Isabella wasn’t sure what had possessed her to admit such a thing, but the moment the words left her mouth, the air shifted and changed—the statement becominga tangible being in the room.
For all ofMr. Claymoore’sfaults,his brooding moods,and his contentious ways, shefound that she’d come to rely on hiscool, commanding presence in the past few days. He’d become the rock shecould cling to in the midst of her sinking foundation, eventhoughhe tested the limits of her patiencemore often thannot.
Then, of course, there was theratherdangerous attractionshe felt toward him.
She bit her lower lip, wondering if it would be too much toask him tokiss her again.While she liked to imagine she was smart enough not to make another terrible mistake, now that she was alone with Ridge, all she could think about was the memory of his heated embrace as it flared back to life.
No doubt Simon had already broken the empty vows he’d made to her. Not that he’d ever meant them to begin with.
When she saw Ridge’s eyes lower to her mouth, his nostrils flaring, she dared tolift her hand and pressherpalm againsthis chest, directly over hisstrong, steadyheart.“Ridge…”she breathed.
That was all she had to say, as he reached for her.
Isabellasighed as his lipsmethers, her fingers curlingto bunchthe fabric of his shirt. Sheyearned to rip the cotton barrierfrom his body and feel thebareheat beneath. She gaspedagainst his mouthwhen he reached aroundher waist and drew her closer. She wound her arms around his neck as he flattened her breasts against his chest.
It didn’t take much forIsabellato realizethat things couldrapidlyspiral out of control, but she was on fire for him, her body pulsing with a need she didn’t know how tocommand. When he left her mouth to nibble his way down the side of her neck, she moaned. “Please.” Shewasn’tevensurewhat she was begging for, butshe knew that he could satisfy her every need.
Whenhis hand slid down the side of her ribcage, she sucked in a deep breath. Her nipples ached for his touch, and as he lifted her to straddle him, one leg on either side of his waist, she was rewarded with his hands on her breasts. His thumbs toyedwithherhardened nipples,andshemoved her hips in time to his exquisite teasing. “More,” she demanded, surprised at her own boldness.
He said nothing, butthesensation ofher gown being lifted, the coolair hitting her exposed legs,made her shiver. She wasn’t sure what he intended to do, but then his fingers brushed hercore.The fire that had been fannedearlierwas now set ablaze.
She clutched his shoulders as he groaned,“God, you’re so wet.”
She looked athimwhile he stroked the most intimate part of her, his expression appearing as though he was inpain.
“Is that…good?”she panted.
He grinned.“It’sverygood.”
He took her lips in a demanding kiss, rapidly driving her senses higher. With every flick of his fingers, she creptclosertoward something…amazing. Whenshewas sure she couldn’t take the sweet torture anylonger,he tore his mouth from hers andgrowled in her ear,“Let gofor me, Isabella.”
As he gently bither lobe, she exploded in ecstasy. Her entire body quivered as the waves rushed through her body like the tide crashing on the beach.It was heaven, it was magical—it waslike nothing she’d ever known before.
As a pleasant, languid warmth permeated her limbs,Ridge withdrew his hand and stood, lifting her into his arms. “And now I think it’s time for bed, my lady.”
“Butwhat about you?” she murmuredsleepily. “Surely you must need release?”
Again, he hadthat expressionas if he was being tortured, but he said gruffly, “I think it’s best if we refrain fromany furtheractivity this evening. You’re vulnerable,and I don’t want you to regret anythingthat might happenbetween us.” His eyes glittered with a certain devilish light. “Ifthe timeevercomes whenwe do copulate, I intendto take my time and nottake theriskofbeingdisturbed, because it won’t be over in a few minutes.”
A certain thrill shot though her midsectionat his dark promise,but since nothing else was going to happen tonight,she contented herself with what was yet to come.
***
Ridgeknewhe wouldn’t be able to sleep with such a pulsing erection, but instead of heading down to the sea to ease his body’s need forsex, he returned to his chamber and relieved himself. But any pleasure he might have gained from taking himselfin hand faded with the memory of Isabella’s passionate responses. He wanted nothing more than to return to her room and recreate those sensual sounds until dawn broke over the sky, but already he had broken his promise to retain his distance.
He realized what a foolhardy mission that had been. From the moment hehad seenher, he’d wanted to bed her, but it wasn’t until he actuallygot to spend some time with the ladythat he found her to be a rather lively and witty companion. Wistenberry, along with the rest of society, had been oblivious not to see what a treasure Isabella was.
Buthesaw what they had overlooked.
And he wanted her.Allof her.
Ridge ground his teeth and walked over to the modest, wooden desk in his room. Since his thoughts still wouldn’t allow him to sleep, he decided to pen a letter to Montgomery with an update. With any luck, his fellow agent would be able to arrive within a day or two, and some of the pressure he’d been feeling to distance himself from Isabella would cease. Although he’d never felt such a strong physical attraction to any woman before, no doubt it would passsoonenough once he was free to focus on something else other than that brilliant red hair or those expressive, dark eyes.
And now that he’d had a taste of her sweet delights, it would be evenmore difficultto stay away from her.
He sealed the letter and set it aside. He’d hire a messenger from the village in the morning to deliver it to London posthaste.
He walked over to the bed and lay down, forcing himself to close his eyes. After a time, merciful rest claimed him.
