Two Days Until the Release of A Persistent Attraction
Here are some of the resources I use frequently for Regency era research:
Books:
What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool
Our Tempestuous Day: A History of Regency England by Carolly Erickson.
The Prince of Pleasure and His Regency by J.B. Priestly
Life in the English Country House by Mark Girouard
English Landed Society in the 19th Century by F.M.L. Thompson
Websites:
The Regency Collection
Regency England
Republic of Pemberly
Online Etymology Dictionary
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Countdown: Becoming A Romance Reader
Three Days Until the Release of A Persistent Attraction
I first started reading historical romances in the early 90s. Here are some of my favorites that addicted me to the genre:
Mary Jo Putney's Fallen Angels series particularly Thunder and Roses
Jane Feather's V series, particularly Velvet
Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell
The Ruby by Christina Skye
Reckless by Amanda Quick
Some more recent reads that have gone on my keeper shelf:
Never Deceive a Duke by Liz Carlyle
Lord of Ice by Gaelen Foley
My False Heart by Liz Carlyle
What books turned you into romance readers? What are your current favorite?
I first started reading historical romances in the early 90s. Here are some of my favorites that addicted me to the genre:
Mary Jo Putney's Fallen Angels series particularly Thunder and Roses
Jane Feather's V series, particularly Velvet
Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell
The Ruby by Christina Skye
Reckless by Amanda Quick
Some more recent reads that have gone on my keeper shelf:
Never Deceive a Duke by Liz Carlyle
Lord of Ice by Gaelen Foley
My False Heart by Liz Carlyle
What books turned you into romance readers? What are your current favorite?
Friday, February 8, 2008
Countdown: How Rhys and Amanda met
Four Days Left Until the Release of A Persistent Attraction
Rhys and Amanda first met when Cassandra and Mark were investigating the nefarious activities of Cassandra's deceased husband in Book 1: A Carnal Agreement. Rhys was shocked by his reaction to such a young innocent woman, and when he learns that she is as strong and self-reliant as her older sister, he fears his heart has been stolen. Here's their first encounter…..
Excerpted from A Carnal Agreement
Mark looked around when Cassandra said “Mr. Stanton” as if registering Stanton’s presence for the first time. Rhys stood from his chair and bowed toward Amanda. “We have not been properly introduced, but I can only assume you are Cassandra’s sister. You are a perfect replica of her except for your most exotic eyes.”
He walked behind Amanda and reached his arms around her as if to undo the clasp of her cloak. “May I?”
Amanda nodded and he took the cloak from her shoulders. Rather than putting it down, he held it over his arm, letting his fingers run absently over the fabric. Cassandra should have scolded him for flirting with her sister in such a ludicrous manner, but she found it rather amusing, so she simply introduced them.
“Rhys, as you guessed, this is my sister, Miss Amanda Halverston. Amanda, this is Mr. Rhys Stanton. He is a friend of Mark’s.”
Amanda gave Stanton a withering look. “I would prefer if you did not maul my cloak. It was given to me by my aunt, and I am rather attached to it.”
Stanton looked down at his hands as if he had not realized what he was doing. “Of course. I meant no harm. It is a beautiful garment, almost as beautiful as you.”
Mark scowled at him. “What’s wrong with you, Stanton? This is no time for your ridiculous games.”
Stanton shook his head. “Do forgive me. I was quite overcome by the young lady.”
Mark gave him a withering look. “Take a seat.”
Purchase A Carnal Agreement in print.
Purchase A Carnal Agreement in ebook.
Rhys and Amanda first met when Cassandra and Mark were investigating the nefarious activities of Cassandra's deceased husband in Book 1: A Carnal Agreement. Rhys was shocked by his reaction to such a young innocent woman, and when he learns that she is as strong and self-reliant as her older sister, he fears his heart has been stolen. Here's their first encounter…..
Excerpted from A Carnal Agreement
Mark looked around when Cassandra said “Mr. Stanton” as if registering Stanton’s presence for the first time. Rhys stood from his chair and bowed toward Amanda. “We have not been properly introduced, but I can only assume you are Cassandra’s sister. You are a perfect replica of her except for your most exotic eyes.”
