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back. He was gone."
"Why didn't you tell me you'd seen him?"
"I didn't want to worry you, and I wasn't going to have you getting some
lamebrained idea about hunting him up yourself. You have a habit of acting on
impulse, and I "
"You jerk." The flush was back in her cheeks when she stepped forward to give him
a shove. "That man is determined to take something from my family, and you don't
have the sense to tell me you've seen him a few miles from here. If I'd known I might
have been able to find him."
"Exactly my point. I'm not having you involved any more than necessary. That's why
I thought it might be best if I went back to New York. They know I'm here now, and
I'm not having you caught in the middle."
"You're not having?" She would have shoved him again, but he caught both her
hands.
"That's right. You're going to stay out of it."
"Don't tell me "
"I am telling you," he interrupted,'pleased when she gaped at him. "What's more,
you're not going to go wandering off at night until he's in custody. After I thought it
over, I decided it was best if I stayed close and watched out for you. I'm going to
take care of you whether you like it or not."
"I don't like it, and I don't need to be taken care of"
"Nonetheless." And he considered the argument closed.
It was her turn to stutter. "Why, you arrogant, self-important "
"That's enough," he said in his best professor's voice and had her blinking. "There's
no use arguing when the most intelligent decision's been made. Now, I think it's best
if I take you to work every day.
Whenever you make other plans, you'll let me know."
Her anger turned to simple shock. "I will not"
"Yes," he said mildly, "you will." He moved her hands behind her back to bring her
closer. "About tonight," he began when their bodies brushed. "Clearly, you're
laboring under a misconception concerning my motives, and my feelings."
She arched back, more surprised than annoyed when he didn't release her. "I don't
want to talk about it"
"No, you prefer yelling about it, but that's uncon-structive, and not my style." Both
his hands and his voice were very firm. "To be precise, I didn't come here because I
had an itch, though I certainly have every intention of making love with you."
Baffled, she stared at him. "What the devil's gotten into you?"
"I've suddenly realized that the best way to handle you is the way I handle difficult
students. It takes more than patience. It requires a firm hand and a clear-cut outline
of intentions and goals."
"A difficult " She took a deep breath to hold on to her temper. "Max, I think you'd
better go take some aspirin and lie down."
"As I was saying." He whispered a kiss over her cheek. "It isn't just a matter of sex,
despite the fact that that aspect is incredibly satisfying. It's more of a matter of my
being completely bewitched by you."
"Don't," she said weakly when he leaned close to nip at her ear.
"Maybe I've made the mistake of indicating that it's only the way you look, the way
you feel under my hands, the way you taste that attracts me." He drew her bottom lip
into his mouth, sucking gently until her eyes unfocused. "But it's more than that. I
just don't know how to tell you." Her pulse beat fast and hard against his hands as
he walked her backward. "There's never been anyone like you in my life. I intend to
keep you there, Lilah."
"What are you doing?"
"I'm taking you to bed."
She struggled to clear her head as his lips skimmed down her throat. "No, you're
not." She was angry with him about something. But the reason floated just out of
reach as his mouth seduced her.
"I need to show you how I feel about you." Still toying with her lips, he lowered her
to the mattress.
Her hands were free now and slipped under his shirt to run along the warm flesh
beneath. She didn't want to think. There were so many feelings to be absorbed, and
she drew him closer, eager.
"I was jealous," he murmured as he slid one lacy strap from her shoulder and
replaced it with his mouth. "I don't want another man touching you."
"No." He was touching her now, long, lingering strokes up and down her trembling
body. "Just you."
He sank into a kiss, spinning it out, wallowing in the flavor, the texture, until he was
drunk on it. Then, like an addict, he went back for more.
This was comfort and care and romance, she thought hazily. To float together like
this, with a sweet breeze blowing over heated bodies, soft murmurs muffled against
clinging lips. Desire so perfectly balanced with affection. Nothing mattered so much
as this holding on to the hope of love.
She lifted his shirt over his head and let her hands roam. He was strong. It was more
than the subtle ridge of muscles over his back and shoulders. It was the strength
inside that aroused her. The integrity, the dedication to do what was right. He would
be strong enough to be loyal and honest and gentle with those he loved.
He shifted her so that she was cocooned by pillows. Kneeling beside her, he began
to untie each tiny ribbon down the center of the ivory silk. The contrast of patient
fingers and hungry eyes left her breathless. He parted the material, caressing the
newly exposed flesh with his lips. It amazed and humbled him that her skin should
be as soft as the silk.
As patiently as he, she undressed him. Though the need to hurry was clawing at both
of them, they held back, the understanding spoken.
She rose, wrapping her arms around his neck until they were torso to torso, thigh to
thigh. With the bright light showering around them, they explored each other. A
shudder then a sigh, a request and an answer. Questing lips sought out new secrets.
Eager hands discovered new pleasures.
When she locked herself around him, he filled her. Glorying in the sensation, she
arched back, taking him deeper, gasping out his name as the first shock waves
struck. He could see her, her willowy body bowed, her skin glowing in the light while
her bright hair rained down her back. As she shuddered, the stunned pleasure rushed
into her face.
Then his vision grayed, his own body trembled. His hands slid down to grip her
hips. She was wrapped tight around him when they shot over the peak together.
Chapter Nine
Max was whistling as he poured his coffee. It was the penguin's natty little tune and [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]