banish Alex from her head for all time. The cad had invaded her sleep for four years, prompting appallingly lascivious dreams. The cravings they incited were bad enough, but she was disgusted that he could slip past her fury. How could she melt into the arms of her betrayer?
Forget Alex , advised her conscience.
She prayed tonight would make it possible. Rafe exuded the same magnetic masculinity as Alex, so surely he could oust unwanted nighttime visitors.
She was finger-combing her hair preparatory to braiding it when Rafe returned.
“Very nice,” he breathed, just as he’d done after she’d run him down. “I’ve never seen hair that color. Liquid fire.” Moving behind her, he buried his nose in her curls.
Helen froze.
“Relax, my dear,” he purred. “This will feel good. I promise.” Hands slipped seductively down her arms, curving across her stomach. He nibbled the side of her neck, laving each bite with his tongue.
She leaned back, giving him more access. Her fingers stroked the sleeves of his dressing gown, not quite daring to touch the bare wrists only inches away.
His lips grew bolder, demanding surrender. The moment she gave it, he snuffed the lamp, then scooped her onto the bed.
She yelped as pain shot through her head.
“I won’t hurt you, Helen.” He pulled the sheet over them, providing welcome protection.
Helen’s head throbbed where it touched the pillow, so she rolled toward Rafe. And froze.
He was naked.
Rafe forced himself to relax as Helen tentatively inched her hand toward his neck. He wanted nothing more than to bury himself inside her, but it was too soon.
He’d nearly exploded when he’d returned to find her in an almost transparent shift with her arms raised over her head like a Siren. Red-gold curls cascaded in silken waves to her waist. He’d wanted to take her where she stood. Never had he needed a woman this badly.
But she was innocent. He must be slow and gentle. Since looking at her threatened his control, he’d doused the light, confident that she would prefer darkness.
Surprisingly, the dark focused his senses, feeding desire and thickening the air until he couldn’t breathe.
“Touch all you want,” he murmured when she jerked her hand away. He traced the line of her jaw, then trailed down her shoulder and arm. Gossamer-soft skin. Tantalizing fragrance.
Leaning in, he kissed her, then moaned when she hesitantly met his tongue.
Slowly, he reminded himself. Slowly. In and out. Nibble her lips. Ease your fingers toward the fullness of her breasts.
Her hand returned more boldly, scorching his skin as she explored his arm.
Damn, but he was hot. He deepened the kiss, brushing his thumb across a plump nipple.
She arched, gasping.
Passion. Pure passion. It burned as bright as the fire of her hair. Need exploded. He flexed his hips against her thigh, groaning as he slid against her soft skin.
Again she froze.
He fought for control. He had to make this good, stoking her passion until she craved release as much as he. Stroke by patient stroke he fanned the fires, easing her shift aside. Her nipples hardened to his touch. Tremors rippled under her skin. She stifled a moan.
“Let it out, sweetheart,” he murmured. “I love to hear you.”
“Rafe!” she gasped when he drew her breast deep into his mouth. “What—”
“That’s right.” He moaned with her, shifting so she could continue her careful exploration. His hand inched across her stomach toward her mound. “Beautiful.”
As her passion rose, her touch grew bolder. Across his chest, then lower, building his need until he nearly screamed. Lovemaking had never felt this good. Her innocent caress burned hotter than any mistress’s practiced touch. Her response pushed him higher than ever before, for it was wholly genuine.
He fumbled for her core, amazed at his clumsiness. He was far too close to completion. First he must relax her, prepare her for his entry…
She skimmed a finger along his