Excerpt of A Touch of Passion by Bronwen Evans

“I say, Grayson, the ladies are eagerly waiting.”

Robert! Her eyes flew to Grayson’s in alarm. He
immediately pressed her back against the wall, his large
body shielding her from Robert’s eyes.

He whispered in her ear, “Put your arms around me.
Pretend this is an illicit liaison.”

She did what she was told, her body afire with sensation
as his lips trailed down her neck. The material covering
his hard thighs rasping against her bare legs exposed
through her harem outfit.

“I’ll be right with you. I’m just reacquainting myself
with an old friend.” The low, husky sound titillated her
skin as his fingers caressed her bare stomach.

Robert seemed to hesitate, seeming to notice the
possessive stance behind his words. “I’ll keep the other
ladies entertained until you can join us. Unless you’d
like to share the lady who has kept you so occupied that
you’d keep five exquisite beauties waiting.”

Portia froze. The feelings and desires sweeping through
her seemed to be scrambling her brain. If her brother
found her like this, in Grayson’s arms . . . Thankfully,
Grayson was in control. “No need. The beauty in my arms
never shares. I’ll be along soon.”

Robert shrugged and clapped him on the back. Portia
pushed herself fully into Grayson’s embrace, hiding as
much of herself as she could.

Robert chuckled. “I see how it is. You always keep the
best for yourself. However, it leaves the field open on
five delicious ladies until you return.” With that he
slipped back through the door into the ballroom.

She was surprised when Grayson did not immediately push
away. He continued to hold her trapped, and warmth
radiated from his chest, infusing her breasts with a
delicious heaviness.

She tried to move. “You can let me go now. I’m sure the
ladies are waiting for you.”

His eyes smiled into hers. “That almost sounds like
jealousy.”

Of course it did. She was jealous, but she was not about
to let him know that. “Don’t be ridiculous. If you
remember, I left as soon as you arrived. Why would I be
jealous?”

“So, you’re saying you’re unaffected by me?”

What game was he playing? Portia found her gaze riveted
on Grayson’s lips, watching them move, wondering what
they would feel like. She shook her head. What had he
asked?

“Of course I’m not jealous. Not every woman wants to fall
into your bed.”

“Liar. I can feel your heart pounding in your chest.”

“We were almost caught by my brother. He does allow me
more leeway than most men, but dressed like this, in your
arms . . . there would have been consequences.”

He reached up and slid his fingers behind her nape, and
her breathing faltered as she watched his lips draw
nearer. “So if I were to kiss you, you’d feel nothing?”

He didn’t allow her to reply but drew her mouth up to
meet his. He permitted his lips, soft and firm at the
same time, to play over hers like a maestro. Liquid heat
washed through her, making her light-headed. She was
losing herself in his kiss. She wanted to experience
everything his kiss had to offer, and never leave his
embrace.

After only moments she felt him begin to pull away.
Blast! She was determined to have more.