Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) by Mariel Grey Page A

the fence which
surrounded the meadow, her mind clearing once she was out of close
proximity to him. The canopy of a large oak tree shaded the spot
where she stood and Lucy leaned against its strong trunk.
    With some space between them, she could
breathe again. Her heart rate slowed to a normal pace. She pivoted
toward Chalifour and found his piercing blue eyes boring into her.
Her breath hitched again. What was wrong with her?
    Chalifour’s eyes sapped her will and rendered
her immobile. He walked slowly toward her with all the sinuous
grace of a large feline. All of Lucy’s senses flared with danger
signals. She stood rooted, unable to move, or to think. Chalifour
reached her and stood silently, looking down at her with such
intensity Lucy could barely stand it.
    Lucy started to turn away when Chalifour bent
his head over hers and captured her lips with his warm mouth. He
spread his arms around her neck and waist and pulled her hard
against his long, lean body in a strong embrace. Lucy gasped as
Chalifour’s probing lips demanded hers part.
    Chalifour’s tongue began to caress her lips
lightly and he sucked gently on the bow of her upper lips before
returning to his demanding assault on her mouth. His hands kneaded
her lower back and neck and she found herself sliding her arms up
and around his neck.
    Lucy had never experienced the sensations
that tore through her being. Her chest heaved and she found herself
pressing her body hard against his huge frame. Chalifour possessed
her mouth for what seemed to be infinity. He finally released her
and Lucy stumbled backwards. Chalifour caught her in his large
hands and prevented her from falling.
    Chalifour's eyes smoldered with desire. Lucy
sensed danger and stepped away from his reach. Breathing deeply,
she turned away from him and tried to compose herself. Lucy ran her
fingers through the tangles of her hair, which now hung loose and
wild after their gallop.
    After a moment, Lucy glanced over at
Chalifour. He was watching the horses lazing about the meadow, his
broad back turned to her, feet planted firmly in a wide stance with
his hands clasped behind him. He was such a fine figure of a
man.
    Lucy was at a loss as to how she should
behave or react. Not knowing what else to do, she quietly said, "I
think we should return to the stables now."
    Seemingly unaffected by what had just
happened, Chalifour said, "I agree. It's time we return. I will be
continuing on to my estate, unless, of course, your brother is
available?"
     
     
****
     
     
    They returned the horses to the stables and
continued on to the house in almost total silence. Lucy's thoughts
were tumbling over each other. Catching sight of Monique reading in
the salon, a wave of relief washed over Lucy. She could not imagine
trying to make polite conversation with Chalifour right now.
    "Lady Monique! What a pleasant surprise to
find you here. It's been some time since I saw you last, or your
brother for that matter. And how is your brother?"
    "Quite well, thank you for asking. How is
your sister, Lady Elizabeth?"
    "She's as troublesome as ever. That never
seems to change!"
    "So, who won?" Monique asked.
    At the blank looks on Lucy and Chalifour's
faces, Monique laughed, "Come! Come! Your hair is a mess, your
cheeks are flushed, you've obviously been out for a ride. Knowing
you both, I'm sure your ride turned into a race. So, who won?"
    "It was a tie," Chalifour said. He looked at
Lucy. "She rides well. I'm not sure I've seen another woman sit
quite so well. It was rather enjoyable." He glanced at Lucy
again.
    "I see. It's true, Lucy is a phenomenal
rider. The only person I know who can best her is her brother."
    Chalifour looked directly at Lucy. "Yes, I'm
looking forward to riding with her again."
    Flustered, Lucy tried to change the subject,
"I'm sure you would all enjoy some tea. Is anyone hungry?"
    Chalifour continued to stare at Lucy with his
impenetrable gaze, "Yes, I find I'm extremely hungry for