---
title: "41 Gaze Quotes By Stephanie Laurens"
description: "41 Gaze quotes by Stephanie Laurens. Plus more from Stephanie Laurens and more Gaze sayings from other authors."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d93/stephanie-laurens-4465_fate_just-because-fate-had-shown-him-the-wate_2653619.png"
---

> [“Just because fate had shown him the water, didn't mean he had to drink. Of course, before he shook the gravel of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/just-because-fate-had-shown-him-the-water-didn-t-mean-he-had-to-drink/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d93/stephanie-laurens-4465_fate_just-because-fate-had-shown-him-the-wate_2653619.png)

> [“Vane watched her reaction from under heavy lids, watched flaring passion light her eyes. Sparks of pure gold flashed in the hazel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/vane-watched-her-reaction-from-under-heavy-lids-watched-flaring/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/589/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_vane-watched-her-reaction-from-under-hea_1703107.png)

> [“You also," he said, lowering his voice, "haven't yet thanked me for saving you from sitting in the flower bed." She didn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/you-also-he-said-lowering-his-voice-haven-t-yet-thanked-me-for-saving/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4f5/stephanie-laurens-4465_conquerers_you-also-he-said-lowering-his-voice-have_128034.jpg)

> [“I apologize." "For what, exactly?" One long look into his grey eyes told Patience she was not going to escape lightly. She…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/i-apologize-for-what-exactly-one-long-look-into-his-grey-eyes-told/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/58e/stephanie-laurens-4465_apologize_i-apologize-for-what-exactly-one-long-lo_2697975.jpg)

> [“That's obviously my cue to depart." Patience grinned. "Coward," she whispered, as he passed her chair. A heartbeat later, he'd swung about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/that-s-obviously-my-cue-to-depart-patience-grinned-coward-she/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50c/stephanie-laurens-4465_caress_that-s-obviously-my-cue-to-depart-patien_428949.png)

> [“So," he murmured, his tone deep, "nothing of any moment happened here." Her gaze transfixed by the long strip of linen, Patience…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/so-he-murmured-his-tone-deep-nothing-of-any-moment-happened-here-her/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/61f/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_so-he-murmured-his-tone-deep-nothing-of_51345.jpg)

> [“Come on-I'll see you back to your room and the estimable Martha." She put her hand in his and let him draw…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/come-on-i-ll-see-you-back-to-your-room-and-the-estimable-martha-she/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f0/stephanie-laurens-4465_darker-side_come-on-i-ll-see-you-back-to-your-room-a_1435070.png)

> [“Patience snuggled closer to the warm wall of his chest. He adjusted his hold; his hands slid about her waist, beneath her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/patience-snuggled-closer-to-the-warm-wall-of-his-chest-he-adjusted/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/152/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_patience-snuggled-closer-to-the-warm-wal_2489553.png)

> [“Distant voices reached him; inwardly, he sighed, and reluctantly brought the kiss to an end. He raised his head. Patience's eyes slowly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/distant-voices-reached-him-inwardly-he-sighed-and-reluctantly-brought/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b6f/stephanie-laurens-4465_curious_distant-voices-reached-him-inwardly-he-s_1781760.jpg)

> [“These look rather exotic." Behind her, Vane studied the way her gown had pulled tight over the curves of her bottom- and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/these-look-rather-exotic-behind-her-vane-studied-the-way-her-gown-had/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df1/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_these-look-rather-exotic-behind-her-vane_3043360.png)

> [“So how are the wedding plans progressing?" Richard asked, once they were out of the village. "They aren't." Breckenridge heard his clipped…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/so-how-are-the-wedding-plans-progressing-richard-asked-once-they-were/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f5e/stephanie-laurens-4465_end-result_so-how-are-the-wedding-plans-progressing_33013.png)

> [“She stepped toward the gap; one slipper slid on crumbling masonry. Stifling a gasp, Patience leapt forward onto the corridor flags. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/she-stepped-toward-the-gap-one-slipper-slid-on-crumbling-masonry/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/945/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_she-stepped-toward-the-gap-one-slipper-s_2248320.png)

> [“Vane held the reins of his desire in a grip of iron and refused to let his demons loose. Deep, primal instincts…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/vane-held-the-reins-of-his-desire-in-a-grip-of-iron-and-refused-to/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/aaf/stephanie-laurens-4465_caresses_vane-held-the-reins-of-his-desire-in-a-g_2218748.png)

> [“If I'd made it to the back parlor, I'd have been safe." Straightening, Vane met her gaze. "Safe from what? There's a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/if-i-d-made-it-to-the-back-parlor-i-d-have-been-safe-straightening/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5fa/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_if-i-d-made-it-to-the-back-parlor-i-d-ha_840106.png)

> [“That's something for me to consider. So what else can you tempt me with?" Breckenridge hid a wry smile; he'd guessed that,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/that-s-something-for-me-to-consider-so-what-else-can-you-tempt-me/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d63/stephanie-laurens-4465_children_that-s-something-for-me-to-consider-so-w_2310670.png)

> [“Why did you stay?" He stilled; again, Patience felt the net draw tight, felt paralysis set in as his predator's senses focused…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/why-did-you-stay-he-stilled-again-patience-felt-the-net-draw-tight/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d83/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_why-did-you-stay-he-stilled-again-patien_58652.jpg)

> [“I've grown sick of the upstairs parlor." The parlor he'd arranged for her. "I'm bored there." Vane glanced at her as he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/i-ve-grown-sick-of-the-upstairs-parlor-the-parlor-he-d-arranged-for/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f2/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_i-ve-grown-sick-of-the-upstairs-parlor-t_1321139.png)

> [“She woke to find dawn light, pearly silver tinged with pink, washing into the room. For a moment, she wondered what had…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/she-woke-to-find-dawn-light-pearly-silver-tinged-with-pink-washing/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d11/stephanie-laurens-4465_better-day_she-woke-to-find-dawn-light-pearly-silve_2314322.jpg)

> [“Perhaps..." Resuming his rake's persona, investing every movement with languid grace, he shifted forward, closer. Held her gaze. "You could teach me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/perhaps-resuming-his-rake-s-persona-investing-every-movement-with/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/093/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_perhaps-resuming-his-rake-s-persona-inve_1680700.jpg)

> [“So what, then"-his voice deepened, softened, the suave tones sliding over her skin-"will it take to convince you that you should-indeed, ought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/so-what-then-his-voice-deepened-softened-the-suave-tones-sliding-over/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1e2/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_so-what-then-his-voice-deepened-softened_2112959.png)

> [“Hauling in a quick breath, she held it, stretched upward, shut her eyes, and fleetingly touched her lips to his. They were…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/hauling-in-a-quick-breath-she-held-it-stretched-upward-shut-her-eyes/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/639/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_hauling-in-a-quick-breath-she-held-it-st_586654.jpg)

> [“He collapsed half on top of her, too wrung out to move, his lungs working like bellows, his heart thundering, pounding. Gradually,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/he-collapsed-half-on-top-of-her-too-wrung-out-to-move-his-lungs/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/85c/stephanie-laurens-4465_first-time_he-collapsed-half-on-top-of-her-too-wrun_973767.jpg)

> [“You're rather good at this, aren't you?" And she didn't just mean his reading of Gerrard. Vane's grin converted to a rakish…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/you-re-rather-good-at-this-aren-t-you-and-she-didn-t-just-mean-his/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/88d/stephanie-laurens-4465_caress_you-re-rather-good-at-this-aren-t-you-an_1946420.jpg)

> [“Gasping desperately, she clenched her hands on his shoulders, fingers sinking deep. His lips firmed, he suckled gently- Patience felt the earth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/gasping-desperately-she-clenched-her-hands-on-his-shoulders-fingers/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cd/stephanie-laurens-4465_desire_gasping-desperately-she-clenched-her-han_1981286.jpg)

> [“They'd followed him up and had seen him open the door of a room not far from the head of the stairs.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/they-d-followed-him-up-and-had-seen-him-open-the-door-of-a-room-not/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/516/stephanie-laurens-4465_around-the-corner_they-d-followed-him-up-and-had-seen-him_998275.jpg)

