Regency Spymasters 01 - Spy Fall by Diana Quincy Read Free Book Online Page A

most beautifully wrapped gift turns out to be a disappointment.” Her husky voice flowed through him like a fine liqueur, dark and smooth, but with a fiery finish . She was divine. What a pleasure it was to match wits with such a formidable woman.
    “Somehow, I doubt you could disappoint me in any way,” he said. “Perhaps I should be allowed to formulate my own opinion.” Although her brow moved up into a skeptical upside-down V , he sent up a silent prayer of thanks that she was neither a lady nor likely a virgin, which made the likelihood of enjoying her company more thoroughly—more intimately—more eminently possible.
    She tilted her head, her jewel-toned eyes luminous. “Why should I countenance a liaison with you?”
    “Because you like to take risks.”
    “Some risks are not worth taking.” Her voice was cool, light. But he noted that her breaths grew shorter, and that those delicious breasts moved in and out a little more quickly.
    “This one would be well worth it.”
    Her challenging gaze held his. “I cannot be assured of that.”
    “But you can. You like to fly, and I would make you soar in my bed.”
    She laughed, a throaty genuine sound of amusement that did strange things to his insides. “What a braggart you are. Surely there are many girls in the village who would be happy to accommodate a man with such remarkable…uh…skills.”
    None that compared to her. “For some inexplicable reason, you beguile me.”
    She turned, gliding toward the open terrace doors. “It is warm in here, n’est-ce pas ?”
    Definitely. He followed, enticed beyond reason by the idea of stealing a moment alone with her. She carried herself like a prize, and he very much wanted to win her. Once outside, she dropped back into the terrace shadows, out of sight of the occupants inside. A loose ringlet of hair fell against the smooth length of her neck. He curled the silken strand around his finger. “Now that I have made my feelings clear, do you not worry I will take advantage of you?”
    A slight smile played on her knowing lips. “Do you not worry, Monsieur Dunsmore, that I will be the one to take advantage of you?”
    Lust lit through him, firing down to his toes. That was an invitation if he’d ever heard one, and damned if he wasn’t going to take her up on it. When he moved his head closer, she didn’t shy away, and her glimmering eyes remained locked on his. He had not misjudged her intent then.
    His lips covered hers, finding them warm, soft and surprisingly giving for such an obstinate female. The scent of lemon and cloves, intermingled with her unique essence, curled around him, drawing him deeper in thrall. He touched the tip of his tongue to her lower lip. It was a question. To his extreme delight, she answered by parting her lips. He delved inside, exploring the wet silk cavern in wondering, gentle movements, indulging in the taste of her—not quite sweet, but definitely ambrosial.
    He deepened the kiss, widening her mouth with his, taking more. He touched her nowhere else, but the rest of his body was engaged; his heart battered against his chest wall, blood rushed to his head, his body grew hot, his groin swelled. It was, quite simply, an astoundingly exceptional kiss, and he was afloat in the pleasure of it.
    Distant voices, bothersome male ones, came closer, intruding upon the sublime moment. She broke the kiss, showing a remarkable presence of mind when he had surely lost his. He, who would have tossed up her skirts and made long, slow, sweet love to her right there, despite knowing full well that her brothers stood steps away.
    “Mari?” Marcel’s sharp voice rang out behind Cosmo.
    She stepped out of the shadows with a calm steadiness. “ Oui , Marcellin?”
    “ C’est l’heure du dîner .”
    “Time for supper?” Schooling a bland expression, Cosmo turned around, grateful the evening shadows hid the pronounced contours pressing against the front of his breeches. “Excellent. I, for