Her skin heated in mortification as she remembered how they’d talked last night. How much she’d revealed.God, she’d admitted to missing him, to dreaming of him.
Was he playing with her? Mocking her? Did he think her so lonely and pathetic, so in need of diversion, that he’d concocted this subterfuge out ofpity?She should throwherselfoff the nearest balcony if that was the case.
Or had he seduced other women in this same way? Was she just one in a long line of similar conquests, all seduced by the thrill of a striking, mysterious stranger promising to fulfill their secret desires?
God, she was a fool.
Lucy bit her lip, her thoughts a whirl.
On the other hand, he’dchosento kiss her.
Her, Lucy Montgomery.
He knew exactly who he was kissing.
Was he waiting to see how far she’d let him go, then planning to rip off his mask and laugh at her for being so desperate for the touch of a man that she’d let a stranger fondle her in the darkness?
Anger heated her blood, but her heart was still pounding with desire, and the recklessness that had seized her earlier still simmered beneath her skin.
What did it matter? She’d wanted to kiss him.
Shestillwanted to, damn it.
She’d wanted to for years.
And now she had the chance.
Who cared what his reasons were? She was here, now, in his arms, and she would take whatever he would give her.
Whatever she could get.
CHAPTER8
“Isuppose I owe you my name.”
The Phantom’s low murmur snapped Lucy from her whirling thoughts, and she shook her head, decision made. “No, you don’t.”
“But I kissed you.”
“Yes, I noticed.”
She sensed his frown, even under his mask. His lips compressed. “Youdon’twant to know who I am?”
Lucy sent him a serene smile. “I’ve changed my mind. Some things are better left a secret, don’t you think?”
“But you’ll lose your hundred pounds.” He sounded shocked, even a little indignant.
“I don’t care. If you tell me your name it’ll make thisreal,somehow. And to tell you the truth, I’m rather enjoying the fantasy.”
His lips parted on a surprised exhale that made her stifle a delighted giggle.Oh, it was glorious to have the upper hand for once.To have turned the tables so neatly.
He was amusing himself at her expense—why shouldn’t she do the same? After all, he didn’t know that she’d guessed his identity. Why shouldn’t she see how farhe’dgo? With any luck, it would include more than kisses.
Arden was a scoundrel, no doubt about it. He knew women, how to please them, and this might be her only chance to be seduced by a man like him. She was too independent to tempt most men, and she’d long ago resigned herself to a lifetime of spinsterhood. But that didn’t mean she intended to die a virgin.
She sent him a sultry look from beneath her lashes, as she’d seen her twin Lenore do on countless occasions, and curled her fingers into the lapels of his jacket. “I was hoping you’d kiss me again.”
Will—the Phantom—pulled back, just a fraction. “What is this? Pity? A charity kiss for the poor, scarred Phantom?” His tone was scathing, suspicious.
