Free Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg Page B

indicates some level of discontent.”
    He used her attraction with ruthless skill, distracting her, diverting her focus. It had been many long months since she’d been…satisfied.
    It doesn’t matter! I have to get Will and Anna to safety. Something is wrong with these people. He continued to touch her, featherlight caresses against her cheek, down her neck, across the upper swell of her breasts.
    “We mean you no harm.” Sincerity deepened his tone, made her want to believe him. “You are safer here in the castle. Promise me you will not flee.”
    Seduction, temptation—they were his weapons and he wielded them masterfully. “How can I trust you over my own instincts? You have me tied to the bed.”
    He shrugged, his smile turning roguish. “I only bound your hands after you threw a knife at me.”
    “Untie me now. I’ve no more knives to throw.”
    “There’s only one way to be certain.” Starting at her shoulders, he ran his hands down her arms.
    “Stop it. You’re just…”
    His mouth hovered over hers. “Just what?” He loosened the laces of her gown, revealing her chemise. “My life could be at risk. Look at this deep, dark valley. Who’s to say what’s hiding here.”
    Judith closed her eyes as his fingers traced the neckline of her chemise. Her nipples gathered against the thin fabric, begging for attention. Her treacherous flesh ached and released a liquid welcome in anticipation of his entry.
    He slipped his hand inside her chemise and cupped her, stroking her nipple before moving to her other breast. “Many hidden treasures, but nothing sharp.” He rolled her nipple, pinched and tugged. “There’s something hard and pointed, but it doesn’t feel like a knife.”
    She released her breath in a ragged hiss. “Stop toying with me!”
    “Does that mean stop touching you or stop teasing you?”
    “Untie me.” She gritted out the words between clenched teeth, opening her eyes to glare at him.
    “I always err on the side of caution.” He tugged the lace free and tossed it aside, folding back the front her gown. “These deserve a closer look.”
    Her chemise still covered her breasts, her nipples erect against the thin material. Bending toward her, he sucked right through the cloth barrier. Judith fought back a moan. Warm, wet, evocative, his mouth drew upon her, demanding a response she didn’t want to surrender.
    “Lovely.” He breathed against the clingy material, sending shivers down her spine. His fingers rolled her nipple as he moved his mouth to her other breast. He licked and sucked, tugged and pinched. Catching her nipple between his teeth, he flicked the very tip with his tongue.
    She pressed her thighs together, determined to ignore the demand throbbing between. The pressure intensified. Moisture seeped onto her inner thighs. Mortified, Judith twisted, dragging her nipple from his mouth. “Leave off and turn me loose.”
    “But I haven’t finished my search.” He knelt before her, his dark eyes gleaming, a smile curving the corners of his mouth.
    His hands slid along her calves, first one and then the other. Judith squirmed. If he touched between her legs, he’d know how much she wanted him. “Please!” The word escaped on a panicked sob. “Don’t humiliate me like this.”
    He paused, his hands just above her knees. “You’re not humiliated.” All playfulness left his tone. “If you really want me to stop, I will, but be honest with yourself.”
    In her mind she told him to stop. She told him she didn’t want him. But the only sound that passed her lips was a breathless moan. He continued his ascent, caressing and squeezing. His fingers brushed her upper thighs and her legs parted of their own volition.
    Ignoring the silent invitation, he explored her hips and her rounded behind. He traced the crease between her bottom cheeks and Judith gasped.
    “I’ve always found it amusing that women wear so many layers of clothing, yet leave themselves completely