The Scarlet Bride by Cheryl Ann Smith

Author:Cheryl Ann Smith
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical romance, Fiction
ISBN: 9781101569139
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2012-06-04T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Laura was seeing Simon in an entirely different light. He would never lift a hand to a woman, but he wasn’t against fighting for sport. She wasn’t entirely sure if she liked this newfound knowledge, but she was drawn to the hard edge it gave him. There was something raw and warrior-like about a man who would risk life and health in Whitechapel to find evidence to save her neck. She let out a small sigh. “I’ll never again question whether you can defend me in any situation. Beneath the trappings of a nobleman lies the heart of a gentleman brawler.”

He chuckled. “I do enjoy my position as your white knight.”

A noise came from somewhere in the house. Likely the butler was waiting for them to retire before seeking his own bed.

She squelched a yawn. “If there is anything more you’d like to tell me about your grand adventure into Whitechapel, please do it quickly, for I am fading.”

Simon shook his head. “There is nothing that cannot wait until morning.” He rose and rounded the table to take her hand. Laura stood too hastily, not realizing that her hem was under her heel. She wobbled. Simon chuckled and settled her on her feet.

She looked into his eyes. He was standing dangerously close to her. He smelled of ale and sweat and perfume. It was an odd concoction that sent her senses reeling.

She swayed forward, her gaze locking on his damaged mouth. Simon dipped his head and took her lips in a hungry kiss.

A low moan broke from Laura as her hands rose to flatten against his chest. The rough homespun of the borrowed clothes added to the intensity of the moment. She kissed him most willingly, her tongue intertwining with his, while her body eagerly accepted his exploring caress.

The clock chimed midnight and Simon ended the kiss. His eyes were passion dark, his face regretful. “If I do not stop now, I’ll carry you up to my room and make love to you all night.”

Laura made a noise that sounded agreeable to his suggestion, but Simon shook his head. “I think you were right when you said you should remain chaste. We both have considerations that require clear thinking.”

She hated that reason was taking over her desire. She wanted to touch him intimately and be touched in return. But she’d vowed to save herself for her husband, if one ever came along, and save herself she would.

If only Simon weren’t so desperately attractive. “Your Lady Jeanette and my new life,” she muttered acerbically. She despised that her friendship proposal was now ruining a perfectly wonderful kiss. “Yes, we must keep our focus on the case and your hunt for an acceptable wife.”

If the matter was settled, why then did she feel so out of sorts? Perhaps it was her skin soaking up the heat from his body as they stood close together. Perhaps it was the memory of his mouth on her breasts, his lips tugging her hardened nipples.

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