His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 29

Lucien propped himself up on his elbows on the floor, legs crossed at the ankles, watching her through hooded eyes. He'd enjoyed rousing her, but the resigned hurt in her eyes now made him uncomfortable. She was trying to bend back the pages of the novel and her lack of success was distressing her.

"It's just a book. You can buy a new one."

Her brown eyes misted over. "It wouldn't be the same."

"Don't tell me that you've grown impossibly fond of Lady Eustace in the last few minutes." He was trying to tease her but she wasn't smiling.

"It's not Lady Eustace I'm fond of."

Horatia got to her feet, not seeming to notice the rip in her gown near the shoulder. The silver fabric sagged off her left shoulder, exposing part of the creamy mound of her breast. Lucien silently begged for the gown to drop farther. Would her nipple be a soft peach, or a sweet berry red? He ached to know its taste, to explore that nipple with his mouth, his tongue. Would she like to be laved, bitten or sucked on? All of these questions suddenly seemed vital. He had to know the answers. Lucien whimpered in protest when Horatia tugged the ripped sleeve back up, hiding that taunting bosom from him.

"If you'll excuse me." She made to leave but he lunged to his feet and caught the back of her gown, stopping her dead in her tracks. She reached behind her and gripped the wrist that held her gown, digging her nails into his skin. He didn't even flinch at the pain.

"Release me."

"Answer my question." He found himself grinning, knowing she would break. He wouldn't let her leave otherwise.

"You know the answer," she replied, releasing his wrist and crossing her arms. She turned her face away from him.

"You're no fun tonight," Lucien muttered.

"Since when do you ever want me to be fun, or even want me to have fun? As I seem to recall, your life's mission is to rip my heart and soul out and crush them under your boot heels. And congratulations Lucien, you've succeeded. Bravo. Now please let me go, so when I start to cry I may do so in peace. Please, save me the humiliation of breaking down in your presence."