Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance by Tammy Andresen

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    He returned the look. “Maybe. Some women are intimidated by that you know.”
    She gave him a look of mock surprise. “Intimidated by you?” Piper stood to greet him and he crossed the room. “I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”
    He moved until their bodies were just inches apart. His look was hungry and Piper nearly stepped back. “Perhaps you should be a little more afraid of me.”
    She straightened, “I suppose I am. At least what you could do to my reputation. That is why I am returning the dresses. A woman such as myself couldn’t be seen—”
    “Out in public, without gloves or hat, at a man’s house, unchaperoned?” He crossed his arms.
    She blushed deeply. “Point taken. I simply could not take such a generous gift. You have already given my mother so much.”
    “Piper, just take the dresses.” He uncrossed his arms and one hand reached to cup her cheek.
    “To what end?” She would not let him break her concentration. She was angry with him and she would do well to remember it. Why did she lose all of her senses around him?
    A seductive smile flitted across his lips. “Are you asking me if I want you to be in my bed? The answer is most definitely yes.”
    Piper gasped. At that moment she went to step away but his other hand came to her waist and held her firm. She pulled harder, wanting to put some space between them. She should be outraged by his words but his proximity only filled her with longing. She would never become a man’s mistress but it was hard to be indignant with his clean masculine scent wrapping itself around her.
    “Do I expect it in payment for the dresses? No, I do not. If you ever wanted to, of your own free will, then that is another matter.” His lips bent towards her and she turned her head away. They brushed her collarbone instead. Chills ran down her spine but she kept her body stiffened away from him.
    “I would never.” She breathed out and her hands came to his chest to push him away. It was like trying to move a brick wall. He didn’t even budge
    “I know. Which is why I will help you find a proper husband because it’s what is best for you.” He pulled her body closer despite her attempts to push him away. She pushed harder. The only thing worse than being his mistress was having him pick another man to be her husband. It was utterly ridiculous. Why would he do that?
    “You would help me marry someone else?” her voice was raspy but it held her disappointment as his lips travelled from her collarbone to her neck. In some small part of her mind, Piper had hoped her mother was right and he would marry her, despite the fact she wasn’t titled. “Barrett. Please, I can’t do this…” But his mouth moving against her skin was addling her brain. She couldn’t think anymore and her resistance was weakening.
    “Shhh, love.” His hand travelled up her ribcage, just grazing her breast. She gasped at the sensation but his hand continued upward to rest on the exposed skin of her collar bone. His fingers traced patterns on the skin as his lips feathered kisses on her cheek.
    “Stop.” It came out in a breathy plea. His lips reached the corner of her mouth and hers parted without meaning to. She felt him smile against her. “Piper. My beautiful, fiery Piper. So proper and yet so reckless. How can that be?”
    His lips came down on hers and she sighed into them. It felt so good to have his lips pressed against her own. Warm and soft, it was both comforting and exciting. He raised his mouth and then lowered it again. His lips pressed harder. He broke contact again for a split second and then his mouth came down more insistently. He pushed her lips apart and his tongue gently probed hers. Fire shot through her, right down to her core. She moaned softly and Barrett gathered her closer.
    Her hands travelled up his chest, around his neck, and into his hair. She wound her finger in it and then pulled him closer as his tongue probed deeper.
    While his tongue