Free The Unicorn's Tail (The Artifact Hunters) by A W. Exley Page B

ever been kissed by a man?"
    She gave a snort. "Of course I have, don't be so impudent."
    "I don't mean some wet toff pressing fish lips to yours. I mean a real kiss, by a man hungry to know the taste of you." He growled the words, his tone rough.
    They scraped over her flesh and raised goose bumps along her arms. A faint blush travelled up from under her collar. "Really, Jack, a kiss is a kiss."
    Heat radiated through his torso as he caged her against the wall, his face so close to hers. She shook her head.
    He gave a chuckle. "So the answer is no, then."
    Her breath came in shallow gasps. "You must let me go," she whispered, but she made no attempt to wriggle free.
    "I don't have to do anything, princess." He chuckled again, as he held her close.
    His hips held her in place. His arms blocked any exit. Flames licked along his body from where he touched her and if he didn't get his kiss soon he would combust.
    "How do you do it?" The fingers still clung to him and questions swirled in her gaze.
    "Do what?" He couldn't wait much longer, he dropped his head and placed a gentle kiss on the side of her neck.
    She sucked in a breath at his touch and she shivered against him. "This. You scare me and exhilarate me at the same time. I want to run but stay. How is that possible?"
    Smart kitten really, 'cause his game plan had changed. He didn't plan to just kiss her.
    He planned to possess her.
    She closed her eyes and sighed. "Once, when I was twelve and egged on by Cara, we drank too much of her father's brandy. That's what runs through my veins now, when you touch me."
    Drunk on him and he hadn't even started.
    She opened her eyes and another layer peeled away. The woman staring back at him was a little more confident than the day before.
    "Perhaps I could pay a toll to be set free from this predicament?" Her tongue sneaked out and wet the pink lips.
    He bit back a groan; the sight of her tongue spiked straight to his groin.
    "A kiss then, to set you free." He lowered his head, his breath feathered over her lips.
    She held her breath. Considering.
    What would she do? Hopefully not knee him in the nuts, 'cause he hurt enough down there already and she might break something off.
    She tilted her chin higher and parted her lips.
    He dropped his mouth to slide over hers. She gasped under him. Warm and firm, he took control. Exploring, he nipped at the corner of her mouth then sucked on her bottom lip. His tongue teased and played along the seam until she parted her teeth, wanting more. She tasted of sunshine and honey and was as addictive as laudanum. The more he took, the more he wanted, until it became a burning need pounding through him with every beat of his heart.
    A soft moan escaped from her throat as she leaned in to him, eager to learn all she could from the experience. She followed his lead and her hands wound around his neck, pulling him closer as she blossomed under him.
    His tongue played with her, darting and tasting and then retreating. He sucked hers into his mouth, held her captive until, emboldened by his slow dance, she explored his contours. Her soft moans were nearly his undoing; his cock ached in his pants to join in. Just as he hoped, she had a sensual side begging to be released.
    He either let her go, or claimed her now.
    He pulled back to rain soft kisses up her jaw line. "That is a real kiss," he whispered by her ear.
    "I—" she couldn't form the words for a complete sentence. Her eyes closed, her knees crumpled, and she fainted.
    He caught her and swung her into his arms. He carried her to the chaise and laid her down. Grabbing a pillow, he placed it under her head.
    "Haven't lost my touch, then." He stood back with a smirk plastered to his face.
     
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Sunday, 10 th January
    Amy lay in bed, one hand twirling the horse hair bracelet round and round on her wrist. A stray shaft of moonlight caught the silver strands and flashes darted around the darkened room. She never believed in the