A Christmas Seduction by Rachel Van Dyken, Kristin Vayden, Nadine Millard Read Free Book Online Page B

impatient…”
    “My, my, how this comes as a surprise.” Meredith tried to lighten the thick tension with humor, but it came up short.
    “It’s quite lovely, you know… to be known so well by another.” His hand gently released her fingers and slowly trailed up her arm, sending shivers all throughout her body as his touch danced along till he reached her shoulder. Gently drawing her closer, she was captive in his gaze and stepped towards him.
    “Oh?” Was all the intelligent response she could muster.
    “Indeed.” His fingers traced her shoulder till they rested against the small of her back, closing the distance between them. “And as miserable as it can be to my pride, for you to know truly every trespass—“
    “Since they were against me and my sisters,” she finished, unable to suppress the smile his words provoked.
    “To have nothing to hide… no need to pretend. It is quite… freeing.” He leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers. “Intoxicating.”
    “Threatening?” Meredith added, startled at her own admission.
    He leaned away slightly, only enough to make eye contact. “Terrifying.” His gaze darted to her lips. He bent forward slightly then paused.
    Waiting for her to meet him, to acknowledge the passion, to admit the attraction… to be caught, rather than simply chased.
    After a flicker of indecision, she met his lips, savoring the sweet warmth that coursed through her the moment they touched. As if only needing the slightest encouragement, his arms wound around her, pulling her in tightly against his frame and commanding the kiss from that moment on. Just as before, his kiss was wild, passionate and powerful, and she gave herself over to the sensations he awoke within her.
    His tongue teased her lips apart then dipped within and tangled with her own, enlivening her senses and creating such a burning in her that made her boldly reach up to run her fingers through his dark hair. The texture was soft and thick, adding to the spell of seduction around them. Her hungry fingers traced down his neck to his back, exploring the hills and valleys of his powerful frame. As if her touch further ignited his own arousal, his hands moved from her back, to her waist, then settling on her hips, holding them firmly, and pulling her in till there was no space between them.
    As his lips left hers with a tingling sensation, he trailed kisses down her jawline and to her neck, where he playfully nipped her skin. Goose bumps prickled all over, but not from the cold, rather from deep arousal. Even pressed so scandalously against him, she wanted — needed — more. “Lucas,” she gasped, not even recognizing her own voice.
    His mouth silenced her words as he ravaged her lips once more, his hands exploring her curves further. “Temptress,” he murmured against her lips, drawing her lower lip into his mouth and biting it playfully.
    “Rake,” she quipped, once he released her lip.
    “Seductress,” he whispered, slowing the kiss, allowing her to savor the distinct taste of his mouth.
    “Rogue,” she countered, stepping closer just as he pulled away.
    “Thief,” he accused softly, lifting his gloved hand to tilt her chin.
    She drew back slightly. “Thief?”
    “Yes, you are indeed a thief.” He lowered his hand and grasped hers, leading them away.
    Meredith followed, still trying to figure out his meaning. Her lips buzzed with the after-sensations from their ardent kissing. She could imagine the berry color they boasted from the recent passionate assault.
    Surely Lucas’ lips carried the same evidence.
    A powerful sense of possession swept over her. He wore her kiss.
    Hers.
    “You are a thief because that which you take, I fear I’ll never regain. The question is…” He glanced back to her, pulling her from her thoughts.
    “Yes?” she asked, entranced by the flame of attraction in his eyes.
    “The question is… do I want it back? And the answer? No.” He led them around a bend and