> [“She stared at him, at his face. Simply stared as the scales fell from her eyes. "Oh, my God," she whispered, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/she-stared-at-him-at-his-face-simply-stared-as-the-scales-fell-from/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cae/stephanie-laurens-4465_embraced_she-stared-at-him-at-his-face-simply-sta_2082129.jpg)

> [“She’d been expecting him to do so and had planned her revenge. She tipped forward as he lifted her; the shift in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/she-d-been-expecting-him-to-do-so-and-had-planned-her-revenge-she/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ce5/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_she-d-been-expecting-him-to-do-so-and-ha_65574.jpg)

> [“Do you ride?" The question was out of his mouth before he'd thought. She glanced at him, surprised by the comment coming…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/do-you-ride-the-question-was-out-of-his-mouth-before-he-d-thought-she/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/368/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_do-you-ride-the-question-was-out-of-his_191673.jpg)

> [“I've been meaning to ask," Breckenridge said, "jus how you came to topple backward off that rail." He looked at her. "What…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/i-ve-been-meaning-to-ask-breckenridge-said-jus-how-you-came-to-topple/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ad/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_i-ve-been-meaning-to-ask-breckenridge-sa_98098.png)

> [“Deciding that at the moment it behooved her to, as Wiry had put it, behave, Heather inclined her head, first to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/deciding-that-at-the-moment-it-behooved-her-to-as-wiry-had-put-it/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/25a/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_deciding-that-at-the-moment-it-behooved_2221364.png)

> [“And every mile we go further from London makes the notion of ransom even more unlikely. So we're still no closer to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/and-every-mile-we-go-further-from-london-makes-the-notion-of-ransom/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f19/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_and-every-mile-we-go-further-from-london_1379018.png)

> [“That kiss was a revelation- Patience had never imagined a simple kiss could be so bold, so heavily invested with meaning. His…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/that-kiss-was-a-revelation-patience-had-never-imagined-a-simple-kiss/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c90/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_that-kiss-was-a-revelation-patience-had_1321707.jpg)

> [“He'd drawn her as close as propriety allowed; her green skirts swished against his boots. She was all woman, soft and curvaceous,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/he-d-drawn-her-as-close-as-propriety-allowed-her-green-skirts-swished/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1c1/stephanie-laurens-4465_attraction_he-d-drawn-her-as-close-as-propriety-all_651339.jpg)

> [“One question I feel compelled to ask; Before they agreed to marry, did all the Cynster females behave as irrationally as Heather…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/one-question-i-feel-compelled-to-ask-before-they-agreed-to-marry-did/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c1/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_one-question-i-feel-compelled-to-ask-bef_2293929.jpg)

> [“I'm pleased-very pleased-that you've finally made your choice. It's about time you came to your senses." He arched a brow. "Even if…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/i-m-pleased-very-pleased-that-you-ve-finally-made-your-choice-it-s/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a27/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_i-m-pleased-very-pleased-that-you-ve-fin_2623645.jpg)

> [“Beyond his volition, Vane's gaze lowered to her lips, to the soft rose-tinted curves he now knew so well. Their shape was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/beyond-his-volition-vane-s-gaze-lowered-to-her-lips-to-the-soft-rose/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/888/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_beyond-his-volition-vane-s-gaze-lowered_913913.jpg)

> [“I'd expected," Martha continued, "to have to deal with hysterics-bouts of weeping and pleading at the very least." "Yes,well..." Heather pulled an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/i-d-expected-martha-continued-to-have-to-deal-with-hysterics-bouts-of/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9d8/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_i-d-expected-martha-continued-to-have-to_2356120.jpg)

> [“Vane met her wide gaze, and managed not to smile wolfishly- no need to frighten the prey. The view he now had-…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/vane-met-her-wide-gaze-and-managed-not-to-smile-wolfishly-no-need-to/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/593/stephanie-laurens-4465_enticing_vane-met-her-wide-gaze-and-managed-not-t_1379249.jpg)

> [“Indeed." The word, uttered softly, reached her as she halted before the side door; Patience felt a cool tingle slither down her…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/indeed-the-word-uttered-softly-reached-her-as-she-halted-before-the/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5ca/stephanie-laurens-4465_gaze_indeed-the-word-uttered-softly-reached-h_2244078.png)

> [“Patience's breath caught. Her lids fell. Wordlessly, she lifted her face, offering her lips. He took them, took her- as their lips…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/patience-s-breath-caught-her-lids-fell-wordlessly-she-lifted-her-face/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

[Image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c9b/stephanie-laurens-4465_arousal_patience-s-breath-caught-her-lids-fell-w_388186.png)

## Other authors on Gaze

## More by Stephanie Laurens

> [“I assume 'elegant gentlemen,' such as you, learn such useful skills very early in life." "Actually, no." Straight-faced, Vane reached for her pins. "Us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/i-assume-elegant-gentlemen-such-as-you-learn-such-useful-skills-very/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“Assault!" he croaked. "The battery might yet follow." The warning- entirely unnecessary from Patience's perspective- came from Vane. One look at his face, as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/assault-he-croaked-the-battery-might-yet-follow-the-warning-entirely/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“then her ladyship, overwhelming in bronze bombazine, regally glided away. Cedric smiled”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/then-her-ladyship-overwhelming-in-bronze-bombazine-regally-glided/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“So how are the wedding plans progressing?" Richard asked, once they were out of the village. "They aren't." Breckenridge heard his clipped tones, heard…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/so-how-are-the-wedding-plans-progressing-richard-asked-once-they-were/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“So," he murmured, his tone deep, "nothing of any moment happened here." Her gaze transfixed by the long strip of linen, Patience tried to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/so-he-murmured-his-tone-deep-nothing-of-any-moment-happened-here-her/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“Why did you stay?" He stilled; again, Patience felt the net draw tight, felt paralysis set in as his predator's senses focused on her.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/why-did-you-stay-he-stilled-again-patience-felt-the-net-draw-tight/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“She’d been expecting him to do so and had planned her revenge. She tipped forward as he lifted her; the shift in her weight…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/she-d-been-expecting-him-to-do-so-and-had-planned-her-revenge-she/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“Delicate, hauntingly uncertain music floated out of the house. Vane heard it as he walked up from the stables. The lilting strains reached him,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/delicate-hauntingly-uncertain-music-floated-out-of-the-house-vane/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“I've been meaning to ask," Breckenridge said, "jus how you came to topple backward off that rail." He looked at her. "What with one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/i-ve-been-meaning-to-ask-breckenridge-said-jus-how-you-came-to-topple/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“You also," he said, lowering his voice, "haven't yet thanked me for saving you from sitting in the flower bed." She didn't even look…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/you-also-he-said-lowering-his-voice-haven-t-yet-thanked-me-for-saving/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“That woman who was her true self saw Lord Sebastian Cynster, Marquess of Earith, as, quite simply, hers.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/that-woman-who-was-her-true-self-saw-lord-sebastian-cynster-marquess/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“Do you ride?" The question was out of his mouth before he'd thought. She glanced at him, surprised by the comment coming out of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/do-you-ride-the-question-was-out-of-his-mouth-before-he-d-thought-she/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“Holding her breath, she stepped out, heading for the better-illuminated section of the room. Hard hands closed about her upper arms. She started-very nearly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/holding-her-breath-she-stepped-out-heading-for-the-better-illuminated/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [My heart only ever had one thought, one want. One need. Despite all, in spite of all...All my heart has ever wanted is you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/my-heart-only-ever-had-one-thought-one-want-one-need-despite-all-in/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

> [“And remembered—all he'd nearly forgotten, all her wild responses had driven from his mind. This was one seduction he had to, needed to, manage…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-laurens/and-remembered-all-he-d-nearly-forgotten-all-her-wild-responses-had/)

[Stephanie Laurens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-laurens/)

