Page 87 of Kiss of Fire

A glimmer of a smile ghosted across Shade’s lips.

“I am not surprised.Twoambrosia berries?”

“But what are they? Are they dangerous? Why won’t anyone tell me anything?”

Raya planted her feet, determined to get an answer. With an oath that stripped the paint off the nearest wall, Shade scooped her up.

“They are not dangerous, but they require an antidote of sorts.”

Being in his arms was arousing. The heat from his chest warmed her cheek and she had an insane urge to press her lips to it. She wriggled a little, enjoying the way his hands tightened round her.

“You’re very handsome,” she said dreamily, then clamped her mouth shut in horror. Why the hell did she just say that? Shade didn’t answer.

He pushed his way into the bedroom and set her down on her feet, closing the door firmly behind them.

She caught sight of herself in the mirror and stopped, mesmerized by the way she looked. Her lips had plumped up and darkened in colour. Her eyes were smouldering and sultry. And her nipples had hardened, clearly outlined under her dress. They began to ache pleasurably.

“What’s happening to me, Shade?” she asked in a low voice.

“Ambrosia berries are an aphrodisiac. A powerful one. They’re usually taken by consenting partners as they produce an almost irresistible urge to copulate.”

“Anaphrodisiac?” She looked at him in horror. “I’ve been roofied?”

“Whoever gave you the berries was evidently hoping you would cause a scandal by fornicating with Mr Torven. Luckily, he is a man of integrity.”

“So he brought me toyou?” Raya digested what that meant. “I’m supposed to havesexwith you?”

“The only way to neutralise the berries you’ve consumed is to allow your fluids to mingle with those of a compatible partner. Copulation is not strictly necessary, I assure you.”

“No way. Not a chance.” Raya shook her head decisively, even as heat flared low in her stomach. “No-one’s mingling any fluids.”

“Raya.” Shade folded his arms, his voice calm. “Either you can stay in this state of arousal for the next few days, which will be uncomfortable and embarrassing, or you can let me help you.”

A steady pulse was beating between her legs. She pressed her thighs together, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

“Why can’t I, you know, take care of it myself?”

“You need physical contact with another to stop the effect.”

“Well, that’s just fucking convenient, isn’t it? Magical Viagra with only one cure. Why the fuck did that bitch give me the berries?”

“We will investigate later. Right now, you must be feeling the effects.” His eyes lingered on her nipples, standing proudly. “I give my word I will do no more than is necessary to alleviate your symptoms. May I be permitted to help you?”

The throbbing between her legs was becoming unbearable. Silently, she nodded.

In two paces he was at her side. He took her face in his hands.

“I swear you can trust me,” he said gruffly. And he kissed her, slow and deep, the sweetness of it taking her breath away.

Thirty One

The kiss was a trigger. At the first touch of his lips, her inhibitions fell away. She pressed her body to his, rubbing against him, the dress maddeningly harsh against her sensitive nipples.

Impatiently, she broke away to pull the dress from her shoulders. It fell to the floor and she stood before him, almost entirely naked, with just the tiniest wisp of silk protecting her modesty. She basked in his appreciative stare. She had never felt so bold, so confident in her own allure.

Reaching up, she pulled his mouth to hers again, darting her tongue between his lips. She was dimly aware that she was acting against character, that she was testing his self-control. But she didn’t care. She wanted him.

He cupped a buttock, marvelling at the smoothness of her skin. His other hand curved around her breast and he squeezed gently, her nipple drilling into his palm. She moaned into his mouth as he stroked it, the roughened tip deliciously erect between his fingers.

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