The King's Bride By Arrangement - Annie West Page 0,19

up and reveal her feelings for him.

And when he’d said there was a link between them... She hadn’t known whether to laugh or cry.

She’d been the one to recognise that link years ago. To treasure it and dream of a future built on it. Paul had been completely oblivious.

If he’d felt that link tonight...

No, it was just that he felt some responsibility since, in the eyes of the world, they were to be married.

‘Eva? What are you saying?’

Her lips firmed as she fought despair with anger.

‘You heard me, Paul.’

She wasn’t going to say it again. Even though it was true. The one thing that at this moment would make her feel better was Paul’s lips on hers, blotting out tonight’s bitter regrets and searing hurt. Giving her the solace of his caress.

His frown was back, deeper than ever. His hand beneath her chin moved to her shoulder. To hold her at a distance or to deliver a paternal pat of solace? As if she didn’t know her own mind.

He’d asked what she wanted and she’d told him.

Abruptly, gloriously, she didn’t care what he thought. Only that this was the last chance she’d ever have to kiss the man she’d adored since she’d been fifteen. The man who’d cracked her heart wide open and didn’t even know it.

Tomorrow—later this morning—she’d say goodbye to him for ever. For now, they were alone, and she still wanted so much more than he’d ever give her.

Instinct told her to grab this opportunity for just a moment’s solace, and that was what she did. One hand settled on that hard, straight shoulder. The other curled around the back of his neck, learning the texture of hot skin and soft hair. She rose on her toes and pulled his head down.

Paul stared down into the face of a woman he didn’t know. Felt her hands on him, surprisingly strong, and stopping her didn’t enter his brain.

Curiosity buzzed, stronger than surprise.

And something more than curiosity. Something that made his heart leap in his chest as soft lips settled against his.

That mouth. How had he not recognised that mouth for what it was? Pure seduction.

Her lips brushed his, making his breath still and his grip on her waist tighten.

He couldn’t even recall reaching for Eva. But now he couldn’t imagine relinquishing his hold. Her waist was narrow but he felt the sensual curve that led to the flare of her hips. Even the slippery satin of her dress—the dress that had taunted him from the moment he’d seen her in it—felt like an invitation.

She was so alluringly feminine. Delicious curves. Decadently inviting lips. A body that stretched seductively up against his, her breasts cushioning him in a way that bent his self-control out of shape.

From the first touch of her hand at his neck he’d gone rigid. The caress of her lips on his sent bolts of searing tension straight to his groin.

Once more she kissed him, a light caress that hinted at passion but was more tease than anything. Then, as his fingers tightened around her middle, she gasped and finally her tongue flicked out to trace his lips.

Instantly Paul took the lead. Because tantalising caresses simply weren’t enough. She’d woken the need he’d kept stringently under control for four long years. That, and his curiosity to know this new, unexpected Eva, dragged him straight into temptation.

Once he tasted her, there was no going back.

Sweet and distinctive like wild honey from the mountains. No other woman tasted like Eva. Then there was the tiny little humming sound that came from the back of her throat and sounded like approval and invitation.

He opened his mouth and sucked in her tongue.

Paul felt her jolt of surprise, wondered at it then forgot about it as he concentrated on the sensations of her tongue in his mouth and the quiver of her body against him.

His hands were possessive. He wanted to haul her close, but he had enough control not to. Not after her experience tonight.

Yet she was flush against him, not because he’d dragged her there but because she’d closed the space between them.

His eyes closed at the sinuous movement of her soft body against his, igniting molten fire in his groin. He tried to ignore it, but that left his brain free to concentrate on their kiss.

Eva’s tongue curled around his then drew back. He followed, plunging into sweet heat, needing more. Was that a heartbeat’s hesitation? No, he’d imagined it. If anything her hands clung tighter than before,