He walked behind Amanda and reached his arms around her as if to undo the clasp of her cloak. “May I?”
Amanda nodded and he took the cloak from her shoulders. Rather than putting it down, he held it over his arm, letting his fingers run absently over the fabric. Cassandra should have scolded him for flirting with her sister in such a ludicrous manner, but she found it rather amusing, so she simply introduced them.
“Rhys, as you guessed, this is my sister, Miss Amanda Halverston. Amanda, this is Mr. Rhys Stanton. He is a friend of Mark’s.”
Amanda gave Stanton a withering look. “I would prefer if you did not maul my cloak. It was given to me by my aunt, and I am rather attached to it.”
Stanton looked down at his hands as if he had not realized what he was doing. “Of course. I meant no harm. It is a beautiful garment, almost as beautiful as you.”
Mark scowled at him. “What’s wrong with you, Stanton? This is no time for your ridiculous games.”
Stanton shook his head. “Do forgive me. I was quite overcome by the young lady.”
Mark gave him a withering look. “Take a seat.”
Purchase A Carnal Agreement in print.
Purchase A Carnal Agreement in ebook.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Countdown: Sinfully Good Treats
Five Days Left Until the Release of A Persistent Attraction
I am a firm believer in the sensuality of food. Some day I must write a book with a chef as the hero or heroine. For now though, please check out my two free stories "Cinnamon Dreams" and "Strawberry Fantasy" that demonstrate the connection between food and sex.
To get us in the mood for a good sensual romance, I want to share some recipes for sinfully delicious treats.
Triple chocolate cake
1 pkg Devil's Food cake mix
1 pkg instant chocolate pudding
1 cup chocolate chips
8 oz sour cream
4 eggs
1/2c vegetable oil
1/2 c water
Stir cake mix and pudding mix together. Add other ingredients except chips. Stir until combined. Mix on high speed for 2 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips with flour (prevents them from sinking to bottom of pan as cake cooks) and mix them in on low speed. Pout into a bundt pan and bake according to cake box directions.
Apple Butterscotch Tart
I discovered this recipe after we went apple picking last fall and fell in love with it.
Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These are my new favorite cookies!
I am a firm believer in the sensuality of food. Some day I must write a book with a chef as the hero or heroine. For now though, please check out my two free stories "Cinnamon Dreams" and "Strawberry Fantasy" that demonstrate the connection between food and sex.
To get us in the mood for a good sensual romance, I want to share some recipes for sinfully delicious treats.
Triple chocolate cake
1 pkg Devil's Food cake mix
1 pkg instant chocolate pudding
1 cup chocolate chips
8 oz sour cream
4 eggs
1/2c vegetable oil
1/2 c water
Stir cake mix and pudding mix together. Add other ingredients except chips. Stir until combined. Mix on high speed for 2 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips with flour (prevents them from sinking to bottom of pan as cake cooks) and mix them in on low speed. Pout into a bundt pan and bake according to cake box directions.
Apple Butterscotch Tart
I discovered this recipe after we went apple picking last fall and fell in love with it.
Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These are my new favorite cookies!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Countdown: A Persistent Attraction in the Making
6 days left until the release of A Persistent Attraction. I'll be here every day for the next week counting down the days and posting excerpts and Regency info. Every time you comment, your name is thrown into the hat to win a book from my backlist so join in the fun.
A Persistent Attraction is the sequel to A Carnal Agreement and I am thrilled to be able to share both of these books with my readers. This series has been a long time in the making. I wrote the first book seven years ago when I was teaching high school. I would snatch time to write during my planning period when I should have been grading papers and in the evenings while I sat drinking shot after shot of espresso and my husband typed away on his dissertation. When it was finished I submitted it to several publishers. I got several encouraging personal rejection letters, but no takers.
