Free Quick, Amanda by Rendezvous

telltale shade of red and her eyes slid away from his. "That is not the point, sir. The point
    is, you did not intend to get yourself engaged to me. You were asking for Claudia's hand in marriage.
    And who could blame you? I understand completely. Although I must warn you I am not certain it will be
    a good match. You are both too much alike, if you see what I mean."
    Harry held up a palm to halt the flow of words. "Perhaps I should clarify something before we go any
    further with your scheme."
    "What is that?"
    He gave her a slight, quizzical smile, decidedly curious to find out what would happen next. "Your uncle
    did not make a mistake. It was your hand in marriage I requested, Miss Ballinger."
    "Mine?"
    "Yes."
    "My hand? You asked for my hand in marriage, my lord?" She gazed at him with dazed eyes.
    Harry could not stand it any longer. He straightened away from the desk and deliberately closed the
    short distance between them. He came to a halt in front of her and caught hold of one of her fluttering
    hands. He brought it to his lips and kissed it gently. "Your hand,Augusta ."
    Augusta's fingers were quite cold, he realized. He became aware of the fact that she was trembling.
    Without a word he drew her slowly into his arms. She was surprisingly delicate to the touch, he thought.
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    Her spine was elegantly curved and he could feel the soft shape of her hips through the rose-colored
    gown she was wearing.
    "My lord, I do not understand," she breathed.
    "That much is obvious. Perhaps this will make things clear to you."
    Harry bent his head and kissed her. It was the first time he had actually embraced her. He certainly did
    not count the little peck on the cheek she had given him the other night inEnfield 's library.
    He gave her the kiss he had been contemplating for the past several nights as he lay awake alone in his
    bed.
    Harry took his time with the matter, brushing his mouth lightly, fleetingly acrossAugusta 's parted lips. He
    was aware of her tension and also of her deep, feminine curiosity and uncertainty. The range of her
    emotions simultaneously excited him and made him feel fiercely protective. He longed to ravish her even
    as he ached to keep her safe. The unholy combination of powerful desires made his head whirl.
    Very gently he guidedAugusta 's small hand up to his shoulder. Her fingers clutched at him. Harry
    deepened the kiss, lingering on her luscious mouth.
    The taste of her was indescribable. Sweet, spicy, profoundly female, it tugged at all his senses. Before he
    quite realized what he was doing, Harry was sliding his tongue into the intimate depths of her mouth. His
    hands tightened around her small waist, crushing the rose-colored silk. He could feel the satin roses
    pressing against his shirt. Beneath the fabric, he felt the taut little nipples.
    Augustagave a soft cry and abruptly raised both arms to twine around his neck. Her cloak fell back over
    her shoulders, exposing the upper curves of her breasts. Harry was intensely, blindingly aware of the
    scent of her and of the perfume she was wearing. His whole body suddenly clenched in anticipation.
    He caught hold of one tiny sleeve ofAugusta 's gown and eased it down over her shoulder. Her left
    breast, small but beautifully shaped, spilled out of the almost nonexistent bodice. Harry cupped the firm
    fruit in his palm. He had been right about her nipples. The one he was touching with his fingertip was as
    inviting as a red, ripe berry.
    "Oh, my goodness. Harry . I mean, my lord."
    "Harry will do nicely." He let his thumb glide over the budding nipple again and feltAugusta 's instant
    tremor of response.
    The glow from the hearth danced on the red stones in the glittering necklace. Harry looked down at the
    beautiful sight ofAugusta shimmering in firelight and blood-red gems. He saw the awakening sensuality in
    her gaze and his brain conjured up haunting images of legendary