Free Maid of Dishonor by Heidi Rice Page B

act of defiance somewhat undermined by the heaving breasts and the erect nipples, glistening from his attention.
    â€˜Take them off, or I rip them off.’ He let his gaze drift to the delicate red lace. ‘Your call, but they look pricey.’
    Her eyes narrowed, but then she laughed. ‘You want them off, you take them off. Knickers aren’t that easy to rip...’ she began.
    He twisted the delicate lace in his fist and tore. ‘You were saying?’ he murmured as he flung away the tattered remains of her pricey underwear.
    Her eyes went round, but he caught the flash of shocked arousal lurking in the deep green depths.
    That’s right, sugar. I’m the one on top now.
    â€˜Those were worth fifty dollars,’ she gasped in a breathy whisper that sounded more surprised than outraged.
    â€˜Not any more, they’re not.’ He curled a hand round her waist, yanked her back.
    Her palms flattened on the front of his shirt, and he saw the spark of excitement, a split second before she gripped his collar—and ripped.
    â€˜Two can play at that game, big boy,’ she purred as the sound of tearing cotton, buttons popping, filled the air.
    But when she let go of the torn fabric to touch his bare skin, he grasped both her wrists, swung her round, banded his arms around her midriff, and held her captive. ‘But only one of us can win.’
    â€˜What the...?’ She struggled as he brought her flush against him and her naked buttocks nestled against the stiff ridge in his pants.
    â€˜No touching,’ he commanded, nipping her ear lobe. ‘Until I say so, sugar. I’m in charge this time.’
    And he didn’t intend to relinquish control. Until they’d both been burned to a crisp.
    * * *
    What the heck?
    Gina squirmed against the immobilising forearm, but her movements only increased the friction, making her more aware of his big body surrounding her—and what felt like a two-by-four nestled against her bottom. She stilled, sure she could feel the massive erection barely contained by his trousers swelling even more. And wondered how the hell she’d got into this position.
    Trapped, vulnerable, overpowered and impossibly aroused.
    â€˜Look at yourself.’ The low command whispered against her ear, the shiver of awareness skittering down her spine. Heat flushed through her as she lifted her head and saw the shocking reflection in the glass wall that looked out across the dark expanse of the Hudson River.
    Moonlight illuminated her naked body—which glowed an unearthly white but for the stiff rosy nipples and the neatly trimmed raven curls at the apex of her thighs. Her pale shape contrasted sharply with the tall dark figure holding her captive—still fully clothed but for the glimpse of chest she’d exposed.
    She gasped, shocked not just by the wanton view, but the fierce surge of desire. ‘For goodness’ sake, Carter, draw the blinds or something.’ She fought his embrace. ‘The whole of Manhattan can see us.’
    She might be an exhibitionist, but she didn’t want to get arrested.
    â€˜Settle down.’ He chuckled, the sound thick with arrogance and amusement. ‘The glass is treated. No one can see you but me.’
    She stopped wriggling, far too aware of his forearm flexing under her breasts, the chest hairs prickling against her back and the rod of steel that pressed into her buttocks.
    â€˜And I intend to enjoy every single inch,’ he murmured as he lifted her limp arm and placed it around his neck, making her breasts thrust forward.
    She swallowed, her throat parched as her eyes watched herself in the glass—mesmerised by the sensual image, and the harsh demand in his gaze as his eyes met hers. Suddenly this wasn’t a game any more.
    Shock and excitement burned away on a surge of lust so fierce, so all-consuming, she felt woozy.
    He drew his thumb down the inside of her arm, making her whole