Even though I hadn't found a home for book one, Rhys and Amanda called for me and I knew I had to write their story, so I started it in 2003, when I was pregnant with my first child. I wrote as quickly as I could, but some complications in my third trimester prevented me from finishing it before the baby came. I took a writing hiatus for almost a year and I focused on a sci fi novella when I started back to work, so Rhys and Amanda's story stayed unfinished.
Then in 2005, I decided to revise A Carnal Agreement. I was overjoyed when it was accepted by Samhain. As soon as my writing schedule allowed, I wanted to finish book 2, but once I again, I found myself trying to complete and revise it when I was pregnant. I had two chapters left when my second child was born, but this time, I jumped write back into writing and wrote whenever I could, sometimes when I was awake with the baby in the middle of the night. I feel such relief that it's done and ready for readers. Rhys is one of my favorite heroes and I can't wait for you to get a hold of him.
A Persistent Attraction is the sequel to A Carnal Agreement and I am thrilled to be able to share both of these books with my readers. This series has been a long time in the making. I wrote the first book seven years ago when I was teaching high school. I would snatch time to write during my planning period when I should have been grading papers and in the evenings while I sat drinking shot after shot of espresso and my husband typed away on his dissertation. When it was finished I submitted it to several publishers. I got several encouraging personal rejection letters, but no takers.
Even though I hadn't found a home for book one, Rhys and Amanda called for me and I knew I had to write their story, so I started it in 2003, when I was pregnant with my first child. I wrote as quickly as I could, but some complications in my third trimester prevented me from finishing it before the baby came. I took a writing hiatus for almost a year and I focused on a sci fi novella when I started back to work, so Rhys and Amanda's story stayed unfinished.
Then in 2005, I decided to revise A Carnal Agreement. I was overjoyed when it was accepted by Samhain. As soon as my writing schedule allowed, I wanted to finish book 2, but once I again, I found myself trying to complete and revise it when I was pregnant. I had two chapters left when my second child was born, but this time, I jumped write back into writing and wrote whenever I could, sometimes when I was awake with the baby in the middle of the night. I feel such relief that it's done and ready for readers. Rhys is one of my favorite heroes and I can't wait for you to get a hold of him.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Coutndown Contest : Free Story
Only 7 days left until the release of A Persistent Attraction. I'll be here every day for the next week counting down the days and posting excerpts and Regency info. Every time you comment, your name is thrown into the hat to win a book from my backlist so join in the fun.
To get us in the proper mood for more Regency Intrigue, here's a little Regency-era short...
(Just to clarify - this is not an excerpt from A Persistent Attraction. It's a separate story I wrote for fun that might one day develop into a longer story.)
As Brodie pushed the door closed behind them and clicked the lock into place, Alice's heart pounded. What did he think he was doing?
But she thought she knew the answer all too well, and when her lover turned and flashed a wicked grin, her suspicions were confirmed. He meant to seduce her. In her aunt's house. In the middle of a ball.
She shook her head. "We can't. Not here."
"The hell we can't." He sat down on the settee and pulled her into her lap so abruptly her breath whooshed from her lungs. Before she draw in more air, he pulled her head down and took her lips in a ferocious kiss.
Heat and need spiraled through her.. She tried to pull away, but Brodie's hands were already unbuttoning the back of her dress.
He tugged so hard on her bodice she heard stitches rip. Dear God, she hoped she'd be decent enough to return to the ballroom.
She gasped as Brodie's mouth left hers and closed around her nipple. He was always a passionate lover, but tonight he was relentless as if he wanted to devour her. Her body responded with abandon even as her mind screamed out the need to stop.
"Lift your dress."
His pause to speak gave her a chance to protest. "My aunt will be looking for me. We've got to stop."
His eyes darkened. "If you think you can tease me like that and not suffer the consequences you are quite wrong."
Alice smiled at his mock anger. She'd been feeling a bit wild all evening, contemplating the night she and Brodie had planned. So when he'd pulled her onto the dance floor for a waltz, ignoring the fact that the dance had been claimed by her cousin, she'd allowed herself to stand quite a bit closer than propriety allowed. Once or twice she'd even allowed her belly to brush against his cock, delighting in the feel of it hardening in response.
