Night of the Magician by Stephanie James, Jayne Ann Krentz Read Free Book Online Page B

he breathed, reluctantly breaking the hot contact with her mouth to trace a silky pattern of kisses along the line of her jaw. “I knew you were going to feel good!“
    “Lucian?“
    The uncertain, questioning note in her voice ended in a sharp little intake of breath as he nipped gently at her earlobe. Simultaneously his hand came down on her breast Her body’s response was immediate. There was a sudden, aching tautness, and she knew the nipple beneath his palm was hardening. The silk of her jewel-colored blouse and the scrap of lace which was her bra offered little protection. She knew he must be aware of the budding nipple.
    His deep growl of anticipation and pleasure was ample evidence that he was satisfied with her reactions. A part of Ariana wanted to retreat; to deny this man the knowledge that he was having such a strong effect on her senses. It was dangerous for a woman to let a man know the extent of his power over her, she reminded herself.
    But those words of wisdom were making no impact on her brain tonight It was easier to listen to the urgings of her senses. Her fingers threaded luxuriously through the darkness of his hair, and she was rewarded with the shudder that coursed through him. His leg moved purposefully along the inside of hers.
    His lips were on her throat now, and he arched her head back over his arm, exposing the vulnerable, sensitive curve. When he began to unbutton her blouse Ariana moved restlessly. The danger in his magic was coming closer, and she knew she ought to resist it “Oh, Lucian!“ The tiny cry came as he unclasped the front fastening of her bra and found the swelling outline of her breast. Instinctively she turned her face into his shoulder, inhaling the warm, male scent of his body.
    “So soft,“ he whispered hoarsely against the skin just above the nipple he was delicately exciting with his thumb.
    “Soft and gentle and passionate. I was sure there would be something special behind that cool exterior. I had to find out.“ The words came brokenly, punctuated by small, stinging little kisses that moved closer and closer to their goal until suddenly he had taken the tip of her breast into his warm mouth.
    Ariana gasped and clung heedlessly to him, her hands finding pleasure in the thrusting contours of his strong shoulders. “Lucian, Lucian, please! I don’t know… I don’t think…“
    “Hush,“ he murmured, his voice lulling and deliciously hypnotic. “Hush, Magic Lady. I want to discover all your secrets.“ He slid his palm down across her stomach, searching out the fastening of the velvet trousers. “By morning I’
    m going to know exactly how you work.“
    Morning? Good lord, did he think he was going to stay the night with her? Awareness jolted through her, sending the magic fleeing. What did she think she was doing letting this near-stranger make love to her! Was she out of her head?
    “No. No, Lucian! That’s enough. Stop it!“ Tremulously and then with gathering conviction Ariana shifted beneath his weight and began pushing at his shoulders.
    “Relax, honey,“ he crooned, voice still hypnotic and full of promise. “Just relax and let me take you where we both want to go.“
    Ariana sucked in her breath, her head moving in a fierce negative. “Lucian, stop it. I mean it. Let me up!“
    He must have heard the underlying element of panic that was seeping into her voice because he stopped his sensual assault and raised his head to gaze down at her intently. She saw the embers of passion that still flickered in the depths of his topaz eyes and held her breath for a tension-filled moment.
    What would she do if he didn’t release her?
    “What’s the matter, Magic Lady?“ he murmured, gentling her with his fingertips. His mouth curved reassuringly.
    “Don’t you want me? I could feel you responding, honey. Why the panic now?“
    “I am not panicking,“ she retorted angrily. “I’m simply calling a halt to an after-dinner kiss that has gone much too