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                        "text": "“Just because fate had shown him the water, didn't mean he had to drink. Of course, before he shook the gravel of the Bellamy Hall drive from his boots, he'd deal with Patience Debbington, too. A salutary jolt or three should do it- just enough to let her know that he knew that her icy disapproval was, to him, a transparent facade. He was, of course, too wise to take things further. Glancing at his prey, Vane noted her clear complexion, soft, delicate, tinged with gentle color. As he watched, she swallowed a mouthful of trifle, then sent her tongue gliding over her lower lip, leaving the soft pink sheening.”",
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                        "text": "“Vane watched her reaction from under heavy lids, watched flaring passion light her eyes. Sparks of pure gold flashed in the hazel depths as he gently kneaded, then sent his fingers gliding over her silken skin. He knew he should kiss her, distract her, from what came next- but the compulsion to witness, to know her reaction as she learned what he would do, as he filled his senses with her, waxed strong.”",
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                        "text": "“You also,\" he said, lowering his voice, \"haven't yet thanked me for saving you from sitting in the flower bed.\" She didn't even look up. \"It was entirely your fault that I nearly did. If you hadn't sneaked up on me, I wouldn't have been in any danger of landing in the weeds.\" She glanced briefly at him, a touch of color in her cheeks. \"A gentleman would have coughed or something.\" Vane trapped her gaze, and smiled—a slow, Cynster smile. \"Ah,\" he murmured, his voice very low. He shifted fractionally closer. \"But, you see, I'm not a gentleman. I'm a Cynster.\" As if letting her into some secret, he gently informed her: \"We're conquerors—not gentlemen.”",
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                        "text": "“I apologize.\" \"For what, exactly?\" One long look into his grey eyes told Patience she was not going to escape lightly. She narrowed her eyes anew. \"For casting unjustified aspersions on your character.\" She could see him considering, matching that against her unwise words. Rapidly, she did the same. \"And your motives,\" she grudgingly added. Then she thought again. And frowned. \"At least, some of them.\" His lips twitched. \"Definitely only some of them.\" His voice had regained its purr; a shivery sensation slid down Patience's spine. \"Just to be clear, I take it you rescind absolutely all your *unjustified* claims?\" He was teasing her; the light in his eyes was definitely untrustworthy. \"Unreservedly,\" Patience snapped. \"There! Now what more can you want?\" \"A kiss.”",
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                        "text": "“That's obviously my cue to depart.\" Patience grinned. \"Coward,\" she whispered, as he passed her chair. A heartbeat later, he'd swung about and bent over her, his breath feathering the side of her neck. His strength flowed around her, surrounded her. \"Incidentally,\" he murmured, in his deepest purr, \"I meant what I said about the daybed.\" He paused. \"So, if you have the slightest inkling of self-preservation, you won't move from this chair.\" Cool, hard lips brushed her ear, then slid lower, to lightly caress, with just the barest touch, the sensitive skin beneath her jaw. Patience lost the fight and shivered; her lids lowered. Vane tipped her chin up; his lips touched hers in a fleeting, achingly incomplete kiss.”",
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                        "text": "“So,\" he murmured, his tone deep, \"nothing of any moment happened here.\" Her gaze transfixed by the long strip of linen, Patience tried to speak and couldn't- she shook her head. \"Good.\" The word was a feral purr. With a negligent flick, Vane sent the cravat to join his coat. \"So there's nothing to distract you.\" Patience dragged her gaze up to his face. \"Distract me?\" \"From the subject we need to discuss.\" \"You want to discuss something?\" She hauled in a breath and tried to steady her giddy head. Vane trapped her gaze. \"You. Me.\" His face hardened. \"Us.\" With a supreme effort, Patience raised her brows. \"What about 'us'?\" A muscle in his jaw flickered. From the corner of her eye, she saw his fist clench. \"I,\" he declared, \"have reached the end of my tether.”",
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                        "text": "“Come on-I'll see you back to your room and the estimable Martha.\" She put her hand in his and let him draw her to her feet. \"Tomorrow...don't worry,\" he murmured, as he ushered her back through the darker side of the snug. \"I'll be waiting in Carlisle to fall in behind the coach when you go past.\" Through the dimness he met her eyes. \"I won't lose you.\" Her lips softly curved. \"I didn't imagine you would.”",
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                        "text": "“Patience snuggled closer to the warm wall of his chest. He adjusted his hold; his hands slid about her waist, beneath her cloak. He drew her more firmly against him, shifting so she was trapped- very comfortably- between him and the old wall. One arm and shoulder protected her from the stones; the rest of him protected her from the night. His arms tightened; Patience felt the strength of him down her length, felt the press of his chest against her breasts, the weight of his hips against her stomach, the solid columns of his thighs hard against her softer limbs. His lips found hers again; his hands spread over her back, molding her to him. Patience felt heat rise- from her, from him, between them. They were in no danger of taking a chill.”",
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                        "text": "“Distant voices reached him; inwardly, he sighed, and reluctantly brought the kiss to an end. He raised his head. Patience's eyes slowly opened, then she blinked, and stared straight at him. For one instant, the look on her face, in her eyes, had him puzzled- then he recognized it. Curious- she wasn't shocked, stunned, or thrown into a maidenly fluster. She was curious. Vane couldn't stop his rakish grin. Nor could he resist the temptation to brush his lips over hers one last time. \"What are you doing?\" Patience whispered as his head bent to hers. Even at close quarters, she could still see his smile. \"It's called 'kiss and make up.'\" The curve of his lips deepened. \"It's what lovers do when they fall out.\" A vise locked Patience's heart; panic- it had to be that- streaked through her. \"We aren't lovers.\" \"Yet.\" His lips touched hers and she shivered. \"We never will be.\" She might be giddy, but she was quite sure of that. He stilled, but his confident smile didn't waver. \"Don't wager your fortune on it.\" Again, his lips brushed hers.”",
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                        "text": "“These look rather exotic.\" Behind her, Vane studied the way her gown had pulled tight over the curves of her bottom- and didn't argue. Lips lifting in anticipation, he moved in- to spring his trap. Her heart racing, tripping in double time, Patience straightened, and went to slide around the fountain, to place it between herself and the wolf she was trapped in the conservatory with. Instead, she ran into an arm. She blinked at it. One faultless grey sleeve enclosing solid bone well covered with steely muscle, large fist locked over the scrolled rim of the basin, it stated very clearly that she wasn't going anywhere. Patience whirled- and found her retreat similarly blocked. Swinging farther, she met Vane's gaze; standing on the tiled floor, one step below her, arms braced on the rim, his eyes were nearly level with hers. She studied them, read his intent in the silvered grey, in the hardening lines of his face, the brutally sensual line of those uncompromising lips. She couldn't believe her eyes. \"Here?\" The word, weak though it was, accurately reflected her disbelief. \"Right here. Right now.”",
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                        "text": "“So how are the wedding plans progressing?\" Richard asked, once they were out of the village. \"They aren't.\" Breckenridge heard his clipped tones, heard the irritation beneath. Didn't care if Richard did, too. \"She's taken some nitwit notion into her head that I don't need to marry her, that she's going to go off and manage an orphanage in the country, or some such thing, so her social ruination doesn't matter.\" \"Ah.\" Richard nodded sagely. \"She's playing stubborn.\" \" Playing? \" Breckenridge shot him an irate look. \"She's the definition of the word. I've already tried talking her around. Twice.\" \"I hate to break it to you, old son, but it won't be your honeyed words that change her mind.\" Breckenridge snorted. \"I've tried that, too-so far all that's gained me is...\" An even deeper sense of being irrevocably linked to her. Richard glanced at him curiously. \"What?\" Breckenridge pulled a face, growled, \"Damned if I know.\" Richard grinned. \"Well, whatever it takes, just console yourself with the thought that the end result will be worth it.\" Breckenridge cast Richard a sharp glance, saw the open contentment in his face. Felt compelled to ask, \"So what did you have to do?\" Richard's smile deepened. \"The same thing we've all have to do-prostrate ourselves at their dainty feet, swear undying love, and mean it.”",
