Free Devil Disguised by Karolyn Howard Page B

uncompromising. Taking a deep breath, she managed to say, “I am aware of that, but not in the middle of the night. I seem to have trouble falling asleep.”
    She darted to the side, anxious to be away from him, when he grabbed her elbow and spun her around. He pressed his body into hers as he said, “Do you have trouble sleeping because you think on your sins or because you plan something else? Am I to be your next victim?”
    Gasping in horror, she pulled her arm free of his grasp. “What are you accusing me of? How dare you!”
    His eyes flashed while he remained close to her. He leaned down and whispered, “You kiss like an angel, but I know you may be the devil.”
    She stepped back and swung her hand at his face. The sound of the slap resounded in the room. Crying out, she stood in horror watching a red mark form on his face. Terrified, she turned and ran towards the door.
    The door slammed shut in front of her and she felt Duncan directly behind her. She froze. Trapped between the door and the strong body at her back, she had no room to move. She felt his lips brush her ear. “Do not ever strike me again,” he whispered, roughly.
    His words were harsh, but the tone he used was something else entirely. She could hear his rapid breathing as it matched her own. Heat radiated from him. Their close proximity made it nearly impossible for her to turn and face him so she nodded her head in delayed response to his words.
    She became very aware of the man behind her as images of his naked form entered her mind. The nearly transparent fabric of her silk nightgown brushed against her sensitive skin while his hard body remained pressed against her. Something intangible passed between them and he moved the hair away from her neck. Her breath caught as his lips touched her skin. He inhaled slowly as his lips grazed along her neck, sending chills down her spine.
    His warm breath caressed her ear as he whispered, “You smell of jasmine and roses, but you are named after the lily. Fascinating.” His voice low, seductive.
    Her fear subsided, replaced by something else as her heartbeat continued its rapid pace. His lips trailed delicate kisses from behind her ear down her shoulder and back again.
    “Is this your version of an apology?” she asked breathlessly.
    His response was a rumble low in his throat that resonated through her, making her shiver as his lips skimmed along her neck. One hand held her waist against him while the other moved along her side and cupped her breast. She gasped as he began to fondle her breast through the thin materials of her nightgown and robe. Her nipple hardened as his hand rubbed and teased the tight peak as she shamelessly leaned back against him. She tried to turn towards him, desperate to kiss him, but he held her in place.
    Briefly she recalled being in Joshua’s arms, but it was nothing like this. The raw power and control exuding from the earl’s embrace made her weak in the knees. Hisleft hand travelled down her waist and began pulling up the materials of her nightgown and robe. Her breathing became shallow as she felt his touch on her bare skin. Gently, he glided his hand up her inner thigh, his direction clear.
    “Lord Cavanaugh,” she whispered. His name an unanswered question.
    He cupped her sex while he continued kissing her neck and fondling her breast. All thoughts left her while she leaned against him, her movement an invitation. He began to rub and tease her sex moving his fingers in wicked ways.
    “What did I ask you to call me?” he asked, huskily.
    His hand teased where her desire pooled uncontrollably.
    Mindless now, her voice sounded distant and ethereal as she replied, “Duncan.”
    Her knees felt weak, but somehow his arms were wrapped around her, holding her upright. Suddenly, he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He placed her down on the bed and moved next to her as he began to undo the simple ties on the front of her robe and nightgown. Pulling