Brodie growled. "Now."
Alice smiled and did as he commanded, raising her dress and straddling him while he worked the fastenings of his pants.
When he'd freed his cock, he lifted her and thrust deep. She had to bite her lip to hold in a scream. They'd been lovers for weeks now, but she'd still not gotten used to his size. He filled her nearly to the point of pain. Yet it felt so wickedly good.
She rose on her knees and brought herself down hard. He gasped, and she laughed.
He grabbed her hips in response, taking over control and driving into her over and over, so fast she couldn't catch her breath.
"Alice!"
Her aunt's voice. In the hall. She tired to find the will to stop. But her hands clasped Brodie's shoulders rather than pushing him away.
"Alice! Where are you?" Someone, presumably her aunt, tried the door. Thank God Brodie had locked it. She opened her eyes and looked at him pointedly.
Brodie shook his head. "Can't . . . stop." The words sounded pained.
He reached up and brushed his thumbs across booth her nipples as he flexed his cock inside her, brushing across the spot inside her that made her sizzle.
Her aunt knocked again, but Alice no longer cared. All she cared about was Brodie and what his hands and his cock were doing ot her.
He tormented her nipples as he thrust fully into her. Her nails bit into his shoulders, nearly ripping the fabric of his jacket. "Come for me, Alice."
She moaned, slamming herself onto his cock, letting him fill her until she exploded. Hard bursts of passion raced through her. At just the right moment, Brodie took her lips with his and swallowed her scream of release.
As her body writhed against his, he lifted her and she felt the hot splash of his seed against her thigh. As the aftershocks of passion slowed, she realized something she'd been trying to deny. She needed this man with her very soul. She would have to find a way to keep him.
To get us in the proper mood for more Regency Intrigue, here's a little Regency-era short...
(Just to clarify - this is not an excerpt from A Persistent Attraction. It's a separate story I wrote for fun that might one day develop into a longer story.)
As Brodie pushed the door closed behind them and clicked the lock into place, Alice's heart pounded. What did he think he was doing?
But she thought she knew the answer all too well, and when her lover turned and flashed a wicked grin, her suspicions were confirmed. He meant to seduce her. In her aunt's house. In the middle of a ball.
She shook her head. "We can't. Not here."
"The hell we can't." He sat down on the settee and pulled her into her lap so abruptly her breath whooshed from her lungs. Before she draw in more air, he pulled her head down and took her lips in a ferocious kiss.
Heat and need spiraled through her.. She tried to pull away, but Brodie's hands were already unbuttoning the back of her dress.
He tugged so hard on her bodice she heard stitches rip. Dear God, she hoped she'd be decent enough to return to the ballroom.
She gasped as Brodie's mouth left hers and closed around her nipple. He was always a passionate lover, but tonight he was relentless as if he wanted to devour her. Her body responded with abandon even as her mind screamed out the need to stop.
"Lift your dress."
His pause to speak gave her a chance to protest. "My aunt will be looking for me. We've got to stop."
His eyes darkened. "If you think you can tease me like that and not suffer the consequences you are quite wrong."
Alice smiled at his mock anger. She'd been feeling a bit wild all evening, contemplating the night she and Brodie had planned. So when he'd pulled her onto the dance floor for a waltz, ignoring the fact that the dance had been claimed by her cousin, she'd allowed herself to stand quite a bit closer than propriety allowed. Once or twice she'd even allowed her belly to brush against his cock, delighting in the feel of it hardening in response.
Brodie growled. "Now."
Alice smiled and did as he commanded, raising her dress and straddling him while he worked the fastenings of his pants.
When he'd freed his cock, he lifted her and thrust deep. She had to bite her lip to hold in a scream. They'd been lovers for weeks now, but she'd still not gotten used to his size. He filled her nearly to the point of pain. Yet it felt so wickedly good.
She rose on her knees and brought herself down hard. He gasped, and she laughed.
He grabbed her hips in response, taking over control and driving into her over and over, so fast she couldn't catch her breath.
