He studied her intently for a long moment. "Escaping into another person's skin?"
"Yes," Julienne answered, surprised by Dare's perceptiveness. Pretending to be someone else banished her demons for a time.
When she didn't expound further, his sober look faded, to be replaced by a deceptively mild one. "If you feel such a need for escape, darling, then I am obviously being remiss as your host. I can see I will have to provide better entertainment for you."
Rising, he begin moving toward her.
"I am not interested in the kind of entertainment you apparently have in mind, Lord Wolverton," Julienne replied, taking a step backward.
His retort held amusement. "Can I help it if this setting makes me crave wicked sex?"
"I suppose not," she said tartly. "?Any setting makes you crave sex."
With a charming, predatory smile, Dare kept advancing. Her heart thudding in her breast, Julienne retreated toward the statue. His very nearness stirred a dangerous spark that flickered along the ends of her nerves, as did his next provocative declaration.
"I would like nothing more than to undress you and lie with you here, Jewel."
"I have told you before, you cannot have everything you want."
His gaze was warm, carnal. "I don't want everything. I only want you."
Julienne halted, her back against the cool marble, yet it was Dare's look that held her immobile; he had trapped her in his heated gaze.
"You won't take pity on me?" he murmured. "I am in dire pain, and only you can offer me respite."
"Dare…" She shivered at the desire that swept over her body at his deliberately alluring gaze.
When he stepped even closer, though, and lowered his mouth to hers, she quickly averted her face. She refused to kiss him. His kisses were far too dangerous, for they seared her, left her panting and breathless.
His lips found her cheek instead, nuzzling.
"Dare, stop this!"
"I think you resist yourself more than me." He slid the tips of his fingers along her nape, while his teeth scraped lightly along the line of her throat, arousing her against her will. His sensuous touch spoke of pleasure beyond imagining, but Julienne fought desperately to resist.
"I won't make love to you again!" she protested, her voice already breathless.
His reply was immediate and husky. "You don't have to do a thing. I can manage on my own. I'll arouse you with just my hands and mouth, my lovely Julienne." His voice was now maddeningly sexual. "I want to see how many times I can make you come."
Even as he spoke, he drew back a little and began unbuttoning the front placket of his breeches. "Look what you've done to me." The ample swell of his manhood sprang free, making her catch her breath. "You've made me burn for you."
Julienne stared at his flagrant erection, at the flushed head gleaming in the sunlight. "Heavens, Dare… are there no limits to your brazenness?"
His smile spread, wicked and lazy. "Scarcely any."
Reaching for her hand, he guided her fingers to his swollen member. She felt his hot desire lick at her senses, but she snatched her hand away. "You must have lost your wits. Someone could come along the path and-"
"You can see far enough above the hedge to have warning. And no one can see me kneeling…"
The hedge was rather high, Julienne acknowledged; they could only be seen from the shoulders up.
Before she could reply, though, Dare went down on one knee before her. "You said you wanted me on my knees. I am delighted to oblige for the moment."
When his fingers grasped the hem of her gown, Julienne realized his intent.
Their gazes locked. It was a contest of wills, one she feared she was losing.
She wanted to step away, but she couldn't force herself to move; the lure of him was too strong. All she could think of was the savage ache between her thighs, an ache only Dare could assuage.