For Desire Alone by Jess Michaels Page A

betrayed him in such a manner. But my desire for you never decreased. Although I suppose that fact is rather clear since I have taken you not once, but twice in recent days. And without much finesse either time, for which I apologize.”
    Mariah set her cup away and leaned back in the chair to stare at him. “You act as though I received no pleasure from those encounters. I assure you, I did. A great deal, both times.”
    He smiled, almost in relief. “Good. I would hate to think I have left a poor impression.”
    Even though she wanted to smile at his teasing, she hesitated. They could flirt with each other about the pleasure of their coupling all day, but there was a deeper topic to be addressed and she shifted back to it.
    “I admit, while there was always an attraction between us, I had no idea you truly desired me. Until you…claimed me at Vivien’s party last week.”
    “And do you desire me, as well?” he pressed.
    She cocked her head. “You must be in jest asking that question. Clearly, I want you. In fact, there is no other—”
    She stopped. Was it wise to tell this man that thus far he was the only one she desired? That she could picture herself in no other man’s bed?
    Probably not.
    His eyes widened at her truncated statement, but he did not press her further.
    “Good,” he said slowly. “At least this madness affects us both.”
    She nodded. He had said madness twice and that was as good a way to put these feelings as any. It certainly seemed like madness when he touched her and she lost control like some untried virgin who had only just discovered pleasure and wanted to explore it in every way possible. When it was only the fact that Owen was gone, a fact that hurt them both so desperately, that gave them the power to pursue their desire.
    “But again, I ask you what to do about it?” she pressed as she got to her feet and paced the room restlessly. “We want each other, we have each admitted as much, but that does not solve my problem, nor does it make you want to take the role of protector for me.”
    He nodded. “I understand. But since you do not yet have a protector…and since my desire for you continues despite my vow never to have the same woman two times in a row…perhaps what we should share is an affair.”
    Mariah blinked. “An…affair?” she repeated slowly.
    “Yes. Something that is just for us, just for you.”
    He pushed to his feet and moved a step toward her. There was something almost desperate in his eyes as he stared at her. Like he needed this, just as she needed it.
    “Mariah, you will soon enter into a new relationship and I’m sure you will be well taken care of, but would you not like to also have a few weeks where you just experience pleasure ? I would give that to you. If you would allow me to do so.”
    Mariah shivered. John had proven himself a powerful lover already. She knew there was more waiting for her if she accepted his offer. And perhaps, in some small way, being with him would help her open the doors so that she would be ready for a new lover, a new protector.
    “I admit, it is tempting,” she said, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. “ You are tempting, though I’m certain you know that better than anyone.”
    His quick flash of a grin did not dissipate her feelings on the subject, but she pressed on.
    “But, John, you must understand, my current situation is quite dire. Yes, there is a small bit of money, but in six months I shall lose my home—” She stopped with a blush. “I shall lose the home Owen provided for me during our arrangement. I would very much like to be in a new situation before that happens. Before I must beg off the kindness of my friends. Before I become truly desperate. I cannot simply call off my search for a protector…even if we are sharing passion and pleasure.”
    For a moment, John hesitated.
    “I admit, I don’t like the idea that you would continue to seek out a lover even while coming to my bed,”