"Alice!"
Her aunt's voice. In the hall. She tired to find the will to stop. But her hands clasped Brodie's shoulders rather than pushing him away.
"Alice! Where are you?" Someone, presumably her aunt, tried the door. Thank God Brodie had locked it. She opened her eyes and looked at him pointedly.
Brodie shook his head. "Can't . . . stop." The words sounded pained.
He reached up and brushed his thumbs across booth her nipples as he flexed his cock inside her, brushing across the spot inside her that made her sizzle.
Her aunt knocked again, but Alice no longer cared. All she cared about was Brodie and what his hands and his cock were doing ot her.
He tormented her nipples as he thrust fully into her. Her nails bit into his shoulders, nearly ripping the fabric of his jacket. "Come for me, Alice."
She moaned, slamming herself onto his cock, letting him fill her until she exploded. Hard bursts of passion raced through her. At just the right moment, Brodie took her lips with his and swallowed her scream of release.
As her body writhed against his, he lifted her and she felt the hot splash of his seed against her thigh. As the aftershocks of passion slowed, she realized something she'd been trying to deny. She needed this man with her very soul. She would have to find a way to keep him.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Countdown and Contest
A Persistent Attraction, Book 2 in the Regency Intrigue series will be released by Samhain Publishing on February 12. For those of you who have read Book 1: A Carnal Agreement, you'll remember Rhys and Amanda. This is their story.
Starting on February 5, I'll be doing a daily countdown here. Anyone who comments will be entered to win a book of their choice from my backlist. Each time you comment, you're name will be entered to win so the more you comment the more chances you have to win.
Here's a little taste of A Persistent Attraction to whet your appetite:
A Persistent Attraction by Silvia Violet
http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/silvia-violet
Rhys flashed one more knee-buckling grin and walked away. Amanda tried not to observe the animal grace of his movements as he made his way through the crowd. His powerful, fluid walk was at odds with his foppish attire. Her sister had warned her there was more to Rhys than his appearance indicated, but she didn’t want to delve into his secrets. If she were wise, she would do her best not to cross his path again after their dance.
Despite her resolve, she could not pry her eyes from him. She watched him halt next to one of the musicians. The man continued to play, never faltering, while he held a brief conversation with Rhys. Rhys handed him something, and he pocketed it when he had a chance. What was he up to?
She turned away, hoping to seek her aunt’s advice on how to manage Rhys’s advances. But Claire had followed her friends to the punch table. A few minutes later, the music ended with a flourish, and Rhys appeared behind her.
When he set his hands around her waist, she pulled away and turned around. “Have you forgotten where you are?”
“Not in the least. I merely intended to guide you onto the dance floor.”
The strains of a waltz floated across the ballroom, and Rhys’s conversation with the musician suddenly made sense. “You bribed them, didn’t you?”
“I made a request and tipped them for their thoughtfulness.”
“I will not waltz with you.”
“Yes, you will.”
“You can return when the next dance begins.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“I am not afraid. I am wary as any young woman should be of a man like you.” Amanda was intensely aware of him. She could still feel the heat of his hands where he’d touched her. How was she going to survive a waltz without letting him know how he affected her?
He took her arm and linked it through his. “Even a rake such as I would not attempt to ravish you on the dance floor.”
Much to her annoyance, his touch sent shivers down her spine. “One waltz. Then you promise to leave me be for the rest of our stay here.”
Rhys smiled. “If that is what you still wish, then I will not plague you again.”
Amanda’s heart pounded as he led her onto the dance floor. The strictures of society dictated that a waltzing couple kept eighteen inches of space between them, but Amanda doubted Rhys left three. He was so close, the warmth of his body radiated against her as if she were naked. His thighs brushed hers as they twirled, and she tried to look anywhere but into his eyes.
As they moved together, she realized Rhys was an excellent dance partner. Most men whose invitations she accepted were arrogant and boorish once they got her on the floor. Even if they showed any skill at dancing, she was too busy trying to discern their true motivations to enjoy herself.
