Free The Lady's Choice by Bernadette Rowley Page B

Benae was suddenly grateful for the darkness of the hallway, glad she had pulled her robe on over her flimsy nightgown. He sounded so proper it was like a slap in the face. Her body drove her towards this man; the mischief in her nature wondered how he would behave once his passion was unleashed. She wanted to be the one to release that passion, for she suspected that Ramón was a virgin. But could she betray her betrothed and give Ramón a reason to be ashamed? He did so pride himself on his honour.
    Benae took a step backwards and Ramón’s hands slipped down her arms to her hands, lingering there before falling to his sides. His gaze had not left her the entire time. That much she could see in the dimness. Oh Goddess, if only she could pull him into her room and kiss him until he lost his taut reserve, stripped the clothes from her and made mad passionate love to her. And, oh, how ready she was to accommodate him. Her belly clenched at the thought and she stepped towards him once more, laying her hands on his chest. She leant against him and, yes . . . felt the bulge in his breeches that told of his susceptibility to her.
    The uncertainty of a moment ago fled her mind. Her desire ruled! It was her betrothed’s fault. Night after night he had left her unfulfilled. Each evening she had become more desperate but Jiseve would not budge. Her thin thread of control snapped and she launched herself at Ramón, wrapping her arms around his neck, assaulting his mouth with a savagery that surprised even her. His lips did not disappoint – so full and sensuous were they and, after a moment’s surprise, they moved beneath hers, passion mounting until his tongue forced its way between her lips and began an intimate exploration of her mouth. Benae groaned and pushed her hips against his. She was ready for him, oh so ready. She was beyond ready. His arms enclosed her, pulling her soft curves closer until she felt every hard muscle from chest to knees strain against her.
    Ramón shoved her door open with his shoulder and pulled her with him into her room, leaning against the door to close it, his lips never leaving hers. She breathed in his heady citrus scent, her hands dropping from his neck to explore the muscles of his chest before circling his waist and drifting to the buttocks that she had admired for so long. They were indeed magnificent. Ramón’s hands mirrored hers and he groaned deep in his throat as his fingers kneaded her bottom through her nightgown, so obvious was it that she wore nothing beneath.
    Benae stepped back and allowed her robe to drop from her shoulders, leaving only the sheer nightgown between them. Ramón’s eyes darkened as he took in her body and he groaned again. He was close to the edge. All she had to do was give him a nudge. She let him stare, knowing that her darkened nipples and curling pubic hair were visible. He swallowed repeatedly, his breath coming in quick gasps. Her own chest rose and fell in time with his and Benae’s desire peaked as she imagined the moment when he would lay her down and force his way inside her, filling her.
    Slowly, Benae gripped the fabric that barely concealed her thighs and started to gather it in her fists, so that the hem inched inexorably upwards, revealing first her shins and then sliding above her knees. Her eyes never left his face. Ramón licked his lips, his gaze riveted to the hem of her nightgown and what it revealed. Benae’s excitement rose closer to fulfilment. She would climax soon even if he didn’t touch her. It was so erotic watching his reaction to her seduction. She prepared to raise the gown to her hips, knowing that this would tip him over the edge, but Ramón’s hand grasped her wrist.
    â€˜Stop,’ he said.
    â€˜You want this.’
    â€˜Of course I do, but it is not mine to want.’ He pulled her hands from the hem of her gown and adjusted its folds so that they