Lady Northam's Wicked Surrender by Vivienne Westlake Page A

on his earlobe. A whimper escaped her.
    “I could take you.”
    “Please. I want you to.”
    His finger slid from her folds and she sighed. He pulled slightly back.
    “What are you doing in my bed?” he asked.
    She hoped he would not press her to leave. Rowena wanted him to keep touching her. Waiting in his bed had built up her anticipation and her desire. However, she owed him an explanation.
    ****
    Simon waited for her to respond. What on earth had brought her to his room at this late hour? Surely she did not think she could seduce him so easily and he would forget about everything.
    Still, he had to admit that finding her in his bed was beyond arousing. It was hard to stay focused on his anger when she was spread open for him, dripping with honey and begging for him to take her. Even so, he needed to be sure that she would not run away again or give in to doubt the first time someone spoke ill of him.
     “I came to talk with you,” she replied.
    He gave her a pointed look. “And talking involves nakedness?”
    A blush crept up her cheeks. “You would not speak with me after dinner.”
    “So naturally you undressed and draped yourself across my bed.” He was teasing, though she did not seem to realize it.
    “Simon, you said that I did not trust you. I—” She put her face in her hands, covering her reddened cheeks. “I, uh, I thought that if I came here and offered myself to you, you would realize that I did not mean what I said earlier. I never thought you would ravish and abuse me in your sister’s house.”
    Oh, he’d fully intended to take her this morning. Just with her permission. He was honorable, but even a gentleman would have a hard time saying no to the passionate advances of a woman like Rowena.
    Yet passion wasn’t all he wanted from her. He needed to be sure that she loved him and wanted a future with him. As much as he wanted to bury himself inside of her, Simon needed to be sure that the past could finally be overcome.
    “I appreciate you saying that. But understand that my feelings are not a toy. Do not come here to tease me and seduce me to your whim. I will not accept such behavior.”
    “I am here because I want to be here with you. I will not run off tomorrow as if it never happened. Nor will I accuse you of ravishment.”
    “You want me to pleasure you.” He touched the side of her face, let his fingers trace over a soft curl hanging down.
    “Yes,” she said. “I want to know what it is to have you inside me.”
    The words spurred his cock to jump. He was already hard and ready for her.
    Cupping her jaw with both hands, he kissed her and stared into her eyes.
    “If I take you now,” he said, “I am not going to let you go.”
    She trembled in response. He meant every word. If they consummated their feelings, it meant that she was ready to commit to their relationship no matter what. He would accept nothing less.
    “This is not a night’s pleasure for me. If you want me to make love to you, then it has to mean more than just tonight.”
    She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him against her and rested her head against his chest and shoulder. Again her soft honey scent teased his senses.
    “I have always wanted to be with you, Simon.”
    He wanted to believe her. Could she truly love him? Perhaps he needed to give her another chance.
    “You need to be sure.”
    A tear welled in her eye. “Simon, I was wrong.” She lowered her head and pressed her forehead to his chest. “I thought so ill of you before. I let Paul manipulate my insecurities and prey upon my vulnerability. And, silly me, I trusted that my brother would actually care more for my happiness than his political ambitions.”
    He wiped her eyes, then kissed her lips gently.
    She continued, “I put my faith in the wrong people when I should have kept my faith in you. I am sorry. I am so very sorry.”
    Simon embraced her. He breathed in her hair and kissed her head.
    “I realized today that I betrayed you,