reached inside. Not truly. The drapes were too heavy, too red, casting th

s alread

slept-how

like a memory, but like a warning. Like his fing

egs crossed like a queen awaiting war. The sheer fabric clung to h

him

him

him

oor c

were too light, too unsure. A young maid entered barely more

girl said in a

a replied flatly. "I'm ju

you're to be dressed. Prope

ipping with dry amusement. "And a

It was decadent scarlet velvet with golden embr

a st

ok the

he sm

ll wear it wh

tated. "He sa

ssing room." Her voice tur

fled. Lio

drown her with control. But if he thought her defianc

ould

would ch

would ch

-

d sin. Gold banners hung like ribbons across black stone. Candles flickered

n she e

versation

but not as he intended. She had altered it. Torn the sleeves off, let one strap

ween he

ked s

he high table the

ked. Unb

exist. Not for h

lowly, like she was descen

him, he leaned in

ed against his ch

aw cl

ing with fir

ead. "No, my lor

every whisper, every watchful gaze. He guided her not to t

oor s

sil

etween th

en t

angerous. "Do you think

think y

and suddenly she was backed against the wall-his hand

tempt

are

ipped her waist-r

ould fe

eathed. "But I

gue-hot, devouring, bruising. He kissed like a man starved. Lik

ack like a woman

gers slipped beneath the gown's open s

ga

gro

en he

ed a

agged. J

arsely. "Not lik

spered, eyes d

salvation and ruin. "Because the mome

epped

re wanting, f

he sm

o

im su