My Secret Lover

"I am sorry," she said under her breath. "I mistook you for someone else."

And then she began to turn away and Adrien found himself jumping to his feet to go after her. He managed to grab her arm before she reached the door and whirled her around to face him. The brandy had made the adventurous side of him come out, the one that wanted the thrill. And her skin, God, the mere touch of her skin in his hand made all thoughts of logic fly out the window. She was not wearing gloves and he freely slid his hand down to wrap around her wrist.

"Who did you think I was?" he asked above her.

She turned her head to the side. He could not see her face in the darkness but he saw a hint of long, thick lashes. "No one. Please, my lord, release my arm. I ought to go."

Adrien shook his head. "Oh, no, my lady, you are not going anywhere."

She stiffened. "Let me go, please."

Adrien bent his head down and took a lungful of her scent. His groin suddenly jerked to life. He wanted more. Ah, bloody hell. He wanted this woman.

"You came for your lover, didn't you?"

"No," she denied. And after a short pause she added, "I meant to turn one into one."

Adrien chuckled. "And you were disappointed that you found me instead?"

She shook her head and caught herself. She nodded. "Yes. Greatly so."

"Liar," he whispered, leaning lower so his nose touched her ear. He slid his hand up to her upper arm once more, reveling at its silky smoothness. "Would you change your mind and reconsider your choice?"

He heard her gulp. "No. I only planned on taking one lover, thank you."

"But I am a willing victim, my lady," he urged, craning his neck to search for her lips.

She stepped back and he followed until she was pressed hard on the door with nowhere to run. She had walked intending to trap someone and now she found herself trapped. He really ought to teach these ladies some lessons, he thought.

"Nowhere to run," he teased. She tried to pull away from him but he held her fast by her waist. Her hands went to his arms and pushed but he was bigger and stronger. "Just one kiss. You might like it," he whispered, nuzzling her nose with his.

"No. This is a mistake and-"

Adrien did not let her finish for he had grown impatient. His mouth captured hers and swallowed the gasp of surprise that escaped her lips. She tried to push him away once more but he pressed her harder against him, his mouth urging hers to surrender, to give in and enjoy this little adventure.