Free Whirlwind Wedding by Jacquie D'Alessandro Page A

her, the sweet, drugging taste of her, the gentle floral scent of her.
    His arousal ached with a need that grew so intense, it finally dragged him from his sensuous haze. He had to stop. Now. Or he'd lay her down right here in the stable.
    Summoning his last ounce of self-control, he ended their kiss.
    Her eyes opened slowly. "Oh my."
    Oh my, indeed. He didn't know what he'd expected but he certainly hadn't anticipated this woman unleashing the flood of lust clutching him in a stranglehold. His heart slapped against his ribs, and his damn hands were shaking. Instead of satisfying his curiosity, her kiss had only whetted his appetite, a hunger that threatened to consume him whole—right after it burned him alive.
    Her soft breasts were crushed against his chest, igniting fires on his skin.
    His arousal throbbed painfully and only a lifetime of keeping himself in strict control afforded him the ability to lower his arms and step away from her.
    She drew a long, shuddering breath, and he grimly noted that she was obviously as shaken as he.
    "Goodness," she said in an unsteady voice. "I had no idea that kissing improperly was so . . ."
    "So . . . what?"
    "So . . . not dry." She inhaled several more times, then cleared her throat.
    "Now do you believe that I read your thoughts?"
    "No."
    Color stained her cheeks and temper flashed in her eyes. "Are you denying you wanted to kiss me?"
    His gaze dropped briefly to her mouth. "No. But any man would want to kiss you." And damn it, he felt like he'd kill any man who did.
    "Do you still intend to ride tonight?"
    "That is none of your concern."
    She simply stared at him for several heartbeats, then shook her head. "In that case, I can only hope that you'll reconsider and heed my warning. And pray that no harm comes to you. At least it isn't raining as it was in my vision, so perhaps you'll be safe. This time. Good night, your grace. I won't bother you with my visions again."
    Austin watched her disappear into the darkness, forcing himself not to go after her. Something in her voice as she'd uttered those last words scraped at his insides. He raked his hands through his hair and paced.
    Damn it all, how could she expect him, expect anyone, to seriously credit her claims of visions and mind reading? It was simply too far-fetched, too illogical, to consider.
    But no matter how much it chafed him to admit it, she was right about one thing. He had wanted to kiss her. With an intensity that stunned him.
    And now that he'd tasted her, he wanted to do it again.
    And again.

Chapter 6
    Elizabeth approached the stables early the next morning, anxious to get out of the house after a restless night spent trying to forget her disturbing encounter with the duke. Had he gone riding? She'd lain awake half the night, listening for rain, but the weather had thankfully remained fair.
    Hopefully some fresh air and a brisk ride would obliterate her worry and concern, not to mention the disappointment and hurt, aching inside at the realization that she'd never convince him about her visions.
    Yet she knew mere exercise would never erase the memory of that kiss.
    That incredible, soul-stirring, unforgettable kiss that had touched her deep inside and awakened a sleeping passion she hadn't known existed. And kindled feelings . . . yearnings . . . she was afraid to examine too closely.
    She desperately wanted needed, to forget the exquisite feel of him, the heavenly taste of him. but her heart was simply not cooperating.
    She entered the stables and Mortlin greeted her with a smile. "Come to visit the cats, Miss Matthews? Or do ye wish to ride?"
    Forcing aside her turmoil, she returned the groom's smile, then bent down to scratch George behind her ears. "Both. How about I visit with the kittens while you saddle a mount for me?"
    "Fine idea," Mortlin said. "Look, there's two 'idin' by that 'ay stack that ye 'aven't met."
    Spying the two frisky calico furballs, she said "They're adorable. What are their names?" She