Excerpt- November 2007

 

“I WAS HOPING your temper might have improved with a few hours of sleep.”

He straightened and faced her, his gaze deeply penetrating. “I did not sleep, Miss de Warenne.”

“Then that makes two of us.”

His face hardened.

She trembled. “I was hoping we could reach an understanding.”

“And what kind of understanding would that be? Oh, wait. You will rendezvous with me tonight at our next camp. You will claim it is to talk and debate, but we both know there will be little talk and no debate.”

She breathed hard. “And would that be so terrible? Should I lie and tell you I haven’t though about your kisses—and your touch?” She flushed. Her body had responded to the memory.

“Are you trying to provoke me? Was last night not enough provocation?” He was incredulous.

“You make it sound as if I wanted to lead you a merry chase, when I had no such plans!”

He shook his head. “Last night, you wanted me to pursue you, and do not dare deny it. You wanted me to take you into my arms and you wanted my kisses. I know when a woman sends such an invitation, Miss de Warenne. I did not mistake your desires last night.” He stared.

She stared back, aware now of what the hunger in her body signified. “But that was still not intentional on my part, Emilian,” she said slowly. “You are the first man who has ever made me think of kisses, the first man to make me feel passion. I never understood what the fuss was about. I never understood why my brother and male cousins were such rakes, going from conquest to conquest. I don’t think I even knew what I was doing last night. But when we met, something happened to me—and it is wonderful!” she cried passionately.

He was silent.

She hugged herself. “I am an honest person. I don’t care for proper conversation. When I have something to say, I say it. Otherwise, I prefer my daydreams. You were kind and respectful to Margery, my cousin. Can’t we discuss this without accusation and anger, but with honesty? Don’t I deserve that much after the passion we shared last night?”

“I am not lusting for your cousin,” he said flatly. “And we shared a simple kiss, nothing more.”

His words seemed to signify that he wanted her still. She was so relieved. “It was far more than a kiss, Emilian.”

“For you, a woman without experience.”

“That’s right. I have no experience when it comes to kisses and lovemaking. What happened last night was hugely important to me.”

He stared at her, his eyes dark and unhappy.

She breathed. “Do you still desire me?”

His eyes widened and then turned hard. ‘Stay longer, and you might find out.”