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                        "text": "“She stepped toward the gap; one slipper slid on crumbling masonry. Stifling a gasp, Patience leapt forward onto the corridor flags. And collided with a man. She opened her mouth to scream- a hard hand clamped over her lips. An arm like steel locked about her waist, trapping her against a long, hard frame. Patience relaxed; her panic flowed out of her. There was only one body within ten miles like the one she was pressed against. Reaching up, she pulled Vane's hand from her lips. She drew breath to speak, opened her lips- He kissed her. When he eventually consented to stop, he only lifted his lips a bare fraction from hers. And breathed: \"Quiet- sound travels very well in the fog.\" Patience gathered her wits. And breathed back: \"I saw the Spectre- there was a light bobbing about.\" \"I think it's a lantern, but it's gone or shielded now.\" His lips touched hers again, then settled, not cool but warm against hers. The rest of him was warm, too, an oasis of heat in the chilly night. Her hands trapped against his chest, Patience fought an urge to snuggle closer. When he next lifted his head, she forced herself to ask, her words still no more than a whispered breath: \"Do you think he'll come back?\" \"Who knows? I thought I'd wait for a while.\" He followed up the tantalizing brush of his breath against her lips with a much more satisfying caress. Patience's head spun. \"Maybe I'll wait, too.\" \"Hmmm.”",
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                        "text": "“Vane held the reins of his desire in a grip of iron and refused to let his demons loose. Deep, primal instincts urged him on; experience held him back. She'd never yielded her mouth to any man, never shared her lips willingly. He knew that absolutely, sensed the truth in her untutored response, read it in her lack of guile. But she was rising to him, her passion, her desire, answering his call, sweet as the dew on a crisp spring morning, virginal as snow on an inaccessible peak. He could reach her- she would be his. But there was no need for any hurry. She was untouched, unused to the demands of a man's hands, a man's lips, much less a man's body; if he pressed too fast, she'd turn skittish and balk. And he'd have to work harder to bring her to his bed. Angling his head over hers, he kept every caress slow, every plundering stroke deliberate. Passion lay heavy, languid, almost somnolent between them; as he claimed every sweet inch of the softness she offered him, he laced the heady sensation into every caress, and let it sink into her senses. It would lie there, dormant, until next time he touched her, until he called it forth. He would let it rise by degrees, feed it, nurture it until it became the inescapable compulsion that would, in the end, bring her to him. He would savor her slowly, savor her slow surrender- all the more sweet because the end was never in doubt.”",
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                        "text": "“If I'd made it to the back parlor, I'd have been safe.\" Straightening, Vane met her gaze. \"Safe from what? There's a daybed there, too.\" Her gaze trapped in his, Patience tried hard not to let the likely outcomes take shape in her mind. Determinedly, she blotted out all thought of what might have transpired had Angela not arrived as she had. If she thought too much of that, she'd very likely throttle Angela, too. The ranks of her potential victims were growing by the hour. \"Anyway...\" -Vane's gaze flicked to Angela and Mrs. Chadwick. He stooped slightly; Patience felt the tug as he worked the knotted scarf free- \"you said you were bored.\" The knot gave, and he straightened. His lips curved, too knowingly. One brown brow arched, subtly wicked. \"Isn't that what usually distracts ladies?\" He knew very well what ladies found most distracting- the look in his eyes, the sensual curve of his lips said as much, screamed as much.”",
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                        "text": "“That's something for me to consider. So what else can you tempt me with?\" Breckenridge hid a wry smile; he'd guessed that, in common with her female Cynster mentors, she'd be drawn to the prospect of managing a large household and the estate's people. Organizing ran in the blood. \"I believe I mentioned that I'm under sisterly edict to marry. Unsurprisingly, a large and pertinent motive behind my sisters' prodding is the desirability of me begetting an heir, or more, thus securing the succession. Perish the thought the estate might ever revert to the Crown, so you could view your pole as my future countess as in part holding the ton line against King George and his cronies.\" She narrowed her eyes on his. That's the most inventive way I've ever heard of saying you want children.\" His lips curved, then he let the expression fade. \"I do-but do you?\" She looked forward. \"Yes, of course.\" After a moment she added, \"I can't imagine not wanting children, truth be told.\" \"Well, then we're in agreement on that.\" \"Don't get carried away-you haven't yet convinced me we should wed.”",
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                        "text": "“Why did you stay?\" He stilled; again, Patience felt the net draw tight, felt paralysis set in as his predator's senses focused on her. It was as if the world stopped spinning, as if some impenetrable shield closed about them, so that there was nothing but her and him- and whatever it was that held them. She searched his eyes, but couldn't read his thoughts beyond the fact that he was considering her, considering what to tell her. Then he lifted one hand. Patience caught her breath as he slid one finger beneath her chin; the sensitive skin came alive to his touch. He tipped her face up so that her eyes locked on his. He studied her, her eyes, her face, for one instant longer. \"I stayed to help Minnie, to help Gerrard... and to get something I want.\" He uttered the words clearly, deliberately, without any affectation. His heavy lids lifted. Patience read the truth in his eyes. The force that held them beat in on her senses. A conquerer watched her through cool grey eyes.”",
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                        "text": "“I've grown sick of the upstairs parlor.\" The parlor he'd arranged for her. \"I'm bored there.\" Vane glanced at her as he juggled her to open the door. \"Bored?\" Patience looked into his eyes and wished she'd used some other word. Bored was, apparently, a red rag to a rake. \"It's not long to dinner, perhaps you should just take me to my room.\" The door swung wide. Vane stepped through, then kicked it shut behind them. And smiled. \"There's more than an hour before you need to change. I'll carry you to your room- later.\" His eyes had narrowed, silvery with intent. His voice had changed to his dangerous purr. Patience wondered if any of the other three would have the courage to follow- she couldn't believe they would. Ever since Vane had so coldly annihilated their senseless accusations of Gerrard, both Edmond and Henry treated him with respect- the sort of respect accorded dangerous carnivores. And Penwick knew Vane disliked him- intensely. Vane advanced on the daybed. Patience eyed it with increasing misgiving. \"What do you think you're doing?\" \"Tying you to the daybed.\" She tried to humph, tried to ignore the premonition tickling her spine. \"Don't be silly- you just said that as a threat.\" Would it be wise to wind her arms about his neck? He reached the back of the bed, and stopped. \"I never issue threats.\" His words floated down to her as she stared at the cushions. \"Only warnings.\" With that, he swung her over the wrought-iron back and set her down with her spine against it. Patience immediately squirmed, trying to twist around. One large palm, splayed across her midriff, kept her firmly in place. \"And then,\" Vane continued, in the same, dangerous tone, \"we'll have to see what we can do to... distract you.\" \"Distract me?\" Patience stopped her futile wriggling. \"Hmm.\" His words feathered her ear. \"To alleviate your boredom.”",
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                        "text": "“She woke to find dawn light, pearly silver tinged with pink, washing into the room. For a moment, she wondered what had woken her, then she glanced at Breckenridge-into his hazel eyes. \"You're awake!\" She only just managed not to squeal. The joy leaping through her was near impossible to contain. He smiled weakly. His lids drooped, fell. \"I've been awake for some time, but didn't want to wake you.\" His voice was little more than a whisper. She realized it was the faint pressure of his fingers on hers that had drawn her rom sleep. Those fingers, his hand, were no longer over-warm. Reaching out, she laid her fingers on his forehead. \"Your temperature's normal-the fever's broken. Thank God. \" Retrieving her hand, refocusing on his face, she felt relief crash through her in a disorienting, almost overpowering wave. \"You have to rest.\" That was imperative; she felt driven by flustered urgency to ensure he understood. \"You're mending nicely. Now the crisis has passed, you'll get better day by day. Catriona says that with time you'll be as good as new.\" Algaria had warned her to assure him of that. He swallowed; eyes closed, he shifted his head in what she took to be a nod. \"I'll rest in a minute. But first...did you mean what you said out there by the bull pen? That you truly want a future with me?\" \"Yes.\" She clutched his hand more tightly between hers. \"I meant every word.\" His lips curved a fraction, then he sighed. Eyes still closed-she sensed he found his lids too heavy to lift-he murmured, \"Good. Because I meant every word, too.\" She smiled through sudden tears. \"Even about our daughters being allowed to look like Cordelia?\" His smile grew more definite. \"Said that aloud, did I? Yes, I meant that, but for pity's sake don't tell her--she'll never let me hear the end of it, and Constance will have my head to boot.\" His words were starting to slur again; he was slipping back into healing sleep. Catriona's words, her warning, rang in Heather's head. She remembered her vow. Rising, she leaned over him; his hand still clasped between hers, and kissed him gently. \"Go to sleep and get well, but before you do, I need to tell you this. I love you. I will until the end of my days. I don't expect you to love me back, but that doesn't matter anymore. You have my love regardless, and always will.\" She kissed him again, sensed he'd heard, but that he was stunned, surprised. He didn't respond. She drew back. \"And now you need to put your mind to getting better. We have a wedding to attend, after all.\" She knew he heard that-his features softened, eased. As he slid into sleep, he was, very gently, smiling.”",
