A Bluestocking Christmas by Monica Burns

him smile.  
    “I would have to disagree.” He narrowed his gaze at her as he watched her heartbeat flutter erratically on the side of her neck. His hand itched to brush his fingers over the spot. He smiled at her in a congenial manner, his hands fisted behind his back.
      “You can disagree all you like, but I see no reason why we should become better acquainted as our paths are not likely to cross in the near future.” She sniffed with indignation and glared at him as if she could burn him at the stake.  
    “Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong, Ivy. I intend to see you quite a bit. In fact, I even plan on taking you to the library gala this Saturday.”
    “ Me. To the fundraiser?” She snapped. “What on earth makes you think I would go anywhere with you?”
    Biting back a laugh, he closed the distance between them. Ivy didn’t retreat, but the tension between them went up several notches as he drank in her tart scent. Every inch of him hardened as he ached to pull her close and taste her mouth. The image of him slowly undressing her made his mouth go dry. Christ Jesus, he’d drive himself insane with want if he continued to let his imagination run away like this. He swallowed hard.
      “Because I have something you want.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly against her ear. Fire singed his mouth as he fought not to pull her into his arms at that very moment. He nibbled at her earlobe with his lips. Her soft gasp made his cock stiffen, and he nipped at her ear in a playful manner.
    “Has anyone ever told you how lovely your ears are?”  
    His words caused her to jump away from him, and his groin started to ache at the look on her face. Ivy’s lips parted slightly as her breaths came in short, frantic gasps. Her beautiful eyes were wide with panic, and there was awareness shimmering in her gaze that told him her panic wasn’t because she was afraid of him.  
    Her fear was that of a woman coming to grips with her desire for something she hadn’t realized she’d wanted until this moment. It was the most enticing, seductive look he’d ever seen. Again, his cock stirred in his trousers. As he studied her face, he saw her regroup and a haughty expression settled on her face.
      “I can’t think of anything you have that I might possibly want, my lord.” At her cold tone, he quirked an eyebrow and smiled with a sense of pleased satisfaction.  
    “Not even the Voltaire papers?” His blithe statement made her stare at him in disbelief.
    “I don’t believe you,” she exclaimed when she recovered her equilibrium a moment later. “An anonymous buyer bought the papers at a private auction several years ago.”
    “Yes, they were, and they cost me a king’s ransom too.”
    “I doubt you even know what the Voltaire papers are let alone being able to determine whether or not they’re the originals,” she said in derisive tone which smarted almost as badly as her glare of disbelief. “They’re most likely forgeries.”
    “You underestimate me, Ivy,” he said stiffly. It was the first time his knowledge had been questioned by anyone, and he didn’t like the sensation. “The papers are quite genuine and written in the man’s own hand. France has never seen such a writer or satirist, than Voltaire, and I think it’s time others share in my bounty.”
    “If I were to believe you— if, mind you—what do the Voltaire Papers have to do with me?”
    “I’ll agree to give the London Library the papers, providing you agree to let me escort you to the library’s social function this weekend.”
    “You can’t be serious,” she gasped as she stared at him obvious horror.
    “Oh, I’m quite serious.” He said with a satisfied smile. “I admit, it’s unusual for me to resort to bribery to obtain the pleasure of a lady’s company, but I’m certain it will be a worthy sacrifice.”
    “But why? Why would you do such a thing?” Completely befuddled, her lips moved as if she wanted