Rhys made his motives clear enough. He wanted to seduce her, but she also knew he would not truly harm her. Mark would kill him if he did. Rhys led so expertly she had only to relax and let him direct her body. She could easily let her world narrow to the strains of the music, his body pressed to hers and the wonderful feeling of flying.
Then she made the mistake of looking up. Their eyes met. Raw hunger was reflected in his gaze. She’d seen lust on men’s faces before, but she’d never expected such primal desire to be directed at her.
She realized with dismay that Rhys had managed to maneuver them so they were standing by the French doors which led to the courtyard. When the music ended, he flashed a wicked smile. “I thought you might enjoy some fresh air.”
Before she could protest, he reached around her, opened the door and practically pushed her through. She took a slow, deliberate breath. “Now I have some fresh air in my lungs. Please return me to my aunt.”
“Your aunt is busy catching up with old friends. Why don’t we take a few minutes to enjoy the cool evening?”
Rhys had made her body come alive while they danced. She was much too vulnerable to be alone with him. “I found the temperature in the ballroom quite pleasant.”
“Really? Then why are you flushed?”
“How rude of you to notice.”
“Not rude, simply honest.”
He walked toward her. She backed up, but a bench caught her behind the knees. She sat down hard, her breath escaping in a whoosh.
Rhys sat beside her and took her hand in his. His thumb stroked her wrist, sending waves of heat straight to her belly. “Why are you afraid of me?”
“I’m not afraid. I’m annoyed. Now unhand me and let me go inside.”
He smiled. “Prove it.”
“Prove what?”
“That you are not afraid.”
“How would I do that?”
“Kiss me.”
“You must be joking.”
But she looked into his eyes and knew he was quite serious. He’d said the words in a light, teasing tone, but his eyes glowed like a predator stalking prey.
She told herself to get up and go inside, but her legs wouldn’t obey. He’d trapped her like a frightened rabbit. A secret part of her wanted to sample what he had to offer.
His lips descended on hers, and she opened to him. For once in her life, she gave herself utterly to a new sensation.
What a glorious sensation it was. The heat of his mouth enveloped her as his tongue sought the recesses of her mouth. Never in her most fevered fantasy had she imagined a kiss could feel so…exotic and sinful.
Instinct took over, and her tongue reached out, sliding across his and seeking entrance to his mouth. He groaned as she traced his lower lip with her tongue. His arms closed around her, pulling her firmly against his hard chest. She shuddered as his hands stroked the naked skin of her shoulders.
Amanda sank her teeth into the soft flesh of his lip, and he growled. His hands slid around to cup her breasts. When his thumbs flicked across her nipples, bolts of lightening ran through her body.
Then reality crashed like thunder.
Starting on February 5, I'll be doing a daily countdown here. Anyone who comments will be entered to win a book of their choice from my backlist. Each time you comment, you're name will be entered to win so the more you comment the more chances you have to win.
Here's a little taste of A Persistent Attraction to whet your appetite:
A Persistent Attraction by Silvia Violet
http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/silvia-violet
Rhys flashed one more knee-buckling grin and walked away. Amanda tried not to observe the animal grace of his movements as he made his way through the crowd. His powerful, fluid walk was at odds with his foppish attire. Her sister had warned her there was more to Rhys than his appearance indicated, but she didn’t want to delve into his secrets. If she were wise, she would do her best not to cross his path again after their dance.
Despite her resolve, she could not pry her eyes from him. She watched him halt next to one of the musicians. The man continued to play, never faltering, while he held a brief conversation with Rhys. Rhys handed him something, and he pocketed it when he had a chance. What was he up to?
She turned away, hoping to seek her aunt’s advice on how to manage Rhys’s advances. But Claire had followed her friends to the punch table. A few minutes later, the music ended with a flourish, and Rhys appeared behind her.
When he set his hands around her waist, she pulled away and turned around. “Have you forgotten where you are?”
“Not in the least. I merely intended to guide you onto the dance floor.”