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                        "text": "“Perhaps...\" Resuming his rake's persona, investing every movement with languid grace, he shifted forward, closer. Held her gaze. \"You could teach me what it is you need.\" He let his gaze drift from her eyes to her lips. \"I've always been considered a fast learner, and if I'm willing to learn, to devote myself to the study of what you truly want...\" Her lips parted slightly. He raised his gaze once more to her eyes, to the stormy blue. Read her interest, knew he had her undivided attention. Inwardly smiled. \"If I swear I'll do all I can to meet your requirements, shouldn't you accept the...challenge, if you like, to take me as I am and reshape me to your need?\" Holding her gaze, resisting the urge to lower his to her tempting lips, he raised a hand, touched the backs of his fingers to her cheek in a tantalizingly light caress. \"You could, if you wished, take on the challenge of taming the ton's foremost rake, of making me your devoted slave...but you'd have to work at it, make the effort and take the time to educate me-arrogantly oblivious male that I am-all of which will be much easier, facilitated as it were, by us marrying. After all, nothing worthwhile is ever attained easily or quickly. If I'm willing to give you free rein to mold me to your liking, shouldn't you be willing to engage?\" She was thinking, considering he could see it in her eyes. She was following his arguments, her mind following the path he wanted it to take. Shifting his fingers to lightly frame her chin, he held her face steady as if for a kiss. \"And just think,\" he murmured, his eyes still locked with hers, his lips curving in a practiced smile, \"of the cachet you'll be able to claim as the lady who captured me.”",
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                        "text": "“So what, then\"-his voice deepened, softened, the suave tones sliding over her skin-\"will it take to convince you that you should-indeed, ought to-marry me?\" He let her look into his eyes, for once didn't keep his mask between them. Let her see he was in earnest, sincere in wanting to know. She drew in a long breath, then looked back at the river and let out a long, slow sigh. Wondered why she was bothering. If he truly didn't know... Perhaps she should tell him. \"Very well. As you're so determined to hear them, these are my reasons.\" She'd never voiced them before, not all of them, yet if Catriona was right and he might be her hero...it behooved her to try to find the words. \"I long ago decided that the one element I would never agree to marry without was true...affection.\" Recalling Catriona's views, she substituted the less specific, less, for men, frightening word. \"An affection strong enough to last the years, powerful enough to guide and inform, deep and broad enough to be the foundation of a shared life. I want passion and laughter, interest and inclusion, a partnership at least on a practical level, and something even deeper on the personal. \"I want...to be wanted, to feel necessary and needed, to know I feel a role that only I can fill.\" She paused, then forced herself to go on. \"But even more that that, I want that depth of affection to be offered to me, Heather Cynster, not because I am Heather Cynster, well-connected heiress and\"-she flicked a glance his way-\"considered by some to be more than passably attractive, but because I'm me .\" She tapped her chest, felt the pendant beneath her bodice. \"I want to be wanted, needed-and married-because of who I am, not what I am.\" Suddenly seeing the parallel, she caught his gaze. \"In light of your query regarding your birth, you should understand how I feel-how important to me it is to be valued for myself, and to know it.”",
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                        "text": "“Hauling in a quick breath, she held it, stretched upward, shut her eyes, and fleetingly touched her lips to his. They were as hard as she'd imagined, very like sculpted marble. Sensation flared at the brief contact; her lips tingled, then throbbed. Patience blinked her eyes wide as she lowered her heels to earth. And refocused on his lips. She saw the ends curve upward, heard his low, wickedly teasing laugh. \"Still not right. Here- let me show you.\" His hands came up to frame her face, her jaw, tilting her lips up as his descended. Of their own volition, her lids fell, then his lips touched hers. Patience couldn't have quelled the shudder that passed through her had her life depended on it. Stunned, poised to resist, she mentally paused. Strong, sure, his lips covered hers, moving slowly, languorously, as if savoring her taste, her texture. There was nothing threatening in the unhurried caress. Indeed, it was beguiling, luring her senses, focusing them on the practiced slide and glide of cool lips which seemed to instinctively know how to soothe the heat rising in hers. Hers throbbed; his pressed, caressed, as if drinking in her heat, stealing it from her. Patience felt her lips soften; his firmed in response. 'No, no, noo…' Some small part of her mind tried to warn her, but she was long past listening. This was new, novel- she'd never felt such sensations before. Never known such simple delight existed. Her head was whirling, but not unpleasantly. His lips still seemed hard, cool- Patience couldn't resist the temptation to return the pressure, to see if his lips would soften to hers. They didn't, they only became harder. The next instant, she felt a searing heat sweep over her lips. She stilled; the questing heat returned- with the tip of his tongue, he traced her lower lip. The contact lingered, an unspoken question. Patience wanted more. She parted her lips. His tongue slid between, slowly, with his customary assured arrogance, quite certain of his welcome, confident in his expertise.”",
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                        "text": "“He collapsed half on top of her, too wrung out to move, his lungs working like bellows, his heart thundering, pounding. Gradually, it slowed. Sensation, muted awareness returned, enough to register the gentle stroking of her hand, the soothing touch calming, strangely claiming. He wanted to find his sophisticated armor and put it back on-before he faced her, before she saw... Before he could move, she did; turning her head to his, pushing back the damp hair from the side of his face, she touched her lips to his jaw, then, her lips curving sleepily, touched those swollen lips to the corner of his. \"Thank you.\" The words were a sigh, the softest of feminine exhalations. \"That was...thrilling. And...so very fine.\" He nearly humphed. Fine? The intensity had damned hear killed him, and she labeled the moment \"fine?\" She fell back, fully relaxed on her back in the bed. After a moment, he turned his head and looked at her. Studied the madonnalike expression that had claimed her face, the bliss that infused her features. He filled his lungs, then managed to summon sufficient strength to disengage and lift from her. Slumping on his back alongside her, he stared up at the ceiling, but there were no hints or clues written there. For the first time in his extensive career, he didn't feel, even now, in control. He felt...exposed. Uncertain. Not his usual polished, urbane, somewhat boredly smug self. Yet he was the one who was supposedly used to this, accustomed to all the nuances. Who knew all the appropriate moves to make, and when to make them. She...he glanced at her again, at her face. Hesitated, then gave into impulse and reached for her. Drawing her to him, he pulled the covers over them, then settled her against them, cradled within his arm, her head pillowed on his chest. She made a humming sound, then her limbs eased against him. He dipped his head, placed a kiss on her forehead. \"Sleep.\" He felt her lips curve, but she didn't reply. Instead she slid her hand up, curling her fingers against the side of his throat, and relaxed into his arms. Inexplicably satisfied now as well as sated, he closed his eyes. And found slumber waiting, dreamless and deep.”",
