EscapeWithMe by Ruby Duvall Page B

held a torch for him anyway. Then what did she have to lose now? If
she did as expected, Mrs. Hayes would have no reason to use Mr. Hull against
her.
    However, the lieutenant had already paid Mrs. Hayes and he
said he wasn’t going to force her. Why should she have to let him do anything?
    She heard the soft scrape of the stool as the lieutenant
slid it back and dropped to his knees in front of her. She jumped when his
fingers gently touched her leg and she pushed his hand away, but even the brief
brush of their fingers made her palms itch.
    “Wait.” The way her heart pounded reminded her of the kiss
he laid on her hand at the theater. She knew she should move away from him, but
she didn’t. If only he’d give her a moment to think.
    “I will give you the decision.” He slid his hands beneath her
knees. “But you already know the answer, don’t you?” He tugged her to the edge
of the bed, eliciting a gasp. He squeezed her thighs and leaned toward her. She
realized he was going to kiss her and she held him back with her hands pressed
against his chest. She tried not to notice the muscles beneath her fingers.
    “How can I decide if you’re touching me?”
    His wide smile wasn’t amused this time. It was sinful. “Then
you haven’t decided to say no yet.” His hands smoothed up her stockings. She
shivered, her thighs clenching.
    “I shouldn’t do this.” His hands slid all the way to the
ribbons holding up her stockings. “Not like this.”
    “Not like what?” He leaned against her locked arms and
pushed her onto her back. His wide shoulders blocked out the light from the candles.
“What can I do to make you comfortable?”
    “You can give me some slack.” Her heart was in her throat
and she could feel the pulse at her neck. When he lifted her knees, the skirt
of her chemise slid up her thighs. She grabbed at it, pushing the skirt between
her legs to cover herself even while trying to keep her other arm locked and
holding him at bay.
    “You did not mind my forwardness at the theater.”
    “Well, this is a whole new level of forwardness.” She needed
him to give up. He had to give up before she gave in. She wanted this so badly
but couldn’t help but think she’d regret it. “I don’t know you, lieutenant,”
she said desperately.
    “I wish to know you,” he whispered, “and call me Ryder.” His
hands found the naked skin of her upper thighs and squeezed. He softly inhaled
through his teeth.
    “You paid for me! Doesn’t that bother you?” His hands didn’t
stop. They sought the curves of her waist and the flare of her hips. Swirls of
tingling warmth bloomed wherever he touched her. His needy moan made it feel
even better.
    “I don’t care about the money, Samantha.” His voice was
rough. “I only care about your decision.” He slid one knee onto the bed and
tucked it beneath her thigh.
    “But I’ve never…” Oh God, had she really taken this long?
What was she so afraid of? What was she protecting? Good guys who cared about
her had desired her. Why hadn’t that been enough?
    “What have you never, Samantha?”
    He was too heavy. Her elbow buckled and he fell against her.
His groin pressed against the back of her hand, which was still shielding the
crux of her thighs. His face was so near. A few strands of his hair had come
loose from his ponytail and tickled her cheek. He smelled like vanilla and
wine.
    “I’ve never been with a man before,” she admitted.
    He stopped moving and stared at her. His eyebrows were
pinched, his mouth open. Had she turned him off? Had he realized his widow
theory was incorrect? Had he believed her at all?
    He shifted his weight onto one elbow, revealing more of the
candlelight. “Move your hand.” His voice sounded strange and his half-lit
expression was serious. She shook her head. If he touched her, he’d find out
just how much she wanted him. The thought of his fingers there…
    “Move your hand,” he repeated. “Let me touch you.”