The strains of a waltz floated across the ballroom, and Rhys’s conversation with the musician suddenly made sense. “You bribed them, didn’t you?”
“I made a request and tipped them for their thoughtfulness.”
“I will not waltz with you.”
“Yes, you will.”
“You can return when the next dance begins.”
“What are you afraid of?”
“I am not afraid. I am wary as any young woman should be of a man like you.” Amanda was intensely aware of him. She could still feel the heat of his hands where he’d touched her. How was she going to survive a waltz without letting him know how he affected her?
He took her arm and linked it through his. “Even a rake such as I would not attempt to ravish you on the dance floor.”
Much to her annoyance, his touch sent shivers down her spine. “One waltz. Then you promise to leave me be for the rest of our stay here.”
Rhys smiled. “If that is what you still wish, then I will not plague you again.”
Amanda’s heart pounded as he led her onto the dance floor. The strictures of society dictated that a waltzing couple kept eighteen inches of space between them, but Amanda doubted Rhys left three. He was so close, the warmth of his body radiated against her as if she were naked. His thighs brushed hers as they twirled, and she tried to look anywhere but into his eyes.
As they moved together, she realized Rhys was an excellent dance partner. Most men whose invitations she accepted were arrogant and boorish once they got her on the floor. Even if they showed any skill at dancing, she was too busy trying to discern their true motivations to enjoy herself.
Rhys made his motives clear enough. He wanted to seduce her, but she also knew he would not truly harm her. Mark would kill him if he did. Rhys led so expertly she had only to relax and let him direct her body. She could easily let her world narrow to the strains of the music, his body pressed to hers and the wonderful feeling of flying.
Then she made the mistake of looking up. Their eyes met. Raw hunger was reflected in his gaze. She’d seen lust on men’s faces before, but she’d never expected such primal desire to be directed at her.
She realized with dismay that Rhys had managed to maneuver them so they were standing by the French doors which led to the courtyard. When the music ended, he flashed a wicked smile. “I thought you might enjoy some fresh air.”
Before she could protest, he reached around her, opened the door and practically pushed her through. She took a slow, deliberate breath. “Now I have some fresh air in my lungs. Please return me to my aunt.”
“Your aunt is busy catching up with old friends. Why don’t we take a few minutes to enjoy the cool evening?”
Rhys had made her body come alive while they danced. She was much too vulnerable to be alone with him. “I found the temperature in the ballroom quite pleasant.”
“Really? Then why are you flushed?”
“How rude of you to notice.”
“Not rude, simply honest.”
He walked toward her. She backed up, but a bench caught her behind the knees. She sat down hard, her breath escaping in a whoosh.
Rhys sat beside her and took her hand in his. His thumb stroked her wrist, sending waves of heat straight to her belly. “Why are you afraid of me?”
“I’m not afraid. I’m annoyed. Now unhand me and let me go inside.”
He smiled. “Prove it.”
“Prove what?”
“That you are not afraid.”
“How would I do that?”
“Kiss me.”
“You must be joking.”
But she looked into his eyes and knew he was quite serious. He’d said the words in a light, teasing tone, but his eyes glowed like a predator stalking prey.
She told herself to get up and go inside, but her legs wouldn’t obey. He’d trapped her like a frightened rabbit. A secret part of her wanted to sample what he had to offer.
His lips descended on hers, and she opened to him. For once in her life, she gave herself utterly to a new sensation.
What a glorious sensation it was. The heat of his mouth enveloped her as his tongue sought the recesses of her mouth. Never in her most fevered fantasy had she imagined a kiss could feel so…exotic and sinful.
Instinct took over, and her tongue reached out, sliding across his and seeking entrance to his mouth. He groaned as she traced his lower lip with her tongue. His arms closed around her, pulling her firmly against his hard chest. She shuddered as his hands stroked the naked skin of her shoulders.
Amanda sank her teeth into the soft flesh of his lip, and he growled. His hands slid around to cup her breasts. When his thumbs flicked across her nipples, bolts of lightening ran through her body.
Then reality crashed like thunder.
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