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                        "text": "“You're rather good at this, aren't you?\" And she didn't just mean his reading of Gerrard. Vane's grin converted to a rakish smile. \"I'm rather good at lots of things.\" His voice had lowered to a rumbling purr. He leaned closer. Patience tried, very hard, to ignore the vise slowly closing about her chest. She kept her eyes on his, drawing ever nearer, determined that she wouldn't- absolutely would not- allow her gaze to drop to his lips. As her heartbeat deepened, she raised one brow challengingly. \"Such as?\" By the time Patience reached that conclusion, she was utterly breathless- and utterly enthralled by the heady feelings slowly spiraling through her. Vane's confident possession of her lips, her mouth, left her giddy- pleasurably so. His hard lips moved on hers, and she softened, not just her lips, but every muscle, every limb. Slow heat washed through her, a tide of simple delight that seemed to have no greater meaning, no deeper import. It was all pleasure, simple pleasure. With a mental sigh, she lifted her arms and draped them over his shoulders. He shifted closer. Patience thrilled to the slow surge of his tongue against hers. Boldly, she returned the caress, the muscles beneath her hands tensed. Emboldened, she let her lips firm against his, and reveled in his immediate response. Hard transmuted to harder; lips, muscles, all became more definite, more sharply defined. It was fascinating- she became softer- he became harder. And behind his hardness came heat- a heat they both shared. It rose like a fever, turning the swirling pleasure hot. Beyond the caress of his lips, he hadn't touched her, yet every nerve in her body was heating, simmering with sensation. The warm tide spread, swelled; the temperature increased. And she was flushed, restless- wanting.”",
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                        "text": "“Gasping desperately, she clenched her hands on his shoulders, fingers sinking deep. His lips firmed, he suckled gently- Patience felt the earth quake. The heat of his mouth shocked her- the wet sweep of his tongue scalded her. She gave a strangled cry. That sound, keenly feminine, acutely evocative, caught and focused Vane's attention. Focused every hunter's instinct. Desire heightened, need escalated. His demons turned frenzied- her siren's song lured them on. Urged him on. Compulsion swelled- tense, turbulent, powerful. Desire seethed hotly. He drew a ragged breath- And remembered- all he'd nearly forgotten, all her wild responses had driven from his mind. This was one seduction he had to, need to, manage perfectly- this time, there was meaning beyond the act. Seducing Patience Debbington was too important to rush- conquering her senses, her body, was only the first step. He didn't want her just once- he wanted her for a lifetime. Dragging in a shuddering breath, Vane caught hold of his reins and hauled his impulses up short. Something in him wailed with frustration. He shut his mind to the relentless pounding of his arousal. And set himself to soothe hers. He knew how. There were planes of warm desire on which women could float, neither driven, nor quiescent, but simply buoyed on a sea of pleasure. With hands and lips, mouth and tongue, he soothed her fever flesh, took the sting from her aches, the edge from her passion, and eased her into that pleasured sea. Patience was beyond understanding- all she knew was the peace, the calm, the profound pleasure that welled and washed through her. Content, she flowed with the tide, letting her senses stretch. The whirling that had disoriented her slowed; her mind steadied. Full consciousness, when it came, was no shock; the continuing touch of Vane's hands, the artful caress of his lips, his tongue, were familiar- no threat.”",
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                        "text": "“They'd followed him up and had seen him open the door of a room not far from the head of the stairs. He hadn't so much as glanced their way but had gone in and shut the door. She'd walked on with Martha, past that door, down the corridor and around a corner to their chamber. Drawing in a tight-faintly excited-breath, she set out, quietly creeping back to the corner, her evening slippers allowing her to tiptoe along with barely a sound. Nearing the corner, she paused and glanced back along the corridor. Still empty. Reassured, she started to turn, intending to peek around the corner- A hard body swung around the corner and plowed into her. She stumbled back. Hard hands grabbed her, holding her upright. Her heart leapt to her throat. She looked up,saw only darkness. She opened her mouth- A palm slapped over her lips. A steely arm locked around her-locked her against a large, adamantine male body; she couldn't even squirm. Her senses scrambled. Strength, male heat, muscled hardness engulfed her. Then a virulent curse singed her ears. And she realized who'd captured her. Panic and sheer fright had tensed her every muscle; relief washed both away and she felt limp. The temptation to sag in his arms, to sink gratefully against him, was so nearly overwhelming that it shocked her into tensing again. He lowered his head so he could look into her face. Through clenched teeth, he hissed, \" What the hell are you doing? \" His tone very effectively dragged her wits to the fore. He hadn't removed his hand from her lips. She nipped it. With a muted oath, he pulled the hand away. She moistened her lips and angrily whispered back, \"Coming to see you , of course. What are you doing here?\" \"Coming to fetch you- of course. \" \"You ridiculous man.\" Her hands had come to rest on his chest. She snatched them back, waved them. \"I'm hardly likely to come to grief over the space of a few yards!\" Even to her ears they sounded like squabbling children. He didn't reply. Through the dark, he looked at her. She couldn't see his eyes, but his gaze was so intent, so intense that she could feel... her heart started thudding, beating heavier, deeper. Her senses expanded, alert in a wholly unfamiliar way. he looked at her...looked at her. Primitive instinct riffled the delicate hairs at her nape. Abruptly he raised his head, straightened, stepped back. \"Come on.\" Grabbing her elbow, he bundled her unceremoniously around the corner and on up the corridor before him. Her temper-always close to the surface when he was near-started to simmer. If they hadn't needed to be quiet, she would have told him what she thought of such cavalier treatment. Breckenridge halted her outside the door to his bedchamber; he would have preferred any other meeting place, but there was no safer place, and regardless of all and everything else, he needed to keep her safe. Reaching around her, he raised the latch and set the door swinging. \"In here.\" He'd left the lamp burning low. As he followed her in, then reached back and shut the door, he took in what she was wearing. He bit back another curse. She glanced around, but there was nowhere to sit but on the bed. Quickly he strode past her, stripped off the coverlet, then autocratically pointed at the sheet. \"Sit there.\" With a narrow-eyed glare, she did, with the haughty grace of a reigning monarch. Immediately she'd sat, he flicked out the coverlet and swathed her in it. She cast him a faintly puzzled glance but obligingly held the enveloping drape close about her. He said nothing; if she wanted to think he was concerned about her catching a chill, so be it. At least the coverlet was long enough to screen her distracting angles and calves. Which really was ridiculous. Considering how many naked women he'd seen in his life, why the sight of her stockinged ankles and calves should so affect him was beyond his ability to explain.”",
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                        "text": "“She stared at him, at his face. Simply stared as the scales fell from her eyes. \"Oh, my God,\" she whispered, the exclamation so quiet not even he would hear. She suddenly saw-saw it all-all that she'd simply taken for granted. Men like him protected those they loved, selflessly, unswervingly, even unto death. The realization rocked her. Pieces of the jigsaw of her understanding of him fell into place. He was hanging to consciousness by a thread. She had to be sure-and his shields, his defenses were at their weakest now. Looking down at her hands, pressed over the nearly saturated pad, she hunted for the words, the right tone. Softly said, \"My death, even my serious injury, would have freed you from any obligation to marry me. Society would have accepted that outcome, too.\" He shifted, clearly in pain. She sucked in a breath-feeling his pain as her own-then he clamped the long fingers of his right hand about her wrist, held tight. So tight she felt he was using her as an anchor to consciousness, to the world. His tone, when he spoke, was harsh. \"Oh, yes-after I'd expended so much effort keeping you safe all these years, safe even from me, I was suddenly going to stand by and let you be gored by some mangy bull.\" He snorted, soft, low. Weakly. He drew in a slow, shallow breath, lips thin with pain, but determined, went on, \"You think I'd let you get injured when finally after all these long years I at last understand that the reason you've always made me itch is because you are the only woman I actually want to marry? And you think I would stand back and let you be harmed?\" A peevish frown crossed his face. \"I ask you, is that likely? Is it even vaguely rational?\" He went on, his words increasingly slurred, his tongue tripping over some, his voice fading. She listened, strained to catch every word as he slid into semi delirium, into rambling, disjointed sentences that she drank in, held to her heart. He gave her dreams back to her, reshaped and refined. \"Not French Imperial-good, sound, English oak. You can use whatever colors you like, but no gilt-I forbid it.\" Eventually he ventured further than she had. \"And I want at least three children-not just an heir and a spare. At least three-if you're agreeable. We'll have to have two boys, of course-my evil ugly sisters will found us to make good on that. But thereafter...as many girls as you like...as long as they look like you. Or perhaps Cordelia-she's the handsomer of the two uglies.\" He loved his sisters, his evil ugly sisters. Heather listened with tears in her eyes as his mind drifted and his voice gradually faded, weakened. She'd finally got her declaration, not in anything like the words she'd expected, but in a stronger, impossible-to-doubt exposition. He'd been her protector, unswerving, unflinching, always there; from a man like him, focused on a lady like her, such actions were tantamount to a declaration from the rooftops. The love she'd wanted him to admit to had been there all along, demonstrated daily right before her eyes, but she hadn't seen. Hadn't seen because she'd been focusing elsewhere, and because, conditioned as she was to resisting the same style of possessive protectiveness from her brothers, from her cousins, she hadn't appreciated his, hadn't realized that that quality had to be an expression of his feelings for her. Until now. Until now that he'd all but given his life for hers. He loved her-he'd always loved her. She saw that now, looking back down the years. He'd loved her from the time she'd fallen in love with him-the instant they'd laid eyes on each other at Michael and Caro's wedding in Hampshire four years ago. He'd held aloof, held away-held her at bay, too-believing, wrongly, that he wasn't an appropriate husband for her. In that, he'd been wrong, too. She saw it all. And as the tears overflowed and tracked down her cheeks, she knew to her soul how right he was for her. Knew, embraced, and rejoiced.”",
