Blood Lust by Jamie Salsibury Page A

sick to death of her dance partner. All he had done was ogle her breasts in the most obnoxious manner. Benjamin thank goodness had played his part well for the better half of the evening, dancing with her, making it known that they were still a couple, that nothing was out of sync with their relationship. His attentions had saved her from the earl’s advances for a while, but now the duke had strayed.
    “You look warm, my dear,” the earl said, studying the flush in her cheeks from their latest round of dancing. “Perhaps a moment on the terrace would be of some help.”
    “No! I’m sorry, my lord, but I fear I cannot. I’ve promised this dance to another. I’m sure that my partner will be arriving at any moment.”
    Turning to walk away, in hopes to escape him, she was abruptly halted by the broad, angular body blocking her.
    “As you said, my lady,” came the voice she remembered so well. “I believe we are partnered for this next dance.”
    Her heart started beating faster, thumping harder in her chest. It couldn’t be him. He couldn’t be here. He was masked and wigged, but she had no doubt of who he was.
    “My lady?” He bowed deeply, then tipped his hand, motioning toward the dance floor.
    “Why yes, I believe this dance is yours, my lord.” It was hard for her to draw a breath. He was dressed in those of a calvary officer. A mask covered the top half of his face, but even the mask couldn’t hide those brilliant eyes or the effect they had on her.
    She accepted his hand as he held it out, engulfing her fingers, their warmth and strength reminding her of the daunting force he represented. She let him guide her onto the dance floor, her legs trembling.
    She suddenly realized how much she had missed him since the day he left her in the meadow. She had thought of him often.
    Katherine gazed nervously around the other dancers crushing them together on the dance floor. It was dangerous for him to be there Someone might recognize him and he might be arrested. Even a penniless nobleman was not immune to the law.
    She tried to keep her attention on the music and the dance, which seemed to go on forever. He moved with grace that she had noticed in him before. She boldly studied him, the way his breeches outlined his powerful thighs, the way the fabric encased the sizeable bulge of his sex, making her cheeks grow warm. She glanced away, but not before she caught his arrogant, roguish smile.
    Once the dance ended, he took her hand and led her off the dance floor and on to the terrace overlooking the garden. Spring was in the air and this evening was cool, but not cold. But perhaps it was the heat flowing through her that kept her warm.
    She let him draw her into the shadows of the terrace, turning to face him, speaking to him for the first time since he appeared.
    “Have you lost your mind William? This is the last place you should come!”
    “I came to see you. I thought perhaps you missed me,” he said, shrugging his shoulders beneath his scarlet uniform.
    “Miss you? Me? You are a arrogant. . .” His firm arm slid around her waist cutting off her words. He dragged her against him, the hot moist crush of his lips upon hers. He kissed her with unwavering force, forcing her lips to part before the assault of his tongue.
    Her stomach gave way and her head began to spin. He pulled her tighter in his arms, her lips tingled and pleasure rolled through her.
    “William,” she whispered, kissing him back, sliding her arms around his neck. My God, she was behaving like a fool, but she could not stop herself.
    William deepened the kiss, exploring the inside of her mouth, his hands roving across her back, circling her waist, then sliding lower to cup her behind and pull her even closer to him. His sex was hard, warning her to beware, but his kiss was so ravishing, so consuming, she found herself pressing against him.
    It was William who pulled away. “You are still betrothed to the duke. I don’t think he would