Free Velvet Embrace by Nicole Jordan Page A

to mock everything, unless he was genuinely amused, and his assumption of masculine superiority often angered Brie. His sheer male virility, on the other hand, made her nervous.
    In fact, being confined in the same house with him was beginning to wear on her nerves. He did no more than touch her cheek as he left her each night, but that alone was enough to set her quivering. An urgent, inner voice warned her that she was starting to feel a permanent attraction for him. Yet she didn't see how she could change her situation until the snow melted. The regular household servants would return then, and she could go home to Greenwood and never see him again.
    Her situation did change, however, the fourth night of their enforced intimacy. Brie had already gone to bed, but she wasn 't asleep. She was too busy pounding her pillow and trying to forget her annoyance with Stanton. She had waited two hours for him to join her, but when he hadn't come, she had finally prepared for bed.
    It was nearly midnight when she heard Dominic rap softly on her door. Defiantly Brie turned away and pulled the covers up to her chin, determined to let him think her asleep. He would try the handle, but he would find it locked.
    It was with a sense of amazement, therefore, that she heard the bolt being drawn back. Feeling a chill breeze touch the back of her neck, Brie gave a gasp and sat up. Her eyes widened in astonishment when she saw Dominic standing in the doorway. He looked like a pirate, with his loose-sleeved shirt and skintight breeches. A dangerous pirate. His black hair and bronzed skin seemed even darker against the startling white of his shirt.
    He shut the door behind him, giving her a casual grin. "I suppose I should have warned you. I'm an expert with locks."
    When Brie remained speechless, Dominic found his own gaze sliding over her appreciatively. Her russet curls spilled over her shoulders in wanton disarray, while the firelight leant a delicate golden hue to her skin. She was naked beneath the blue robe, he guessed, for he could just see the tops of milky white breasts where her dressing gown gaped open. Looking at her, Dominic was conscious of some unmistakably erotic stirrings in his body. He wondered if Brie knew how very close she was to being ravished. He had bided his time, waiting patiently for her to lose her qualms about him, but he didn't intend to wait much longer. Aware that he needed something to distact his thoughts, Dominic turned his attention to the brandy decanter he had left on the table the previous evening.
    Brie found her tongue while he was pouring himself a drink. "Do you always barge into ladies' bedrooms uninvited?" she demanded.
    "Rarely," he replied, unruffled by her angry tone. "I generally have an invitation. You, chérie , are the exception."
    "Get out! Get out of my room before I —" She broke off as Dominic slanted a mocking glance at her. His look clearly told her she had no choice in the matter. She was powerless, and any threats she might make would be empty.
    He surprised her completely by apologizing. "Forgive me for being late. Jacques had a matter that required my attention."
    Brie frowned. "You might have sent me word."
    "I know. I'm sorry."
    He sounded genuinely sincere, Brie decided, but her anger was only slightly mollified. She didn't like being in such a helpless position. But she certainly couldn't remain in bed while he was in her room. Catching up one of the blankets to throw about her shoulders. Brie climbed out of bed, shivering as her feet touched the icy floor.
    Dominic noticed her reaction to the cold, but he refrained from comment as she marched over to the chaise longue. He doubted that she would appreciate his offer to warm her just now. At the moment her cheeks were flushed with temper and her eyes were flashing green sparks. He greatly admired her eyes, Dominic reflected as he settled himself in the armchair across from her. They were large and darkly fringed, and they tended to