Sensual Danger by Tina Folsom Page A

things. Why she’d taken it before her father had given all of her mother’s things away after her death, she wasn’t sure, because the garment was positively scandalous. She couldn’t imagine that a proper lady like her mother would have ever worn such a thing.
    Yet, she couldn’t resist the temptation to take it out, look at it, and wonder what she would look like wearing it. Would it even fit her? Feeling the silk between her fingers, a yearning came over her. Maybe she could simply try it on, only to see it for a moment. Afterwards, she’d slip into her virginal nightgown, the one that reached up to her neck and covered her completely.
    Oriana rid herself of her chemise and drawers and slipped the silken negligee over her head. To her surprise, it fit her perfectly, clinging to her aching breasts and hugging her bottom. A large slit ran all the way up her thigh, making it possible for her to take normal steps.
    She walked around the screen and looked into the mirror, seeing a woman there she’d never seen before. A woman who personified lust and passion. She felt different, more alive, more aware of her body. Wicked thoughts invaded her mind—of things that she couldn’t find words for. Things no decent woman should want. Her craving for those wicked things grew stronger with every second she watched herself in the mirror.
    What would Nico do if he found out about them?
    ***
    Nico closed the heavy door of his new home behind him and walked upstairs, treading quietly so as not to wake the whole house. The sun would rise in two hours, and he needed sleep if he wanted to face his wife tomorrow.
    He entered his bedchamber and threw his cloak onto a chair, then stepped out of his shoes. His jacket followed. When he opened the top button of his shirt, he cast a look at his empty bed. If only the beautiful Oriana were waiting in it for him. But that would never happen. He sighed and turned his head to the door that connected their rooms.
    Surprise made him stumble backwards: the door was open!
    Without conscious thought, he moved toward it until he could peer into Oriana’s bedchamber. His eyes instantly fell on the bed, but it was pristine and unused. Shock made him storm into the room. Had she left him?
    Frantically he gazed about the room, when he saw her lying on the settee in front of the fireplace. He almost didn’t believe what his eyes perceived: his wife wore a scandalously low cut negligee that not only made her bosom practically spill out, but the cut in the long skirt reached so high up her hip that he could get a glimpse of her bottom. Why was she sleeping on the settee? And why was she wearing such a revealing garment?
    His legs carried him to her, and he crouched down in front of her. Oriana’s hair was fanned out, her long chestnut tresses spilling over the couch. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her heady scent. Instantly, his cock stiffened and his hand palmed one breast.
    Underneath his touch, she stirred. Quickly, he removed his hand. He wouldn’t do anything against her will. He’d done enough damage already.
    “Nico?” her sleepy voice asked a moment before she opened her eyes.
    When their gazes met, she rose to a sitting position, her face flushing. As a result of her hasty movement, one strap of her negligee slid off her shoulder, making the fabric that covered her left breast slide down. It was caught by her nipple before it could slide down all the way.
    Nico’s eyes were drawn to it, and an involuntary groan escaped his throat.
    Oriana gasped in response and pulled back, quickly adjusting the strap.
    Her reaction confirmed that he was making the right choice: she didn’t want his attention, and sending her away was the only solution. Nico rose to his feet and looked down at her. Unfortunately this position gave him a perfect view of her plunging neckline. More blood shot into his cock—a cock that was now eyelevel with her. Could the situation possibly get any