70 I Need More

Alexander froze, his intense eyes holding Evelyn's captive.

His hand cradled the base of her skull, his fingers tangling in her hair.

He leaned in closer, his voice a low, husky whisper. "This isn't sufficient for me."

He didn't allow her a chance to reply.

His mouth claimed hers again, this kiss far more urgent and consuming than the first.

Evelyn was utterly inexperienced, a stark contrast to Alexander's practiced ease.

His raw passion overwhelmed her, shattering her thoughts into a million pieces.

A jolt of electricity shot through her, setting every nerve ending on fire.

His scent, masculine and intoxicating, filled her senses, making her head spin.

His ragged breaths mixed with her own shallow pants in the heated space between them.

Her entire body tingled, a strange numbness spreading from the point of contact.

Their hearts hammered wildly, two separate rhythms crashing together yet somehow syncing.

Alexander's arms tightened around her slender waist, pulling her flush against his hard chest.

Evelyn felt her strength leave her; she went limp in his embrace.

Tears pricked her eyes as she looked up at his fiercely concentrated face.

The intensity stole her breath. For a terrifying, thrilling moment, she thought he would never let her go.

A small, helpless sound escaped her throat, breaking through the passionate fog.

Alexander immediately stilled.

He felt the faint push of her hands against his chest, a silent request for space.

He hesitated, his grip loosening reluctantly, giving her the air she desperately needed.

The humid air felt thick, clouding her vision.

A bewildering thrill raced through her veins, leaving her exhilarated and confused.

She blinked, slowly returning to reality, and found herself staring into Alexander's dark eyes.

In their depths, she saw her own reflection: cheeks flushed, eyes bright, lips swollen.

Alexander swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. The struggle for control was evident on his face.

He drew a sharp, deep breath, his voice rough with restraint. "I'm hungry. See to the kitchen."

Her heart stuttered at his expression, like a predator eyeing its prey.

A spike of panic sent her into motion. She nodded quickly.

Using his shoulders for leverage, she pushed herself up and hurried away.

A dizzying thought flashed in her mind. She actually kissed Alexander Blackwood!

Alexander remained seated, his gaze fixed on the empty space where Evelyn had been.

The heat of their encounter lingered in the air. He could still taste her on his lips.

His hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.

Patience. He had to exercise patience. Rushing this would be a catastrophic mistake.

Evelyn didn't go straight to the kitchen. She made a swift detour into the nearest bathroom.

She locked the door with a click and rushed to the sink, staring at her reflection.

She gasped. Her face was a brilliant, deep red, the color spreading to her ears and down her neck.

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She looked like a lobster fresh from the pot.

She was shocked by the intensity of her own blush, something she'd never seen before.

Leaning over the sink, she splashed cold water on her face again and again.

The cool water was a relief against her burning skin.

She stood there for several minutes, letting the cold calm her racing pulse and ease the flush.

When she felt moderately composed, she left the bathroom and finally headed to the kitchen.

She helped the staff reheat breakfast and even prepared a few additional dishes herself.

After a moment's thought, she turned to a servant. "You can take the breakfast in." Her voice was deceptively calm.

The servant looked surprised. "Mrs. Blackwood, won't you be joining us?"

"I've already eaten," she lied smoothly. "I have things to attend to. Please, go ahead."

The memory of Alexander's hungry gaze was burned into her mind. Her heart still hammered at the thought. She wasn't ready to face him again.