The Wild Belle by Lora Thomas Page B

and then want to strangle her in the next when she hit him with that stone. When he watched her swim away, he became angry at her childish actions. He pulled her to him. She fought him until she was pressed against his chest.
    Andi could feel his wet clothing pressing against her flesh. The heat of his body pressing against hers caused a strange sensation to stir deep inside her. She struggled against him in an attempt to free herself, but to no avail. He was too strong for her. Never in her life had she had this problem. She beat on his chest with her fists and then made an unladylike sound when Michael captured her arms and held them behind her. When she looked up into his eyes, she noticed they had grown darker.
    Michael watched her chest heave up and down with each infuriated breath. She was so beautiful in her rage. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. They had darkened in color to the shade of a wintered evergreen. Her lips parted slightly as she took an exasperated breath. In an instant, Michael was kissing her. He met no resistance from her as she kissed him in return. He deepened the kiss and let her arms free. They encircled his neck and he pulled her closer to him.
    Andi’s knees began to grow weak from the sensations stirring in her body. She clung to Michael as though her life depended on it. When she felt his tongue on her lips, she couldn’t resist the temptation to explore it with hers. She felt him tighten his grip around her waist and then his hand traveled to the back of her head, holding her fast as he kissed her deeper, more passionately. A small moan escaped her throat. She knew she should end this encounter, but the feelings he created deep inside thrilled her. She didn’t want him to stop.
    “One more thing, St. John,” came Peterson’s voice from the woods.
    Andi pulled back from Michael and her eyes grew wide. “Oh, no!” she whispered.
    She felt Michael’s hands on her as he gently pushed her behind him, shielding her body from whomever it was speaking his name.
    Michael’s eyes narrowed as he watched Peterson appear from the direction he had left earlier. He did not speak as he stared at the other man.
    A malicious expression crossed Egbert’s face. He knew why Peterson had returned, hoping to create a scandal involving whomever Michael was with. He would not give Peterson the pleasure. He would beat the man senseless if need be, in order to protect Andrea’s reputation from Peterson’s vicious tongue. But wait, it would be more than her reputation, but her life, since she was promised to the Earl.
    “Leave, Peterson.” Michael warned.
    Egbert gave Michael an intense look. “Swimming with your clothing on? A little on the unorthodox side, even for you, isn’t it?”
    “Whatever you need to say, Peterson, say it or leave. But if you waste any more of my time with your nonsense, I will be happy to beat my frustrations out on you.”
    “You sound just like your father. You know his temper is why he had to leave England. He nearly killed a Duke. So—”
    “And if you don’t get the hell out of here, I’m about to kill an Earl.”
    Egbert’s eyes lowered. He watched a blond curl float from around Michael. “I hope Mrs. Craycraft castrates you once she finds out you’re bedding one of her daughters.”
    Michael heard Andi suck in her breath. He reached an arm behind him and held her in place. “You’ve had your only warning, Peterson. If I have to give it to you again, the only way they will be able to recognize you is by that overinflated ego you possess.” A malicious smile crossed Michael’s face. “Of course, they will think your death was caused by some of the people you have substantial debt with, so no one would even consider me. That gambling issue you have is a pesky problem.”
    “Just keep your hands off my intended, St. John. I will not have your family interfering in my affairs again.” With that Egbert stomped off.
    Michael waited several minutes before