Sophie's Voice (Sex and the Season Book 4) by Helen Hardt Page B

able to resist the lure of that incredible feeling?
    Before she could think about how to refuse him, Zach’s lips came down on hers.
    And then she could no longer think about all the reasons not to kiss Zach. Because she wanted to kiss him. She wanted to explore so much more with this man. Was it wrong to want such things? Ally didn’t think so. And Sophie couldn’t think at all…
    The kiss was firm and drugging, eliminating all rational thought from Sophie’s mind. He nibbled around her lips, seeking entrance, and she granted it. He delved his tongue into her mouth, seeking hers. She met him, tangled tongues with him, kissing him with an urgency she had only begun to know.
    When he broke the kiss and they both took much-needed breaths, he looked into her eyes, burning an inferno straight into her soul.
    â€œSophie, why do you I want you so much?”
    She had no answer for him. She wanted him as well, and she knew not why. He certainly was no longer attempting to seduce her so she would take the role. She had already taken it. Did he want her to answer? After a few seconds passed, though, he crushed his mouth down to hers once again.
    They continued kissing with passion, their lips sliding over each other’s, their tongues swirling, their teeth nibbling. Closer, she wanted to be closer. She desperately wanted to tear off all of her clothing, and then his, and writhe with him on the Oriental rug covering his floor.
    Wherever were these thoughts coming from? They were not the thoughts of a lady of the peerage.
    She ripped her mouth away from his, stepped back, and looked straight into his piercing eyes. “I can’t do this.”
    He frowned. “I’m sorry. I thought… Well, never mind. I understand.”
    â€œIt’s just… I’m a lady. And you were just kissing…”
    Zach trailed a finger down her cheek to her chin, again tipping it so she met his gaze. “I’ve told you, that meant nothing to me.”
    Sophie gulped. “Yes, but that’s not really the point. This is all improper. This isn’t me, Mr. Newland—”
    â€œZach. Please.” His coffee-colored eyes burned two holes in her skin.
    Her lips trembled. “Z-Zach. You must believe me. I’m not a loose woman. I’m not like this.”
    â€œSweet Sophie, no one would ever mistake you for a loose woman. You are no doxy. You are as sophisticated a lady as exists.”
    â€œIf you believe that, why do you want me to…” The words clogged her throat.
    He smiled, his teeth like dazzling pearls. Sophie’s knees weakened.
    â€œMy dear, did you enjoy what happened yesterday?”
    Sophie shivered, her tummy fluttering. Surely he didn’t expect an answer. Besides, her response had proved she’d enjoyed it immensely.
    â€œYour blushing cheeks are lovely, my sweet,” Zach said, cupping them and rubbing his thumbs gently over them. “No need to be embarrassed. I enjoyed myself yesterday, more than I even expected to.”
    â€œWell, of course you enjoyed it,” Sophie said. “You’re a man.”
    Zach let out a chuckle. “Point taken. I see you know a little about men, then.”
    Only what Ally had taught her. She didn’t respond.
    â€œI don’t know when I’ve had quite as much enjoyment as I had with you yesterday, and I didn’t even release.” He grinned. “But you did.”
    Release? Another word for climax, maybe? A perfect word for the experience. She had been released from her shell, and she had soared, erupting in volcanic waves of pleasure, the sensation releasing every last shred of resistance, every last molecule of tension from her body.
    Release…
    Sophie melted. She had no strength left to resist this man. She knew better, but she wanted more of that freedom, that spontaneity, that…brazenness.
    That release .
    She turned her back to Zach, brushing the strands of curls that