More than Passion by Jomarie Degioia Read Free Book Online Page A

want you to touch me, Geoffrey,” she said. “Only you.”
    He breathed in sharply, looking down at her. She stared at him with such innocence, such trust.
    “Becca,” he said hoarsely, both a warning and a plea.
    She turned in his arms and placed her hands behind his neck, leaning against him. She brushed her lips against his.
    “Only you,” she whispered.
    With a soft growl, he crushed his mouth down on hers. The kiss was hot, wild. Her tongue rubbed against his, setting him on fire. He fumbled with the hooks in the back of her dress, needing to touch her. She opened his shirt, her hands stealing inside to stroke his chest. He pushed her sleeves off her shoulders, tugging the bodice down.
    “My God, love,” he breathed against her ear.
    He laid her down on the blanket, trailing kisses on her throat, her breasts. His mouth closed over her nipple and she arched against him. His hand stole under her skirts, searching for the very center of her. He could feel her heat through her thin drawers and pulled them down, finding her wet and ready for him.
    Becca writhed beneath him, whispering his name. He pulled back just long enough to unbutton his breeches and, in one smooth thrust, he entered her.
    She cried out in pleasure, her nails raking his back. He drove into her, again and again. The pressure became almost too much to bear. With one final thrust, he climaxed. He shook with the power of his orgasm, bringing her release.
    Geoffrey rained kisses on her face, waiting for his breathing to slow. Her eyes were closed, her breath coming in little puffs.
    She opened her eyes and stared up at him. “Oh, my,” she breathed.
    He laughed a bit shakily, leaning up on his elbows. “You make me forget myself, love.” He dropped a kiss on her parted lips. “I didn’t even remove my boots.”
    She smiled and hugged him tight.
    After a while, he helped her up and they straightened their clothes and climbed back into the trap.
    He turned to her, taking her hand in his. “Will you marry me?”
    She blinked, then a sweet smile curved her lips. “No.”
    What? His mind must be addled from his orgasm. But no. There she sat, shaking her pretty head.
    “But …. Why not?”
    She placed her hand on his cheek. “I can’t permit you to marry me.”
    “Permit me?”
    “I have no dowry, and I won’t be a burden to a man of such simple means.”
    He nearly choked. Simple means? He was an earl, for God’s sake! Wealthy and titled, but he couldn’t tell her. Not now. If he did, he’d never know if she only married him for his money. He wouldn’t be able to stand for that, not after Patricia’s machinations.
    “There could be a child.”
    That got him a reaction. Her lovely mouth fell open. “No.”
    “Yes. Twice we made love and twice I came inside you.”
    “If there’s a child ….” She shook her head. “There won’t be a child.”
    “My God! You’re the child if you think you can wish it away.” With a flick of the reins, he set off once again for the inn. They rode back in the same manner as earlier. In silence.
    * * * *
    That evening, Becca was pleasant enough to him, but she didn’t dally at his table. He watched her walk among the other diners, a scowl on his face. He’d have to watch her for more than her father’s plans now. If she began to increase, he’d have to know. What a bloody mess.
    Long after his meal was finished, he called Emmy over to his table. “More ale, Emmy,” he grumbled.
    She cocked her head to the side, regarding him closely. She filled his tankard and stood in front of him.
    He took a long sip, watching her over the rim. He slammed the tankard down. “What?”
    “That’s not goin’ to help ya.”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “The ale. It’s not what ya really want.”
    Geoffrey spied Becca as she escaped into the kitchen. He turned back to Emmy with a wicked smile. “And just what is it that I really want?”
    Emmy gave an easy laugh. “Don’t think ta use me that