Fiery Pursuit (Passionate Pursuits, Book One) by Jean Hart Stewart Read Free Book Online Page A

her expression so blank he’d no idea what she was thinking. If he only could persuade himself he’d probe her mind, but she’d become too dear to him to ever do that again. He could no longer invade her privacy. Still not speaking, she walked to the bed and, lying on it, pulled the cover over her and turned her face from him.
    Surely this was for the best. Now she would be free to start a new life. All her future was ahead of her, and she should not be tied to anyone because of gratitude.
    But damn, if she left him his world would be a desolate void.
    He tried to get comfortable in the wretched chair, but not even discomfort could stop his longing. He sighed and resigned himself to a miserable night.
    Wanting Sophie, knowing she was willing, and yet unable to convince himself to have her. He couldn’t imagine a purgatory worse than this.
    His rebellious body refused to obey him, and he groaned softly.

Chapter Three
     
    Lars finally fell into a fitful and uncomfortable sleep. Even so, he dreamed of Sophie, his beautiful Sophie. He’d fidgeted in the chair for hours after she’d fallen asleep, finally reaching one unalterable conclusion. He’d not let her go without trying to convince her they belonged together. Whether it seemed to be taking advantage or her or not, he knew he must tell her how much he cared for her. His brave, beautiful, brilliant girl.
    He woke with a start, not sure of what had roused him.
    A light kiss lingered on his forehead. The dim light of pre-dawn showed him a willowy figure. Sophie, dressed only in his shirt, stood in front of him. Her hair streamed down her back in an array of glory, and he thought she must have brushed it before waking him. Her bare legs were perfect in shape, although the light was too dim to admire her skin. He’d already locked her in his arms and knew her body’s softness.
    He straightened to a better posture, ignoring the ache in his abused back.
    “Sophie my dear. Has something frightened you?”
    “Not exactly.” Her voice quavered and he narrowed his now-alert eyes.
    He started to rise, but she held out a hand to stop him.
    “No, don’t move yet. I have something to ask you and it’s easier if you don’t touch me.”
    He reached out one hand to grab her to him, but she took a step backward. She let out a deep breath and rushed through her request.
    “Lars, would you please rid me of my virginity?”
    He knew he was staring, and he tried to regain control of his rampant body. Blessed angels, but his cock had softened somewhat only a short time ago. Now it grew hard and throbbing at her provocative words. Why was she doing this to him?
    She gave a half-sob. “Please, Lars. Now.”
    Stunned, he swallowed a groan. Did she have any idea at all of what she was doing to him? Hell, with the iron state of his erection he could take her ten times straight and not be satisfied.
    “Sophie. My darling Sophie. What’s going on in that brilliant mind of yours?”
    “Don’t you want me, Lars? If you don’t…” She didn’t finish because he’d sprung to his feet and wrapped her in a tight embrace.
    “I’ve wanted you since the moment I saw you, proud and defiant in that hellish slave market. But I need to know why you’re asking this. I can hardly think, my desire for you is so strong, but I also need to protect you. Surely you see I can’t protect you and violate you at the same time.”
    A hopeful smile flashed across her face. “But that’s the problem. My virginity has brought me nothing but trouble. A man seems to prize that, although I can’t see why. A woman’s herself no matter the label you give her. But if I’m no longer a virgin I’ll feel more protected. There will be no prize to claim. And I’d like you to be the one to take care of that for me.”
    Lars had seldom felt so wordless. He’d lived his years in pleasure and with pain. More pleasure than pain certainly, as his elfin abilities gave him immeasurable advantage in most