at the fierce reaction of his body to the sight of her in the bed. In the golden glow of the candle Caroline was ravishing.
Her soft, creamy skin was flawless. Against the white linen pillow, the gleaming curls of her hair were spread with wanton abandon. His fists clenched against the powerful urge to run his fingers through them, to cup her head in his hands and hold her still for his ravishment. Her full lips were parted with the deep, rhythmic breaths of slumber, which lifted her chest and outlined her ripe br**sts against her night rail.
He smiled. Within moments those br**sts would be bare and pressed to his chest, that sweetly parted mouth would be panting and crying out his name as he made love to her like he'd wanted to do for years.
It was time for her to see him as well, to remember and feel the powerful attraction between them, an attraction so overwhelming that time, distance, and unfamiliarity had not affected it.
Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, Jack brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. She nuzzled into the caress, but slept on. His smile widened. Using the sheer power of his will, he called to her, Caroline, come back to me.
* * * * *
Caroline sat up, and discovered Jack Shaw once again invading her dreams. Dressed simply in sweater, breeches and boots, his casual attire bred a familiarity far removed from the glittering ballrooms and Society events from which she knew him and dreamed of him. His hair was slightly longer than she normally pictured it, the dark ebony strands falling across his proud forehead and curling at his nape.
But some things were constant. The sharp silver of his irises glowed with sexual intent and his full, firm lips were curved in the wicked smile that made her heart race.
She took a deep breath, resigned to her torment. He was so achingly gorgeous she had no defenses against him, and the tenderness of his gaze shattered what was left of her heart. Pushing her curls away from her face, she asked mournfully, "Why must you torture me?"
He blinked as if she'd startled him. "What are you talking about, sweetheart?"
"You know very well what I'm asking you. Why can't you allow me even one night of restful slumber? I think of you ceaselessly during my waking hours, why must my sleep suffer as well?"
Already her body ached far worse than usual. Her skin was tight and hot, her br**sts heavy and tender. She licked her lips, desperate for a taste of him, and watched his eyes flare with desire at the movement.
Jack rubbed the line of his jaw thoughtfully before answering. "If you would cease to run from me, your dreams would be less troubled."
Caroline shook her head. "You know I cannot do that."
"Why?"
"You know why," she snapped. "We have this conversation nightly. Why must we discuss it again?"
"Because we must, love," he said patiently.
"I will hurt you, Jack. I've told you before. I will hurt you terribly and I couldn't bear to do that."
He reached for her hands, then appeared to think better of it and withdrew. "Hurt comes in many forms. It hurts that you run from me."
Rising from the bed, Jack began to pace, the powerful muscles of his thighs flexing beneath the tight breeches, making her mouth water. She was reminded of how vital it was that she resist her desires, but she longed for him to understand.
"As long as I stay away from you, you'll remain safe. I love you enough to do what is best, despite how it pains me."
He stilled mid-stride, his smoky gaze locking with hers. "Beg your pardon?"
His sudden shock chilled Caroline to the bone. Every night she confessed her love to him. Never had he responded in such a fashion. She slipped out the opposite side of the bed, putting the large piece of furniture between them. He cursed as he watched her reaction.
"Caroline--"
"You are not a dream!" she accused.
Jack rounded the bed.
"Stop!" She held up her hand to ward him off. "Remain where you are."
"Allow me to explain."
"No!" She shook her head vehemently. "You must go. Now."
He raised a sardonic brow. "You just confessed to loving me. I'm certainly not going to leave."
Caroline damned herself for not paying heed to the throbbing that permeated her entire being. But she slept hard, like the dead. Even now she struggled into full wakefulness. "How did you gain admittance to my