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                        "text": "“She’d been expecting him to do so and had planned her revenge. She tipped forward as he lifted her; the shift in her weight had him taking a half step back, then he instinctively locked his legs and steadied…but by then she’d placed herself in the same space, so close that he had to ease her down his body, more or less breast to chest. She’d thought she’d been prepared for the jolt to her senses. She’d been wrong. It was searing, like a sensual flame passing down the front of her, leaving an urgent longing—to seek more of the contact, more of the heat, more of him—in its wake. Her heart raced; her lips throbbed. She felt warm all over and faintly giddy with wanting.”",
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                        "text": "“Do you ride?\" The question was out of his mouth before he'd thought. She glanced at him, surprised by the comment coming out of nowhere, but then she nodded and looked ahead. \"I love to ride. I don't get as much opportunity as I'd like what with being in London so much, but whenever I can manage it, I'll get on a horse.\" Her lips twitched and she glanced up at him. \"Preferably one of Demon's.\" He grinned. \"His are the best.\" \"Do you have any?\" He nodded. \"One definite benefit of being connected to the family.\" \"I love the exhilaration one gets when pounding along-I think that's what I enjoy the most.\" He blinked. Decided hard riding wasn't the best choice of conversational topics. At least not for him. Especially not with her. \"What about dancing?\" \"I love to waltz. I even enjoy the older forms, the quadrilles and cotillions. They might be less fashionable now, but there's a certain...reined power in them, don't you think?\" \"Hmm.\" Where was an innocent topic when he needed one? \"Have you ever danced the gavotte?\" \"Years ago.\" And he still remembered it. And of course the thought of dancing that particular measure with her, in full flight, instantly filled his mind.”",
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                        "text": "“I've been meaning to ask,\" Breckenridge said, \"jus how you came to topple backward off that rail.\" He looked at her. \"What with one thing and another, the point slipped my mind.\" Heather met his gaze. \"Mine, too.\" he read her eyes, then, brows rising, looked in the direction in which the twins had gone. \"Ah. Perhaps that's one of those questions that are better off left unasked.\" \"It's certainly one of those better left unanswered.\" Sliding her hand from his and retaking his arm, she started them strolling again. Breckenridge was quiet for a while, then he looked up at the manor and said, \"Will you think it odd of me to suggest that we should, perhaps, leave the Vale and your sometimes unnerving relatives by marriage as soon as we possibl can?\" \"How about tomorrow?\" She glanced up at his face. He caught her gaze. \"Immediately after breakfast. It's too late to set out today.\" She nodded. \"Indeed.\" She looked ahead. \"And besides I have plans for tonight.\" \"Do you?\" \"Of course.\" She met his gaze, her own filled with love and unexpected understanding. \"The announcement you made a few minutes ago deserves and appropriate response, don't you think?\" He inclined his head. \"Indubitably.\" After a moment, he added, \"Who knows? With the right form of response, you might even induce me to utter the words again.\" She laughed. \"A challenge.\" She met his gaze. \"A challenge we can wrestle with, wrestle over back and forth, for the rest of our days.\" \"Indeed.\" He held her loving gaze, raised her fingers to his lips. \"For the rest of our days.”",
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                        "text": "“Deciding that at the moment it behooved her to, as Wiry had put it, behave, Heather inclined her head, first to the woman alongside her, \"Martha,\" then to the barrel-chested man, shorter than Wiry but of heavier build, who'd remained quietly seated in the far corner of the coach. \"Cobbins.\" She turned her gaze on Wiry. \"And you are?\" He smiled. \"You may call me Fletcher, Miss Wallace.\" Heather thought of a few other epithets she might call him, but she merely inclined her head. Settling on the seat, she leaned her head back against the squabs and ventured nothing more. She sensed that Fletcher expected her to protest, perhaps beg for mercy, or try to subvert him and the others from their goal, but she saw no point in lowering herself to that. No point at all. The more she thought of all Fletcher had let fall, the more she felt certain of that. This had to be the strangest abduction she'd ever heard of...well, she hadn't heard the details of any abduction attempts, but it seemed distinctly odd that they were treating her so considerately, so...sensibly. So terribly calmly and confidently.”",
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                        "text": "“And every mile we go further from London makes the notion of ransom even more unlikely. So we're still no closer to learning what's behind this-neither the who for the why of it.\" She waited until he swung around again and caught his eye. \"I believe we need to consider the wider implications.\" His lips twitched-she was almost certain of it-but he didn't stop pacing. \"Meanwhile you want to continue on with this\"-he gestured-\"quest of yours.\" She tipped up her head. \"Of course. I'm here, already kidnapped, but they've provided me with a maid and are under strict orders to see to my health and safety, orders they're clearly committed to obeying. On top of that\"-she waved at him-\"you're here. If you continue to follow our party, when it comes to the point where escaping becomes necessary, I'll be able to do so and hide behind you. God knows, you're large enough.\" He quirked a black brow.”",
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                        "text": "“That kiss was a revelation- Patience had never imagined a simple kiss could be so bold, so heavily invested with meaning. His lips were hard; they moved over hers, parting them further, confidently managing her, ruthlessly teaching her all she was so eager to learn. His tongue invaded her mouth with the arrogance of a conquerer claiming victory's spoils. Unhurriedly, he visited every corner of his domain, claiming every inch, branding it as his- knowing it. After a lengthy, devastatingly thorough inspection, he settled to sample her in a different way. The slow, languid thrusting seduced her willing senses. She'd yielded, yet her passive surrender satisfied neither of them. Patience found herself drawn into the game- the slide of lips against lips, the sensual glide of hot tongue against tongue. She was more than willing. The promise in the heat rising, steadily building between them, and even more the tension- excitement and something more- that surged like a slow tide behind the warm glow, drew her on. The kiss stretched and time slowed- the drugging effect of shared breaths sent her wits to a slow spin.”",
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                        "text": "“He'd drawn her as close as propriety allowed; her green skirts swished against his boots. She was all woman, soft and curvaceous, mere inches away; he grew harder simply at the thought. The breeze, wafting past, lifted her perfume to his face- honeysuckle, roses, and that indefinable scent that evoked every hunter's instinct he possessed. Abruptly, he cleared his throat. \"Nothing happened last evening?\" It was an effort to lift his voice from the gravelly depths to which it had sunk. \"Nothing.\" Patience slanted him a sharp, slightly curious glance. \"Distressingly, Edmond and Henry have reverted to their competitive worst. Stolen items, or the disposal of same, seemed exceedingly far from their minds. If either of them are the thief or the Spectre, I'll eat my new bonnet.\" Vane grimaced. \"I don't think your new bonnet's in any danger.\" He studied the stylish creation perched atop her curls. \"Is this it?\" \"Yes,\" Patience returned, somewhat waspishly. He could at least have noticed. \"I thought it looked different.\" Vane flicked the cockade perched over her eyebrow- and met her gaze with a far-too-innocent look.”",
