Love's Portrait by Monica Burns

hair with his mouth. “Hmm.”
    “I…I would like…would you take me to your room tonight.”
    She tensed as he grew still and silent against her. There was something disturbing about his tautness that increased her tension. Fearful that he might have found her request insincere, she trailed her forefinger down the middle of his chest until her fingers were at the top of his trousers.
    The warmth of his hand covered hers. Meeting his gaze, she saw a hunger in his eyes that alarmed her. It hypnotized her. Convinced her that no matter how far she might run, he would always be in her thoughts.
    Even in spite of her fear, the dark passion in his expression excited her, and as her hand slid down further, he abruptly set her on her feet and rose to tower over her.
    “No. Not tonight.” He shook his head as he cupped her face and kissed her gently. “I said willingly, Julia. At the moment, your body wants me, but I’m not so sure of your head. Tomorrow night if you still feel the same, then come to me. I want no regrets.”
    She flinched at the words. There would always be regrets. He wanted her in his bed emotionally as well as physically—unfettered by the past. But that wasn’t something she could do. When she went to him, it would be for one glorious night and nothing more. There was no other way. With a nod of her head, she moved away from him.
    He stood up, but didn’t prevent her from walking away from him. In a gesture of frustration, he shoved a hand through his hair before reaching for his clothing. What the hell had he been thinking to refuse her request? Hell, his cock was harder than an iron hitching post, and he ached with the need to bury himself inside her.
    What was it about Julia that intrigued him so much? She was far more complex than the woman he’d seen in the portrait. Perhaps that’s why thoughts of her seemed to fill his every waking moment. She was a puzzle he wanted to unlock. Watching her button her dress, he noted how her movements echoed with a stark vulnerability.
    Something about her request troubled him. Her eyes had darkened when he’d insisted they wait until tomorrow night. While she’d clearly been disappointed, he also saw a flash of confusion in her beautiful gaze. She was still holding back. Hell, had he really broken through her shell or was it an illusion.
    Watching her now, he wasn’t sure what to make of her current frame of mind. He’d pleased her sexually. That had been more than evident, and he relished knowing he’d pleased her. His own satisfaction could wait. The thought made his cock tighten in retaliation, and he winced.
    But he wanted to do more than please her in bed. He wanted to sweep away the darkness that always seemed to shadow her whenever they were together. There was a warm, vibrant woman beneath that reserved façade of hers. He’d seen glimpses of her already. What had happened to make her hide from the world? The most frustrating thing was not being able to recognize the enemy holding her hostage.
    It was damn frustrating. How could he fight something he couldn’t see? Discovering what terrified her so much was the key. The woman was an enigma. She had more secrets than a spy, and he intended to discover each and every one. But something told him that it would take longer than he expected. Much longer.
    He wasn’t sure what to make of his need to woo her as he was doing. It wasn’t something he’d ever done before. He’d charmed the ladies he’d bedded, but with Julia, it was different. He wanted something more. The word lasting flashed through his head, and he crushed the thought. A permanent relationship was out of the question. So why did it seem so appropriate when he thought of Julia?
    Tucking his shirt into his pants, he frowned as she finished restoring her appearance. He noted how she’d retreated behind a composed look of serenity. With three quick strides, he crossed the floor to stand in front of her. She didn’t retreat, and