Page 32 of Temptress in Disguise
He spoke first merely to issue a warning.
“When I’m tired, my dreams are vivid.” He didn’t meet her gaze but pulled back the sheets and climbed into the cold bed. “I may say things you’ll find disturbing.”
With hesitant steps, she came closer, her pert nipples visible through the thin shift. “Should I attempt to wake you?”
“I don’t know.” He wasn’t sure how he would react when pulled from a dream in the dead of night. Might he mistake her for the villain who’d dragged a crying boy from his bed? Might he think her a thug out to rob a sleeping child’s pockets?
She scanned his bare shoulders. “What do women usually do?”
“I’ve never spent the night with anyone other than my kin.”
“Oh.” Her voice broke on that one word. There was no sign of the smile that usually disarmed him. “I think I have the measure of the situation. You feel drawn to me because you see me as a sister.”
What! How the devil had she drawn that conclusion?
“A sister? Why would you think that?”
“The women you’re used to must be extremely alluring. And it would explain your desire to protect me. Explain why you’re not as domineering in my company. I cannot help but sense your reluctance to—” In the absence of words, she waved her hand back and forth between them.
“To what?”
“To kiss me.” She blushed and gave a half-shrug. “You wanted to sleep downstairs. And there was a noticeable hesitance in your touch. Your words and actions are misaligned. You speak of being lovers yet refuse to look in my direction.” She paused only for breath. “I understand. I forced you into this unfortunate arrangement. You had no choice but to rescue me from Bow Street. But if we hope to be friends, Aramis, the time for honesty is nigh.”
Fortunately, he had a sister and knew these garbled statements amounted to nerves and a lack of faith in her ability to please. Someone had fed her insecurities. Someone had made her feel less than whole. He’d wager his share of Fortune’s Den that Melissa Adams or Lydia Fontaine were to blame.
“Then permit me to correct any misconceptions.” Without a thought for his nakedness, he climbed out of bed and strode towards her.
Her wide gaze dipped to his broad thighs and flaccid manhood. “W-what do you mean to do?”
“Leave you in no doubt of my intentions.” He captured her hands, pinning them to her sides. “Let you glimpse the fire I’m having a hard time keeping at bay.”
He set his mouth to her soft, pillowy lips and moved in slow, hypnotic strokes to drug her senses. With honed skill, he lured her closer to the flames—warming her at his will, waiting to unleash an inferno.
But she was no ordinary woman.
This was no ordinary kiss.
She parted her innocent lips, coaxing him to enter her mouth. The first touch of tongues dragged a growl from deep in his throat. That’s when he lost all grasp of reality, and his lust blazed out of control.
He couldn’t catch his breath. He couldn’t kiss her deeply enough to satisfy his craving. No matter how hard he feasted, he was ravenous.
He gripped her wrists and pulled her closer, trying his damnedest to ignore his throbbing erection every time it grazed her cotton-covered belly.
Confusion reigned. He’d learnt to master his emotions. Desire never ran this deep. Sweet Mother Mary! The need to part her thighs and drive home drummed a constant beat in his blood.
He dragged his mouth from hers and tried to regain his sanity. “It would seem we’re compatible in every regard. I trust you’re left in no doubt of my intentions.” He sounded calm, in complete control, though a wildfire rampaged through his body.
Naomi stared at him, her tongue sliding over the seam of her lips as if she’d found the experience thrilling. “I must confess, I didn’t expect to enjoy kissing quite so much. I cannot recall ever feeling so hot and dizzy.”
Her candid assessment stoked passion’s flames. He wanted to kiss her again, make her his wife in more than name, but strange words entered his head like the whispers of the dearly departed. The echoes of a heart he thought had died.
Hold me.
Touch me.
I suspect you’re the only one who knows how.
Keen to banish his inner voice, he glanced down at his erection and grinned. “A man cannot hide how he feels about a woman.” Who knew kissing an innocent could have such a marked effect? “The same cannot be said for you, hence I appreciate your honest appraisal.”
