Excerpt of Judas Kiss by Heide Katros

With a last glance at the tempting display of sweets, Stephanie started to walk away from the window, ready to check out the shop next to it. It was raining outside, so what better way to kill a little time?

From the corner of her eye she became vaguely aware of a tall, dark stranger heading her way. He seemed intent on colliding with her. She looked up, her breath catching in her throat, when she realized that his devastating smile was meant for her. Still, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure. Flattered, she couldn’t help but smile in return, despite the fact that she wasn’t completely certain of the stranger’s intentions.

Nicholas saw her indecision and quickly closed the space between them. It was now or never.

Dropping his attaché case to the ground, he tossed his carry-on over it, all in one fluid motion. Before she could protest, he wrapped his powerful arms around her and dipped his head to kiss her.

It all happened so fast that Stephanie had no time to protest. Her eyes widened as she was tilted backwards in his strong embrace. Mesmerized she followed the descent of his lips, shocked when they pressed themselves against hers.

"Please, mademoiselle, please play along with me," he whispered urgently against her mouth in flawless French.

Stephanie tried to speak. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do or feel. She wanted answers. But his lips moved over hers precluding any conversation. Her brain screamed that she should object to this blatant assault, but as the stranger deepened their kiss, she realized that he meant no insult. His kiss was tender, more so than any lover’s she’d ever experienced, not that she had known or kissed a lot of men.

Nicholas stopped his kiss as abruptly as he started it. He’d never felt more like a heel than right then. He’d used the poor girl as a cover to scout the airport, but he could have accomplished that by simply picking her up and spinning around with her. Christ Almighty, he’d never meant to kiss her in the first place. How had that happened?

Stephanie’s mind reeled. Shocked, her eyes snapped up to lock with his, when he stopped kissing her. God, those were the darkest eyes she’d ever encountered. A girl could get lost in them.

The stranger grinned rakishly down at her. "Thank you, mademoiselle. You have been a great help." With a mock salute he snatched up his luggage and disappeared in the milling crowd.