She blushed furiously, sure that her entire face was on fire. “I had hoped, uh, that I could come late in the evening...after it is assumed I am asleep and then return to my house in the morning.”
“Then you wish for us to have an entire night.”
“Exactly.”
“And how do you plan to get here so late at night?”
She pursed her lips and her brow wrinkled. “I suppose I will walk. It isn’t that far.”
“I won’t allow you to go about London unescorted and without proper protection.” His face darkened and she got the first hint of just how dangerous he could be. “I will send my carriage for you on the nights we are to meet. My driver can park down the street.”
“Very well, I suppose that is acceptable.” She shifted nervously and fixed him with a stare. “How many nights are you available from now to the end of the month?”
“For you I can clear any engagements I had. I will expect you each night and if you are unable to come, all I ask is that you send me word.”
She nodded. “Very well then, sir. We have an agreement?”
“We do and if we are to have such an agreement, I insist you call me Grayson, or Gray if you prefer.”
“Very well...Gray. And you may call me Jenna.” She held out her hand to shake his. “Shall we meet tonight then?”
He ignored her outstretched hand. “Leaving so soon?”
“Well...um, I shall see you tonight.”
His dark eyes gleamed. “There is no reason we can’t begin right now,” he purred.
Chapter Two
She looked at him in shock. “Right now?”
He took her hand, which was still outstretched, and pulled her against him. “We have but a short time. Why waste a perfectly good opportunity?”
For the second time she found herself speechless.
Gray cupped her face in his hands and lowered his head to hers. “I’ve wanted to taste your lips since you walked through the door. Would you deny me what we both want?”
Mutely she shook her head, and he pressed his lips to hers. Sensation flooded her entire body, and she began a slow downward spiral. His affect on her was dizzying. Never before had she experienced such a mind-shattering event.
She sighed against the gentle pressure of his lips and felt his tongue begin to explore the corners of her mouth. Soon her lips opened under his persistence, and his tongue began to duel with hers. If he wasn’t holding her so tightly against him, she would have collapsed to the floor.
“I think our agreement will be mutually beneficial,” he murmured against her lips.
She pulled away and looked into the stormy depths of his eyes. “I think, sir, that I greatly underestimated your skills.”
“Or perhaps you overestimated them, my lady.”
Her brow furrowed, and she studied his expression. Not knowing how to respond to his odd statement, she remained silent.
“Tell me, Jenna. Do you think you are a woman of passion?”
Again she felt her cheeks grow warm. “I have always felt guilt over my desires,” she admitted. “I’ve always longed for passion and excitement, but have never had the courage to reach out and take it.”
“Until now,” he said, idly caressing her cheek.
“Until now.”
“I think it’s time you returned to your home. But I look forward to our first night together.”
