Love's Portrait by Monica Burns Page A

although he saw a brief shudder race through her, she met his gaze steadily. The fullness of her mouth caught his eye, and he kissed her. Lifting his head, he sent her a determined look.
    “Tonight I broke through that icy shell of yours. Tomorrow night I intend to see that shell shattered completely.”
    An indescribable emotion flickered in her gaze before she smiled. “And I shall see if the great St. Claire’s reputation is all it is said to be.”
    The cheeky words caught him by surprise, and his jaw sagged. She laughed with genuine amusement and more than a hint of triumph. The relaxed expression on her face warmed him thoroughly. With a grin, he tugged her into his arms.
    “I promise you, my sweet,” he growled. “Tomorrow night you won’t think about anything else except my wicked reputation as I intend to pleasure you until the dawn.”
    Morgan didn’t give her a chance to respond as he captured her mouth again and proceeded to give her a taste of what she had to look forward too.

Chapter 6
     
    The sweet smell of new grass teased her senses as Julia trotted along the riding track in Hyde Park. It was early yet. Far too early for fashionable members of the Set to be out riding or walking in the park. She’d not slept well and instead of continuing to toss in her bed, she’d decided to go for a ride.
    Usually the fresh air was enough to clear her head so she could think straight. But that wasn’t the case today. If anything, her thoughts were all the more cloudy than when she’d still been in bed. Tonight she would go to Morgan as she’d agreed, but she wondered if he would deduce her intention never to share his bed again once tomorrow morning arrived. Something about him said he would want to continue their affair. That , she wasn’t prepared to do.
    There was no doubt the man was a skilled lover. Fire skimmed the surface of her skin every time he was near. He was a master at making her feel things no man had ever made her feel. With each touch, she wanted to melt into his arms and forget everything except the fact that he was making love to her.
    Now, in the light of day, her decision was not as clear-cut as she’d thought. The heated passion of the night had given way to the cold shadows of the morning. And fear was the primary shadow. Fear of giving herself over to his complete control.
    But even more frightening was the notion that she might not mind giving up her control. The traitorous thought had shaken her deeply. She heaved a sigh. There was no other choice really. Tonight she would go to Morgan’s bed willingly. And there would be no doubt in his mind, or hers , that it was of her own volition. But would she have the strength to leave him when morning came?
    With a nudge of her heel, she urged Solomon into a canter. A short time later she reached the end of the narrow track and turned about to return in the direction she’d come. As she did so, she caught sight of Morgan riding toward her.
    He cut a fine figure on his gray mount—so fine that he stole her breath away. She tried to check the desire that abruptly soared through her. But the moment she did so, a small voice reminded her that there was no reason she couldn’t enjoy the time she had left in Morgan’s company.
    After tonight, they would go their separate ways, and his touch would only be a memory. She would allow herself to savor the pleasure of his company, if even for just these few short hours. Her mouth went dry as he pulled alongside of her, a wickedly charming smile on his sensual lips.
    “Good morning, Julia.”
    “St. Claire.” She nodded her head in greeting as he reined in his animal to walk beside hers.
    “I think we’re beyond such formality, don’t you? Especially given the fact that I can still taste you on my tongue.”
    The audacious words made her gasp as she glared at him. “How can you mention something so…so…hedonistic in the light of day?”
    “If I’m epicurean so be it.” He shrugged.