Dance of Desire Read Free Page A

his own tormented heart. Before her dance had finished, before he could stop himself or consider the consequences, he had walked around the table, stepped off the dais, and crossed to her.

Steeling his wayward concentration, Fane drew in a breath. She smelled of violets. Sweet. Delicious.

"An interesting dance you performed this eve," he said.

"I hope it pleased you, milord." Her very English voice sounded slightly husky and breathless. The way a woman sounded after she had been kissed. Focus, fool!

Shoving aside the distracting thought, Fane muttered, "I never saw a dance quite like yours in all my years in the east."

She stiffened. The bells at her wrists jingled as she clasped her hands over her stomach. "I was instructed in this fair country. I admit I have never danced before a sheriff of such . . . authority, milord. Your esteemed reputation —"

"Ah." With a firm hand, he reached up and touched the edge of her veil. As his fingers tried to drag down the shimmering fabric, she jerked away. He frowned. "You fear me, little dancer?"

Beneath the sweep of her lashes, her eyes sparked. "I do not."

"Yet, you turn your face away and refuse to look up at me. You are indeed frightened. Or you hide secrets from me."
    Her green eyes glittered in the torchlight. Lovely eyes, darkened with anger, confusion and distrust. Eyes that revealed the passion within her.
    "I am honored you wished to speak with me," she said with the barest quaver, stepping back, "but I must leave now."
    His jaw hardened. "You cannot. I have not dismissed you."
    "I do not need —" Her sharp voice faltered.
    Fane's lip curled in anger. She did not need to finish. He heard her unspoken words. I do not need your wretched dismissal, barbarian. A treacherous thought for a peasant who fed herself through the coin earned from her dance.
    As though sensing his displeasure, her gaze softened. So, she was wise enough to bite her tongue and try to pacify him. "I believe the jugglers are to perform next. I do not wish to delay the rest of the eve's celebrations," she said. Glancing at the musicians, who stood staring at her as though awaiting a superior's orders, she added, "Your guests will grow restless."
    As I grow restless, woman, in your presence. As my blood stirs, and my pulse thickens, and my soul hungers for more of your dance. "You will stay."
    She gasped, a sound of utter indignation.
    Before she could dart away, he caught her hands. Raising them to his lips, he kissed her fingers, feeling the tremor that coursed through her. As he released her, he drew the sapphire ring from his finger and pressed it into her palm.
    "A token of my appreciation, and my interest." He trailed his thumb down over the veil to her lips. "You will stay, love, as I command. By the end of this eve, we will know each other very well. And I will know all of your secrets."

Chapter Two

    A shudder ran down Rexana's spine . How could she refuse Linford's gift and proposition without causing grave offense? At all costs, she must avoid creating a commotion as well as any disastrous consequences for herself, Rudd, and her loyal friends.
    Turning the ring in her damp fingers, she looked down at the sapphire. A large stone, set in delicately etched gold. No doubt worth the equivalent of a wealthy lady's dowry. Did he favor all his women so generously? Did he pay for her body — or the secrets he expected her to reveal?
    Fear tingled through her to the tips of her toes. She would never betray Rudd. Nor would she offer herself to a stranger. A barbarian. Yet, even as she steeled her resolve, a strange excitement surged. Forbidden interest, coaxed to life by his hungry gaze. Wanton curiosity.

What would it be like to taste Linford's sinfully curved lips? To feel his fingers skimming over her skin? To sense his breath upon her belly?

As though he tried to read her mind, Linford's eyes narrowed a fraction. Mentally squashing her thoughts, she averted her gaze. Her parents, a blessing