"Don't pull away from me," she murmured. "Acceptance of 'what is' can bring about rewards beyond our understanding. It took me a long time to learn the lesson. But it's worth that time." One dainty hand rested on his silk-swathed thigh.
Burgeoning lust nearly strangled Chabert. "What else have you learned?"
"To follow my instincts." Her hand began a slow journey to Valeray's crotch.
"And what do your instincts tell you right now?"
Her fingers cupped his granitic penis through the soft fabric. "That we should explore each other. Without questions or doubts." She squeezed gently.
Valeray inhaled, the long breath steadying him. "Lady, I like the way you think. But as I said, that's not possible." He settled her hand on the black marble bar as if it were a priceless piece of glass.
Fantine shook her head. "You're unwilling to accept the gift we've been offered? I'd reconsider. Think about opening your heart to it."
Opening my heart? Chabert had never felt so conflicted. He wanted this amazing female more than any women he'd ever met. And with the wanting, came an equally strong urge to protect her from himself. And his fate.
"It'll be more than a casual romp in bed," she whispered, leaning toward him. "That I'll grant you. But we needn't deal with the ramifications right away. Need we?" A tiny, cooling breeze floated around her hand as she brought it up to his face. "Let's enjoy each other for this one night. And let the rest fall into place around us." Her tiny smile widened into a grin. "Besides, I'd be lying if I didn't say I wanted you. Valeray, you are a blond-Adonis answer to a girl's dream. All the females in here would kill to make love to you."
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