To Seduce a Bride (37 page)

They were both wildly out of control as they shed their clothing…and then they were naked, gloriously naked.

Heath's eyes blazed with desire, with love, as he urged Lily to the berth. They fell together onto the silken sheets, locked together in a sensual tangle, so fierce yet so tender. A shower of heat bathed them when he came into her body and became part of her.

Lily shuddered as Heath filled her to overflowing. The powerful feeling pulsed deep inside her—a happiness so sweet and rare, it felt like shimmering sunlight. She was full to bursting with joy and wonder. And as her body shattered, she carried Heath with her.

When it was over, they clung to each other, breathless and sated, glorying in their joining.

Finally Heath muttered an exhausted oath in her ear. “Damn, but I meant our consummation to go slowly. That was hardly a seduction.”

“No,” Lily agreed weakly. “It was a conflagration.”

They laughed softly into each other's mouths as they kissed again. Then, easing his weight from her, Heath rolled onto his side and gathered Lily to him with heart-melting care.

“It was worth the wait,” he murmured hoarsely after another long interval. “I never realized that carnal pleasure could be so satisfying.”

“Mmmm,” she agreed dreamily.

It was true, Lily thought as she lay with her cheek against his heartbeat. Their passionate lovemaking as husband and wife was more satisfying, more thrilling, more joyous than as mere lovers.

And while she lay there savoring his warmth, another realization struck her: She was bound to Heath now, yet she had never felt so free. She had found freedom in his arms, much to her amazement. He had taught her about trusting. He had taught her the power of love.

She had no doubts now that their union would prosper. Heath was her husband; her friend and lover for always. The man whose smile could control the rhythm of her heart.

Lily pressed her lips tenderly against the warm bare skin of his chest. Nothing in her life had ever seemed this natural, this right. And when Heath's arms tightened around her, she sighed at the magic of being treasured by such a special man. She was loved, deeply loved.

No woman could ask for more.

“Have I told you how thankful I am for your persistence?” Lily murmured at last, lifting her head so that she could see his face.

“Not lately, wife. Why don't you tell me again?”

“I
am
thankful, Heath. I am profoundly grateful that you would not give up on me. And even more grateful that you came to love me.”

His eyebrow arched. “I have told you countless times, I don't want your gratitude…but in this case, I will make an exception.”

Slipping his hand behind her nape, Heath favored her with an alluring male smile—that same wickedly charming smile she had come to cherish. “But now, my lovely bride,” he said provocatively, “what of this seduction I promised you?”

Lily flashed him a saucy smile. “Perhaps we should hold a contest to see who can best seduce whom.”

“I am more than willing to compete,” Heath agreed huskily, bringing her mouth closer to his. “But be warned, angel, I intend to win.”

Giving a laugh of elemental satisfaction, she bent her head. “I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Don't miss all three enthralling novels in The Courtship Wars trilogy by
Nicole Jordan

To Pleasure a Lady

Marcus Pierce is a strikingly handsome aristocrat with a wicked reputation. So when he inherits guardianship of Arabella Loring and her two sisters he immediately declares his intention to marry them off. But defiant Arabella sparks frustration—and something deeply erotic—in Marcus. And it isn't long before an extraordinary game of seduction begins….

To Bed a Beauty

Clever and charming Roslyn Loring realizes that to win her future husband's devotion, she must learn the secrets of kindling a gentleman's ardor. And she finds a willing tutor in Drew Moncrief, the Duke of Arden, a notorious rake whispered to be London's most magnificent lover. But as Drew begins schooling Roslyn they discover how easily lessons in pleasure can become lessons in love….

To Seduce a Bride

Spirited beauty Lilian Loring believes that love is too risky a venture and marriage is best avoided entirely—even if her unwanted suitor comes as deliciously packaged as Heath Griffin, the Marquess of Claybourne. But for Heath, victory in their game of passion means nothing less than winning Lily's elusive heart….

                  Ballantine Books

Lord Claybourne's hands covered Lily's shoulders, lightly massaging. Then bending, he covered her mouth with his in a slow, devastating, spellbinding kiss that sent searing heat arcing between them again.

“Don't you see?” he asked, his voice husky and low. “Whatever this is between us, it deserves exploring.”

Dazed, Lily opened her eyes. Yes, she saw. She was aching with nameless longing…aching for
him.
Giving a frustrated groan, she slid out from his embrace and backed away, putting as much space as possible between them.

His lordship locked gazes with her, regarding her intently. With shaking fingers, Lily tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear and swallowed hard. Yet her voice was still a hoarse rasp when she finally spoke. “You are mistaken if you think I will meekly surrender just because you are a marvelous kisser.”

“I think nothing of the kind,” he said, his tone wry. “You haven't a meek bone in your lovely body, I'll warrant.”

“No, and I will never accept your proposal of marriage, either,” Lily said firmly.

The smile he gave her was utterly beautiful and utterly maddening. “We shall see.”

By Nicole Jordan

The Courtship Wars:

TO PLEASURE A LADY

TO BED A BEAUTY

TO SEDUCE A BRIDE

Paradise Series:

MASTER OF TEMPTATION

LORD OF SEDUCTION

WICKED FANTASY

FEVER DREAMS

Notorious Series:

THE SEDUCTION

THE PASSION

DESIRE

ECSTASY

THE PRINCE OF PLEASURE

Other Novels:

THE LOVER

THE WARRIOR

TOUCH ME WITH FIRE

To Seduce a Bride
is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

A Ballantine Books Mass Market Original

Copyright © 2008 by Anne Bushyhead

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Ballantine Books, an imprint of The Random House Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York.

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ALLANTINE
and colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.

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eISBN: 978-0-345-50475-3

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