Lover Be Mine A Legendary Lovers Novel - By Nicole Jordan Page 0,46

again to claim another vehement kiss.

After a moment’s frozen hesitation, Sophie moaned at the devastating heat of his mouth on hers, the hot wet invasion of his tongue, the passionate hands sweeping her body. His every touch was exquisite torture, and she knew if she continued this way, she would surrender to his seduction here and now.…

Summoning her last ounce of strength, she tore her mouth from his and pushed against his chest, abruptly severing their embrace.

“I am sorry, but I must go.”

Jack watched her as she backed away, his eyes dark and solemn. “Sophie … you cannot marry him,” he repeated with more urgency.

Her heart twisting in her chest, Sophie forced herself to turn and make for the door. And she didn’t look back as she left Jack standing there staring after her.

Before she could rejoin the assembly, she had to detour to her bedchamber to repair her disheveled appearance. Unsteadily Sophie re-pinned her hair, then smoothed her gown and pressed a damp cloth to her flushed face. However, there was not much she could do to soften the ravished look of her red, swollen lips.

When finally she felt ready to return to the assembly, to her dismay, she met her mother in the corridor outside her bedchamber.

“You disappeared for such a long time,” Rebecca murmured, “I grew worried for you. Are you feeling unwell?”

Not so much unwell as upset. Her usually calm emotions had turned restive and rebellious, putting her in a fighting mood. “I am fine, Mama. I only needed a momentary respite from the company.”

“Are you truly fine, my love?” Her mother’s searching gaze was anxious, her tone troubled. “Are you perhaps having second thoughts about wedding Dunmore?”

“No, not at all,” Sophie lied.

Her mother must have doubted her assurances, however, for after a moment, Rebecca added in an imploring voice. “I beg you to understand, Sophie. It is not avarice driving your father. We lost one child, and you are all we have left, so naturally we want to protect you even more. We only want what is best for you. Marriage to Dunmore will set you up for life and provide you with security, a home, children. But a marriage of convenience means you must set aside your personal feelings. It would be gratifying if you could marry for love. Had your brother lived, that might have been possible. But not now.”

Guilt washed over Sophie at her mother’s plea, while fresh emotion lumped in her throat. “I know my duty, Mama. I will accept the duke’s proposal if he asks.”

She had to be strong, Sophie reminded herself as she returned to the assembly with her mother. The very things she held most dear were at stake … family, loyalty, love for her parents. They had faced such cruel disappointments in life, had sacrificed considerably to improve her station and marital prospects, she couldn’t hurt them further. She would honor their wishes just as she’d promised.

Her desire to marry who she chose couldn’t be allowed to matter. An image of Jack rose in her mind’s eye … the intense intimacy in his gaze, the tenderness of his touch, the heart-stopping power of his kisses.

Suddenly Sophie felt a twist of longing so strong, she shook with it. Jack made her blood sizzle and her heart yearn. But she had to fight the raw, reckless hunger he kindled in her. And even though their short time together had been a wonderful fantasy, she had to end their liaison at once or she would never break free of him.

Regrettably, when she entered the drawing room, the duke was the first person she saw. His expression brightened, as if he’d been waiting anxiously for her return. When Sophie started to turn away, hoping to avoid him, Dunmore hurried toward her while calling her name.

“There you are, my dear,” he said in a jovial tone. “I was wondering … er, would you perhaps have time …?” He cleared his throat and began again more formally. “Pray, might I have a private word with you, Miss Fortin?”

“Certainly, your grace,” Sophie replied evenly, hiding her apprehension.

She led the way from the noisy drawing room to an empty parlor down the corridor.

Following her inside, Dunmore partially shut the door and offered her a faint smile. His cheer seemed a trifle forced, however, and when he tugged at his cravat, she realized he was merely nervous—a suspicion that was confirmed when he stammered, “I had intended to s-speak to your father t-tomorrow, but I see