Impending Reprisals by Jolyn Palliata Read Free Book Online Page B

Lord Merivic nearly flinched when her soft lips brushed his, startled by her behavior, for it was the first time she had initiated a kiss.
    Her mouth retreated only far enough to resist contact as she continued to gaze at him, awaiting his reaction. Overcome by her sweet taste, he slipped his hands in her hair, drawing her close once again.
    Anya felt a thrill of satisfaction as their lips met, endeavoring to help blur his pain further. They held still for a moment, then Lord Merivic increased the pressure against her mouth. She matched his growing intensity as a tingle traveled her spine, and their lips began harmoniously moving together. 
    His hands knotted in her hair, resisting the urge to pull her body to his, to feel her curves hug his form, and passed those hungers through their kiss instead. He gently parted her lips to tease with his tongue. Her warm breath breezed against him as she gasped, dropping her hands from his face to his chest. He was about to pull back, certain she was readying to push him away, but then hesitated when he felt her tongue slip out to meet his.
    It was then that Anya suddenly became aware of her power as a woman; the ability to distract and allure the attentions of a man with her soft seductions, her inherent sexuality. Never before had she been so alert and in tune with her body, with her wants, and with her needs.
    She snaked her hands up his chest to encircle his neck, causing a quiver to settle through his shoulders as she bravely sought out his mouth. He deepened the kiss as they eagerly explored each other, their tongues twisting and dancing together in a heated dance of imprisoned passion and restrained longing. She pulled herself closer as she tightened her grip, lost in the sensations the kiss had to offer and senseless in her quest to discover more.
    Lord Merivic felt as if he would melt when she pressed against him, unsure he would be able to smother the simmering fire she was igniting within. Her body trembled as he tugged her bottom lip with his teeth, and he nearly lost control.
    A flash of clarity slashed through his mind as he came to the realization of how much he wanted this woman, and he loosened his hold on her hair to ease his hands to her shoulders. Slowing the kiss, Lord Merivic leaned back until they broke away from each other.
    Anya’s heart hammered as her cheeks warmed. She dropped her hands to her lap, baffled as to how a simple soothing gesture had grown into something altogether different, and entirely compelling. While she was embarrassed by her behavior, she also felt a sort of awe, for she never thought she would feel this way again; to want someone, and be wanted in return.
    Lord Merivic rubbed his hand on the back of his neck, his tone husky as he apologized, “I should not have let it go so far. Will you please forgive me?”
    Anya leaned her head to the side as she studied him, and was taken aback by what she could see, how well she could read him already. The tone of his voice spoke to his pent up frustrations, the sparkle in his eyes relaying an eager passion, and the rubbing of his neck showed how nervous he was. He felt guilt for their embrace while he simultaneously wished to continue it.
    She smiled gently with the knowledge that she felt exactly the same way. “There is nothing to forgive. I also let it go too far.”
    “You are too kind, Miss Anya.” His mouth curled into a smile as he stood and held out his hand. “I should take you home.”
    Anya’s lip slipped out into an unintentional pout as she took his hand.
    Lord Merivic chuckled and nudged at it with his finger. “You best be careful with that.”
    She bit her lip as she attempted to translate his meaning.
    “And that.” He gestured to her mouth again. “You continue drawing my attention to those lips. No man should be expected to have the strength to resist you.”
    Anya laughed in delight and squeezed his hand, still giddy from their embrace. Leaning forward, she brushed her