and wit that shone in his eyes?
I love him.
The realization took her breath away. Sophie fell back against the pillow and stared up at the ceiling. Surely, this was nothing more than a lingering response to his lovemaking. She knew better than to fall in love—with any man, let alone the likes of Gavin Stanwyck.
She covered her eyes with her forearm, as if that might shield her from the truth.
With a sigh, she rolled over and propped herself on one elbow. For a leisurely moment, she studied the man who’d broken through the shields she’d erected around her heart.
I’ve gone and done it now, Gavin—I’ve fallen in love with you.
Well, there was nothing to be done about it, was there? She would savor each kiss, each smile, each touch. And when it was over—when he returned to his life, and she to hers, she would cherish each delicious moment she had spent in his arms.
His lids lifted slowly, and he took her in.
“Good morning.” He reached for her, drawing her close with one sleek-muscled arm. “I trust you slept well.”
“Wonderfully,” she replied.
“You’re good for me, Sophie.” He brushed a kiss over the bridge of her nose. “And I suspect you might say the same of me.”
She frowned, rather deliberately. “Actually, you’ve destroyed my ability to resist your dubious charms. I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
He smiled drowsily. “Now, why would you want to do a thing like that?”
“I’ve always prided myself on my resistance to seduction. In my line of work, control over one’s passions is an asset.”
Gavin nipped at her earlobe, unleashing an utterly delicious tingle that cascaded to her toes. “Self-control is highly overrated, or so I’m told. It’s not a virtue I’ve bothered to cultivate. Besides, you’ve never been seduced by me, have you, darling?”
She shuddered against him, seeking more of his touch. “You do have a point.”
He nuzzled her neck, pressing velvet kisses to her flesh. His hands roamed over her, tantalizing her breasts, coaxing a sigh from her lips. Propping himself on one elbow, he studied her. His eyes darkened, and he kissed her again. Hot, wild, and reckless, the possession seared her to the core.
“I want you, Sophie.”
Before she could answer, his clever hands set about rekindling the desire he’d sated so thoroughly the night before.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you,” she murmured against his lips.
His eyes stormy and unreadable, he pressed her back against the mattress. Gently rolling onto her, he caged her in his embrace.
“I’m yours, Sophie. As long as you’ll have me.”