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                        "text": "“One question I feel compelled to ask; Before they agreed to marry, did all the Cynster females behave as irrationally as Heather is?\" He glanced briefly up, but Richard didn't look up from the lure he was tying off as he unperturably replied, \"Prickly at the best of times, then 'have-at-you' the instant you set a foot, nay, a toe, wrong?\" \"Exactly.\" \"Then yes.\" Richard straightened, tipping his head as he examined his lure. \"It seems to be a family failing, even when they're not Cynster-born.\" Breckenridge humphed. He was carefully placing the fresh hook into his clamp when Richard continued, \"There seems to be this prevailing wisdom, not just over marrying for love, but what that actually equates to. They seem to all have it firmly in their heads that without some cast-iron assurance, preferably in the form of an open declaration from us, then no matter the reality of any love, that love won't be solid and strong.\" Unwinding the vise to release his completed lure, Richard grimaced. \"It's almost as if they think that unless we state our feelings out aloud, we won't know what they-our feelings-are.\" He snorted. \"As if we somehow might not notice that our lives have suddenly shifted to revolve solely about them and their well-being.\" Breckenridge grunted in masculine agreement. \"Sadly,\" Richard said, selecting another hook, \"it appears futile to expect them to go against the familial grain.”",
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                        "text": "“I'm pleased-very pleased-that you've finally made your choice. It's about time you came to your senses.\" He arched a brow. \"Even if it took a kidnapping to do it?\" She nodded sagely. \"Even so.\" She paused, then more gently asked, \"She's the right one for you, isn't she?\" He held her gaze, then nodded. \"Yes. Definitely.\" He hesitated, then added, \"I couldn't live without her.\" Caro's smile widened until she was beaming. \"Wonderful. That's how it should be.\" He wasn't so sure he needed to hear that; the sense of vulnerability and dependency took some getting used to; he wasn't yet sure he'd mastered the knack. \"Sadly, it seems that whenever I get close to a prospective wedding, I end up wounded. With you and Michael, I got shot and nearly died. This time, with me and Heather, I got gored and nearly died. I suppose I should be happy that Constance and Cordelia are already married.\" Caro laughed. \"You probably escaped them because they're so much older that you-you were only a lad when they wed.\" She paused, head tilting as she studied him. Still smiling, she went on, \"You're a protector, you know. That's what you are-that's what you do. And now you've found the lady you're supposed to protect for the rest of your life.\" Her smile deepened. \"Once you marry her, you'll be safe.\" He humphed, but continued to smile, and didn't attempt to argue. Because she was right. Heather was the lady he would protect for the rest of his life.”",
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                        "text": "“Beyond his volition, Vane's gaze lowered to her lips, to the soft rose-tinted curves he now knew so well. Their shape was etched in his mind, their taste imprinted on his senses. Patience's lids fluttered down. She stretched upward on her toes. Vane couldn't have drawn back from the kiss- couldn't have avoided it- had his life depended on it. Their lips touched, without the heat, without the driving compulsion that remained surging in their souls. Both held it back, denying it, content for one timeless moment simply to touch and be touched. To let the beauty of the fragile moment stretch, to let the magic of their heightened awareness wash over them. It left them quivering. Yearning. Curiously breathless, as if they'd been running for hours, curiously weak, as if they'd been battling for too long and nearly lost.”",
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                        "text": "“I'd expected,\" Martha continued, \"to have to deal with hysterics-bouts of weeping and pleading at the very least.\" \"Yes,well...\" Heather pulled an expressive face. Looking ahead, she went on, \"I have to admit I did feel like panicking at first, but...I've been wondering if I shouldn't view this as an adventure.\" She had to deflect any suspicion, so offered the one explanation that might serve. She gestured dramatically. \"A romantical adventure, complete with mysterious villain, who might or might not prove to be devastatingly handsome.\" Martha snorted. \"So that's the way it is-you're romanticizing this blackguard who's arranged your kidnapping.\" \"Do you actually know if he's a blackguard?\" Heather didn't have to manufacture her concern. Martha grimaced. \"I can't rightly say. I haven't had anything to do with the beggar. Fletcher and Cobbins were the ones that met him. But,\" she continued, \"any blighter who arranges a kidnapping, and one as coolly planned as this, take it from me, handsome or not, you won't want to meet him.\" Martha glanced at her again. \"Sure you won't want to rethink those hysterics?\" Heather arched her brows. \"Will they get me any further?\" \"Not with me-and Fletcher's more like to slap you than come over all solicitous.\" \"Well,then.\" Heather tipped up her face. \"I believe I'll just go on romanticizing, at least until I have cause not to. You should be grateful-I'm making your task much easier.”",
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                        "text": "“Vane met her wide gaze, and managed not to smile wolfishly- no need to frighten the prey. The view he now had- of delectable curves filling a gown of ivory sprigged muslin in a manner he fully approved- was every bit as enticing as the view that first held him- the gorgeous curves of her derriere clearly delineated beneath taut fabric. When she'd shifted, so had those curves. He couldn't remember when a sight had so transfixed him, had so tantalized his rake's senses. She was of average height, her forehead level with his throat. Her hair, rich brown, lustrously sheening, was confined in a sleek knot, bright tendrils escaping to wreathe about her ears and nape. Delicate brown brows framed large eyes of hazel brown, their expression difficult to discern in the gloom. Her nose was straight; her complexion creamy. Her pink lips simply begged to be kissed. He'd come within a whisker of kissing them, but tasting an unknown lady before the requisite introductions was simply not good form. His silence had allowed her to steady her wits; he sensed her growing resistance, sensed the frown gathering in her eyes. Vane let his lips curve. He knew precisely what he wanted to do- to her, with her; the only questions remaining were where and when.”",
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                        "text": "“Indeed.\" The word, uttered softly, reached her as she halted before the side door; Patience felt a cool tingle slither down her spine. And felt the touch of his grey gaze on her cheek, on the sensitive skin of her throat. She stiffened, resisting the urge to wriggle. She looked down, determined not to turn and meet his eyes. Jaw firming, she reached for the door handle; he beat her to it. Patience froze. He'd stopped directly behind her, and reached around her to grasp the handle; she watched his long fingers slowly close about it. And stop. She could feel him behind her, mere inches away, could sense his strength surrounding her. For one definable instant, she felt trapped. Then the long fingers twisted; with a flick, he set the door swinging wide. Heart racing, Patience sucked in a breath and sailed into the dim passage. Without slowing her pace, she inclined her head in regal, over-the-shoulder dismissal. \"I'll speak to Masters directly- I'm sure my aunt won't keep you long.\" With that, she swept on, down the passage and into the dark hallway beyond. Poised on the threshold, Vane watched her retreat through narrowed eyes. He'd sensed the awareness that had flared at his touch, the quiver of consciousness she hadn't been able to hide. For gentlemen such as he, that was proof enough of what might be.”",
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                        "text": "“Patience's breath caught. Her lids fell. Wordlessly, she lifted her face, offering her lips. He took them, took her- as their lips fused, Patience felt his hands slide lower, deliberately tracing the ripe hemispheres of her bottom. He filled his hands, then kneaded- heat spread, prickling over her skin, leaving it fevered. Cupping her firm flesh, he molded her to him, easing her deeper into the V of his braced thighs. She felt the evidence of his desire, felt the hard, heavy, throbbing reality pressed against her soft belly. He held her there, senses fully awake, fully aware, for one achingly intense instant, then his tongue slowly surged, thrusting deep into the softness of her mouth. Patience would have gasped, but she couldn't. The evocative caress, his unhurried possession of her mouth, sent heat rolling through her. It pooled, hot and heavy, in her loins. As the kiss drew her in, drew her deeper, a heady languor spread, weighting her limbs, slowing her senses. But not muting them. She was achingly aware. Aware of the hardness that surrounded her, of the steely flex of hard muscle about her. Of her tightly furled nipples pressed hard to the wall of his chest; of the softness of her thighs held intimately against him. Of the relentless, driving passion he ruthlessly held back. That last was a temptation, but one so potently, preeminently dangerous not even she dared prod it. Not yet. There were other things she'd yet to learn.”",
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