Free Surrender by Amanda Quick

should flee, but she could
    no more have run from the lure he was
    dangling than she could have flown to the
    moon.
    She was still aware of the edge of his
    hand under her breasts and she suddenly
    ached to know how it would feel if he
    moved his long fingers upward and touched
    her nipples. She shivered.
    Again Lucas seemed to read her mind,
    He moved his hands slowly upward until
    he was cupping her breasts. She could feel
    the heat of his palms through her waistcoat
    and shirt, and, biting back a small cry, she
    clutched him.
    Before she could summon the strength
    to protest, Lucas's hands had slipped
    downward again to clasp her waist. She
    was left feeling breathless, filled with
    an urgency, a longing for more of the
    forbidden touch.
      Well, Victoria? Is it agreed? Will you
    play the lady by day and my companion
    in adventure at night? Will there be other
    evenings such as the one we just spent
    together?"
      I thought you did not approve of the
    sort of thing we did tonight."
      I will admit I was astonished initially
    at your boldness and daring, but I have
    since recovered myself and it has occurred
    to me that nights spent with you will be far
    more amusing than any I might spend at
    my clubs or in the company of the boring
    young ladies on the marriage mart," Lucas
    assured her.
    She hesitated, but she could feel herself
    slipping over the edge of a very high cliff.
      It must be our secret," she cautioned." No
    one must ever know. If my aunt discovered
    what I was doing, she would be beside
    herself with worry. Nor could I allow her
    to be publicly humiliated by my actions.
    She has been too good to me and I owe
    her more than I can ever repay."
    Your secrets will be safe with me. You
    have my word," Lucas agreed.
    She believed him then. Victoria knew
    without any need for proof that this man's
    word was his bond. He would not gossip
    in the clubs or the drawing rooms. He
    would not treat her with anything more
    than proper courtesy at the routs and
    soirees where they would meet socially.
      Oh, Lucas, I would so love to explore
    the night with you."
    He brushed his mouth against hers." Say
    yes, Victoria. Say you will take what I am
    offering."
      I must think about it. This is such an
    important decision. I must have time to
    reflect properly on it."
      May I call upon you and your aunt
    tomorrow? You can give me your final
    decision then."
    She drew a deep breath, knowing this
    was the start of it." You do not waste any
    time, my lord."
      I have never been the type to waste
    time."
      Very well. You may call upon us." She
    tightened her arms briefly around his neck,
    already knowing what her final answer
    would be. Then she released him, feeling
    abruptly nervous and even a little shy. She
    glanced up at the darkened windows of the
    house." I must go in. And you must hurry
    on
    back to the Lyndwoods" carriage. They will
    be wondering what has happened to you."
      I will simply tell them there was some
    difficulty getting over the garden wall," he
    said casually.
    He bowed gracefully over her hand.
    When he raised his head, the moonlight
    revealed his faint, slashing smile. And
    then he turned, strode to the wall, and
    unerringly found the hidden toeholds. In
    another moment he had vanished into
    the night. Victoria hesitated a moment
    longer, wondering just what she had done,
    and then she let herself into the dark
    conservatory.
    Some time later she lay awake thinking
    there had been far too much satisfaction
    and triumph in stone vale's parting smile.
    / mean to court you, woo you, seduce
    you.
    She would have to tread warily, Victoria
    told herself, but she could deal with her
    midnight lord. She would learn to handle
    him because she had no choice; she could
    not resist what he was offering. She needed
    what he was offering.
    For the first time in many months,
    Victoria enjoyed an untroubled sleep.
    Ten minutes after making his exit
    from the garden, Lucas alighted from
    the Lyndwoods"