Legendary Lover by Susan Johnson Page B

skin.
    "You're much too smug." The throbbing between her legs had settled into an undeniable, hard, steady rhythm.
    "But ready to fuck you again."
    "That's your specialty, isn't it?"
    "Yes," he softly said, holding out his hand. "Let me show you my bed."
    She hesitated, piqued by his shameless assurance.
    "You can chastise me later," he gently noted. "Right now, I'll make you come."
    "Or I'll make you come," she insolently offered.
    "Better yet."
    Turning, she walked into the bedroom as if she were Queen of the Nile and he followed, charmed by her feisty challenge, intoxicated by her sexual need, looking forward-to the tempestuous and mutual heat of their passion.
    "I want to know something—and don't lie to me, because it doesn't matter that much." She was standing against the heavy footboard of the oak bed, grasping the carved center roundel.
    "You're the first woman I've brought here."

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    "That's much too glib. 1 haven't asked you yet."
    "I could tell by the fire in your eyes. And it's not glib, it's the truth. Ned's been here fishing with me, but no one else. Now don't be angry with me. I adore the thought of having you in my bed."
    She softly sighed, her grip on the footboard relaxing. "I dislike this inexplicable need."
    "As do I, but—" he shrugged "—what's the point?"
    "You make me feel insatiable. It's disturbing to my peace of mind."
    "We'll be insatiable together. I share the feeling—for the first time as well. Better?" he softly said, moving toward her. "Knowing you're not alone in this insanity?"
    "Much better," she whispered, feeling the heat of his body against hers, circling her arms around his waist. "I've always been able to walk away."
    "You're speaking to a master on that subject, but don't worry, we'll explore this fantastical outre-mer together."
    "And we've never actually made love on a bed," she playfully noted, consoled that he was as equivocal as she.
    "Reason enough to test this one out."
    He undressed her while she stood docile under his hands, returning his playful kisses, smiling at his teasing, delighted to be sharing her afternoon with him. She lounged on the bed while he discarded his clothing; a young lady of wealth and fashion, she didn't think to help him.
    He took note of her indolence and thought how suited she was to the sumptuous leisure of carnal play. In a way, her self-indulgence matched his, her earthy acceptance of passion as generous and open , her desires as

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    greedy . They fit in temper and disposition, he thought, unclasping his belt, and rather than being unnerved by the prospect, he found it agreeable.
    The lady's disinterest in marriage, no doubt, assuaged his habitual caution. He didn't allow himself to consider the more startling assumption that perhaps they indeed suited.
    "This bed is deliciously soft," Venus said, stretching languidly. "I may just stay here until we leave."
    "Sounds good to me."
    How dark his skin was, she thought, as he stood before her, half nude. How pleasing he was to the eye. "You'll have to wait on me, then."
    He looked up from unbuttoning his trousers. "I might be persuaded."
    "Although you did promise me fishing."
    "And swimming." He stripped off his trousers. "I'll carry you to the river. It's quiet in the evening. You won't have to dress until we return to London."
    " Mmmm ... To be waited on and serviced by a man of your . . . charming proportions. I feel like a sultan's favorite."
    "You're definitely mine. I should thank Peggy . . . for her insight."
    "As should I. I was sure I despised you."
    "I almost walked away when I saw you in the garden."
    "And now we're here."
    "In hot rut, if you'll forgive my plain speaking."
    "I prefer plain speaking. The way I prefer your cock to everything at the moment. I'm completely in thrall to licentious feeling. I want you now and in five minutes

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    and then again in a few moments more. How tiresome it must be to always hear that from women."
    He walked to the bed. "But never tiresome from