Excerpt of To Seduce a Bride by Nicole Jordan

"There," Heath said softly when he at last raised his head. "I wanted to see if my attraction to you was merely a passing fancy, and I know now it wasn't. You felt it, too, don't deny it."

Lily stared back at him, looking dazed, and wet her lips before finally finding her voice. "I felt something, but it was not at all pleasant."

Heath arched an eyebrow. "I never would have thought you were given to falsehoods, darling."

"I am being quite truthful, my lord. I did not enjoy kissing you. It made me too... disconcerted. Too flustered."

"You felt out of control, and you didn't like it."

"Yes, exactly! I am gratified you understand."

"But I don't understand. I am offering you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams, and you turn me down out of hand."

Her chin rose. "I am not the least interested in pleasure."

"I expect I can change your mind."

Lily locked her jaw mutinously. "Your arrogance is astounding, my lord."

The amusement leaving his expression, Heath regarded her with all seriousness. "There is nothing arrogant about it, Lily. It is merely simple logic. I want you, but I cannot have you without the benefit of marriage. I'm not interested in an affair that would only result in scandal. So I intend to court you honorably."

"Without my consent?" she asked, her eyes flashing.

"I hope to gain your consent. And I mean to start by kissing you again."

Looking alarmed, Lily pressed her palms against his chest. "I am not about to let you ravish me, Lord Claybourne!"

His gaze dropped from her face to her breasts. He would like nothing more than to draw Lily down to her chaste bed and ravish her, but he was bound by the rules of honor.

Heath smiled. "It is broad daylight and you are surrounded by a houseful of people. I believe you are safe from ravishment for the time being. But that doesn't mean I won't use all the powers of persuasion at my disposal."

His hands covered her shoulders, lightly massaging them as he locked gazes with her. Then bending, he covered her mouth with his in another slow, devastating, spellbinding kiss that sent searing heat arcing between them again.

His sensual assault stunned Lily. She felt light-headed and dizzy; she couldn't breathe.

He was right, she thought with a feeling akin to desperation. The attraction between them was not a passing fancy. Nor could she blame her intoxication on champagne this time. His lordship's kisses still overwhelmed her senses even when she wasn't foxed.

It was some time before she realized that he had left off kissing her.

"Don't you see?" he asked, his voice husky and low. "Whatever this is between us, it deserves exploring."

Dazed, Lily opened her eyes. Yes, she saw. She was aching with nameless longing... aching for him. She couldn't deny it, couldn't hide it.

Giving a frustrated groan, she slid out from his embrace and backed away from him. When he took a step toward her, she held up her hands defensively and retreated further across the small bedchamber, putting as much space as possible between them.

Lord Claybourne stopped then, regarding her intently.

With shaking fingers, Lily tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear and swallowed hard. Yet her voice was still a hoarse rasp when she finally spoke. "You are mistaken if you think I will meekly surrender just because you are a marvelous kisser."

"I think nothing of the kind," he said, his tone wry. "You haven't a meek bone in your lovely body, I'll warrant."

"No, and I will never accept your proposal of marriage, either," Lily said firmly.

The smile he gave her was utterly beautiful and utterly maddening. "We shall see."

Copyright 2008 Nicole Jordan