A Daring Passion

She pushed from the wall, her hands clenched at her sides. “I belong to no one, Philippe Gautier. And my loyalty must be earned, not commanded.”

He glared at her, clearly battling the urge to throttle her. Then, astonishingly, he turned away and shoved his hands through his hair.

“Damn you, Raine Wimbourne. Are you attempting to drive me to Bedlam?” he demanded in strained tones.

Raine’s heart squeezed as she belatedly noted the weary line of his shoulders and the tightness of his body. It was obvious that past weeks had taken their toll on his ruthless strength.

“I think it is best if I return to my room.”

She moved to pass Philippe only to be halted as he reached out to grasp her arm and spin her about to face him.

“No, meu amor, you are not going anywhere until you have told me why you are behaving so strangely.”

“Philippe, I…” Her words broke off as she met his burning green gaze. There was annoyance smoldering in the crystal-clear depths, and something else. Something that might have been an aching need that was echoed deep within her.

“What?” he prompted softly.

All need to flee from his presence melted beneath the haunting magic he always managed to weave about her. Soon, perhaps within days, she would be tucked safely back in her father’s cottage. And she would never, ever see this man again.

How could she possibly waste a single moment?

“I do not wish to fight with you.” She took a step toward him, her hand lifting to touch his face. “Not tonight.”

His breath caught, his arms sliding around her waist. “What do you wish?”

Raine allowed her fingers to skim down the lean cheek, shivering at the rasp of his dark whiskers and the heat of his skin. He was so magnificently male.

“I am not entirely certain,” she whispered unsteadily.

What did she wish?

To mean more to him than a passing fancy? To know that when he awoke she was his first thought, and when he went to bed it was her name he whispered? To be the very reason he lived?

Ridiculous, impossible dreams.

But, in this moment he was here. And he desired her. It was all she would ever have of him.

Vibrantly aware of the penetrating gaze that watched her every expression, Raine allowed her fingers to drift over his chiseled lips. Without warning he nipped at the tips of her fingers, his arms tightening until she was flush against the hard muscles.

“Do you know, meu amor, this is the first time you have willingly touched me?”

Feeling oddly light-headed she offered a faint smile. “Shall I stop?”

“Never.” His voice was harsh, but the hands that stroked her back were infinitely tender. “I find I enjoy being seduced by an exotic angel. You have leave to touch me anywhere at any time.”

“A rather generous offer,” she teased.

His head lowered to brush his lips over her forehead and down the length of her nose. He hovered a breath above her mouth.

“I cannot claim to comprehend your odd mood, but at the moment I do not wish to question my good fortune.” His lips captured hers in a kiss of stark hunger. “Come with me, Raine,” he whispered against her mouth. “Let me take you to my bed.”

Raine did not hesitate as she twined her arms around his neck. Time was slipping away and she would be a fool to waste a moment.

“Yes.”

With a low growl of satisfaction, Philippe scooped her into his arms and carried her up the stairs. Once in his rooms he locked the door and moved to lower her gently onto the mattress.

Raine propped herself on her elbows to watch as he stripped off his elegant clothes. The flickering fire bathed his skin with a warm sheen, playing over the broad width of his chest and the ripple of muscles. His lean, finely hewed features were already tight with desire and his eyes glowed like the finest emeralds.