Page 54 of A Little Bit Dangerous
Experiencing a twinge of jealousy, Isabella made for the bookcase. “When you’ve had nothing, you appreciate the small things.”
He watched her as she searched the spines and drew the book she wanted. His gaze remained fixed on every movement as she flicked through the pages.
She stopped at no place in particular.Hewas the focus of her attention, not the expert engravings. “I’ve always wanted to visit Egypt.”
“Because it’s the farthest place you know?”
His insight left her feeling a little exposed. “And because there’s something mystical about foreign lands. It must be easy to lose oneself in a place full of hidden meaning.”
“I wouldn’t know. I cannot leave London, not after everything my brother sacrificed to give us the life we deserved.” He gestured to his rugged physique, a body that made her heart race and sex pulse. “I have no desire to hide. This is who I am. I agreed to help Daventry to gain a modicum of independence, but my loyalties will always be with my family.”
Sadness shrouded her. Only a fool would try to compete. “It must feel good to have people you can depend upon.”
He closed the gap between them, drew the book from her hands and placed it back on the bookshelf. “You’ll never know unless you stop running. You’ll never know until you learn to trust someone, Isabella.”
Lust’s dynamic energy pulsed in the air between them. It took command of her heartbeat, of her breathing, heightened her senses.
“You make trust sound easy.”
He didn’t reinforce his point but asked a question that left her floundering. “What do you want from me, Isabella?”
I want you to talk to me like my opinions matter.
I want you to touch me so I don’t feel so alone.
When it’s time, I want you to save yourself and set me free.
She swallowed past a lump in her throat. “I thought we agreed to pursue our romantic connection. To steal every moment of pleasure.”
“Oh, I can do pleasure.” He drew the backs of his fingers across her cheek. “I can do pleasure extremely well. I can be the best lover you’ve ever had.”
“You’ll be the only lover I’ve ever had.” That’s what she wanted. Beautiful memories to cling to in the darkness. “But we barely have time to discuss the case, let alone steal a moment alone together.”
Christian glanced at the open door, a slow smile teasing the corners of his mouth. “As the King of Diamonds, I know how to take advantage of every situation. Will you permit me to take liberties, Isabella?”
Intrigued to know what he planned to do, she nodded.
He captured her hand and led her behind the open door, out of view. “We’ll discuss the case tomorrow. For now, I want you to describe life in Egypt.” He moved closer, his breath hot against her ear. “Anyone coming upstairs must believe there’s nothing erotic about our conversation.”
He pressed her to the wall and claimed her mouth, the kiss wild and wicked and over too quickly. “As a man who has never left London, help me see the mystical world through your dazzling eyes. Begin aboard ship.”
With his body so close, she couldn’t rouse a coherent thought. But he stared at her like he might eat her alive, his breath warm against her cheek.
“The j-journey across the sea is long,” she stuttered. Lord, her pulse thumped a rapid beat in her throat. She was so hot she might swoon.
“How long, love?” He captured her hand and smoothed her fingers over the hard ridge in his trousers. His lips parted on a silent gasp, his eyes closing briefly.
“Longer than one might imagine.” He was so big, making love seemed an impossible concept.
“I’m told the beds aboard ship are hard.” His impressive manhood thickened beneath her fingers, and he mouthed, “Hell, yes.”
“Soft sheets cover a base of steel.”
He cocked his head and listened for a moment before gathering up her skirts and sliding his fingers through her damp folds. “All that swaying must play havoc with your balance. You must become accustomed to your legs trembling and shaking without notice.”
“Yes,” she breathed as his wicked fingers moved in a tantalising rhythm, stroking in just the right spot.Yes!
“The back-and-forth motion must make you dizzy,” he said, building a steady rhythm. “The relentless movements must leave you quite wet when on deck.” He pushed two fingers inside her, filling the emptiness temporarily.
