Page 20 of Lord of Deception

“Indeed, my lady.” He waited, but Alys made no move. Had she any idea how much she was provoking him? And what the consequences of that provocation might be? Despite his resolve to trifle with her no more, to take himself off, away from her delicious influence, he was enjoying this moment. Enormously.

“I’ll be out just as soon as you’re gone,” he promised.

“But if I go, how do I know you’ll get out? I’m not joking, Kit. Kate would be furious if she caught you. You’re lucky it was me.”

Whose luck? His, or hers?

“Very well, since you insist.” Abruptly, he stood up and splashed through the weeds towards the bank. The lantern light reflected off his wet skin.

“No, Kit, you’re naked! Stop!”

“Of course, I’m naked. My clothes are right by your feet. Why would I want to get them wet?” He didn’t stop—he was enjoying the game too much.

As he climbed up the bank, Alys let out a squeak. “Come no closer.” She seized his clothing in a bundle and waved it at him. “If you don’t back away, these are going in the pond.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” His voice was a growl. Now, they were adversaries, and he was damned if he was going to give in. He stood on solid ground now, right in front of her.

He could see her face clearly now, her lower lip trembling. How he wanted to taste it, nip at it, plunge his tongue into her mouth. He leaned in… and saw his clothes sail past him. The pond received them with a greedy splash.

“You may come to regret that.”

She tilted her chin at him, her expression a delightful mix of alarm and determination. “Yes. Because I shall throw you in after them.”

She gaped at him a moment, then tossed her head. “That is hardly the behavior of a gentleman.”

“But here at Selwood, I am no gentleman, remember?”

Before she could react, he pulled her sharply against him and applied his hungry lips to hers. She resisted for barely an instant before her hand tangled in his wet hair, pulling him closer.

He drove the kiss deep and long, fired by the excitement of the day, pushed to the brink by the battle with his desires. And was thrilled to discover he was right—there was latent passion in this woman. She met his tongue, stroke for stroke, moaned and pressed her body against his. It was exquisitely erotic, his naked body against her clothed one, although the urge to redress the balance was powerful. But here, now? That would be madness.

“Ouch!” He dragged his lips away.

“Oh, Kit, I’m so sorry!”

The lantern had swung against his bare thigh, scorching it.

“No matter.” He reached for her again, but she pushed him off.

“Seriously, Kit, you’re hurt.”

Charmed by her concern, he stamped down the flames of his ardor. “I’ll cool it in the water when I go to fetch out my clothes.”

“Is there anything I can do?” She was all solicitousness.

Yes. Stay with me. Let me kiss you again.“Indeed. Go to my hut and seek out my comfrey and goose grease salve. I’ll meet you there.”

She hurried off, leaving him to the miserable task of retrieving his sodden clothing and trying to struggle back into it. He’d change as soon as he got back to the hut.

And what happened after that was anybody’s guess.