"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