Sarah's Surrender (Novella) by Lavinia Kent

leave him. How dare she?
    The thought played over and over in his mind.
    The longer he sat the greater his ire grew. He couldn’t quite define her betrayal, but it ate at him.
    What right did she have to be so peaceful as she slumbered on, the heat of the fire warming her naked flesh?
    And what of this other man, this Meyers? Jonathan doubted he knew his soon-to-be fiancée was sating her passions somewhere else. Had Sarah given any thought to him, to the promises she was about to make?
    Blast! He stood and began to pace about the room, refastening the clothes he still wore.
    The very thought of Sarah and another man was distasteful—and yet, if she did follow through with her plan she would belong to someone else.
    Perhaps he would go and tell Meyers what had happened here this evening. Sarah thought she was safe, that her folly could not follow her. He would show her different, he would leave her begging in the streets.
    No.
    That was only his anger speaking. He could never do that. He could not do that to any woman and certainly not to Sarah.
    Why was he still feeling protective of her? She’d certainly done nothing to deserve it, and yet…He paused his pacing and stared down at her. He could never hurt her.
    But the anger was still there and must be dealt with. He thought about leaving, letting her wake to find herself alone. It would give her a good fright, but not much more than that. Ruby would take care of her, arrange the unmarked carriage to take her home, make sure that her gown was laced—that is, unless Sarah reacted badly and went screaming down the corridors. That would not end well.
    He almost laughed. Sarah would never react in such a fashion. The idea was almost silly. Sarah would face down a lioness, or at least a swarm of bees, with coolness and calm. She’d simply jump in the nearest pond, but do it with a smile. No, Sarah would not disgrace herself.
    He let his gaze linger on the tiny toes, the long slender calves, full dimpled thighs curled to protect those spots he’d investigated so thoroughly. He paused there, his mind filled with pictures of how juicy she’d been. He should have eaten her like a ripe peach while he had the chance.
    He still had the chance. They had the rest of the night. There was no reason he shouldn’t indulge his passions just because she’d revealed the truth.
    His cock began to swell.
    He let his eyes wander up her rounded hips, pictured taking her from behind, his fingers digging into that white flesh. He moved on to her full breasts, the tips still red and swollen. They begged for his touch. Slender shoulders and long neck, slightly pointed chin. And those lips. God, he could remember fantasizing about those lips before he’d even truly understood what he was fantasizing about.
    He certainly knew now.
    It took seconds to completely shed his clothing. Even his boots, which often required assistance, pulled loose with ease.
    Seated or standing?
    Looking about the room, he spotted a small footstool. If Sarah knelt on that she’d be the perfect height.
    He smiled to himself, not kindly, and walked across to her.

Chapter 7
    She was so deliciously warm and relaxed. It had been years since she felt this good, assuming she’d ever felt this good. She wasn’t quite sure. The fire was warm on her skin, the rug soft beneath her cheek.
    When something brushed her shoulder, she tried to shrug it off. She didn’t want to think, didn’t want to face the real world. This was her magical night, and if she wanted to lie by the fire and dream of nothing at all that is exactly what she would do.
    The stroke came again.
    Grumbling, she opened her eyes and peered up.
    Jonathan.
    And he was naked.
    That got her attention. Opening her eyes wider, she stared up at him.
    “You don’t want to sleep the night away, do you? I thought you’d be more eager to explore all the possibilities, my dear.”
    She repeated his words in her mind. She was eager, but she was so contented, so happy