by Lauren Smith
Very slowly, he withdrew his leg from between her thighs and released her wrists. Sophie lay for a moment, unsure of what to do. But rather than standing, Emery sat on the floor and reached for her. He took her in his arms and laid her on the floor beside him. Sophie gasped as he settled over her. If she hadn’t been so distracted by his close proximity she might have laughed. Emery Lockwood did not strike her as the type of man to prefer the missionary position.
But Sophie was distracted; he invaded her space, gently took hold of her wrists again and secured them to the floor above her head. He slid one hand down her ribs, over her belly and then between her knees, parting them so his hips could sink into the cradle of her legs. He rocked his pelvis forward, rubbing against her, showing her she couldn’t shift, couldn’t move unless he wished her to.
It had been ages since she’d been this close to a man, with every inch of their bodies touching except their lips, and his were so temptingly close. The last time hadn’t affected her like this. Her universe was shrinking around this one single moment, to just the two of them. Their gazes locked.
“This is personal. My past is personal, Sophie. Everything you want from me and what I want from you is personal.” His free hand slid up from her hip to rest on her lower ribcage. He toyed with the loose ribbon of her corset. She could feel him tug, tease, but not undo the laces any further. Still, he could if he wished; he could pry the corset open and see her scars, her ugliness.
Sophie’s breath hitched, her breasts rising rapidly as she struggled to breathe.
Concern darkened his eyes. “You’re like a frightened little sparrow, your chest heaving as you beat against the cat’s paw holding you down. Relax, Sophie,” he murmured. “Otherwise I might lose my already tenuous control. As a dom, I am aroused by your apprehension. I love bringing a woman to the fine edge between trust and fear. I’d never hurt you, but still I’m determined to push your boundaries, test your limits, and I know that scares you just as much as it arouses you.” His once silky tone was now gruff and a little ragged.
The truth of his words was like a whip cracking in her mind, more sharp and agonizing than anything she’d ever felt on her skin.
Sophie bucked her hips, trying to dislodge him. “Damn you!” His large erection dug into her, making her womb throb.
As though he could sense her rising need and frustration, Emery’s eyes swirled with lust and hunger.
“So you have scars and they upset you,” he observed.
She raised her chin, glowering at him. “Well, it’s humiliating. Men don’t like my…my…” To her own shame, her voice wavered.
“They don’t like your breasts?” The sheer look of incredulity on his face startled her.
“Uh huh.” Sophie shut her eyes, shame smashing her insides like a sledgehammer through fine china.
God, let this humiliation be over quickly. Every other man had left her alone after hearing this. Emery wouldn’t be any different. He was too sexy, too gorgeous to ever settle for a scarred woman like her, not when he could have his pick.
Emery held still, didn’t make a sound or move until she opened her eyes. When she did finally look up at him, he dropped his head a few inches, his nose touching hers, nuzzling her cheek.
“I’m not like other men, Sophie. Scars are a sign of strength, survival. Someday you’ll be brave enough to show me, and I’ll prove you have nothing to be ashamed of. Now, I am willing to accept the deal you proposed. Are you willing in return?”
She bit her lip. It had been her idea; she had to see it through. She wanted to see it through, even if it scared the living daylights out of her.
“Yes. I’ll do it. Your story, my submission.”
Want to find out what happens next? Grab Emery and Sophie’s book HERE!
Other Titles by Lauren Smith
Historical
The League of Rogues Series
Wicked Designs
His Wicked Seduction
Her Wicked Proposal
Wicked Rivals
Her Wicked Longing
His Wicked Embrace
The Earl of Pembroke
His Wicked Secret
The Wicked Earls Club
The Earl of Pembroke
The Seduction Series
The Duelist’s Seduction
The Rakehell’s Seduction
The Rogue’s Seduction
The Gentleman’s Seduction
The Sins and Scandals Series
An Earl By Any Other Name
A Gentleman Never Surrenders
A Scottish Lord for Christmas
Standalone Stories
Tempted by A Rogue
Bewitching the Earl
* * *
Contemporary
Ever After Series
Legally Charming
The Surrender Series
The Gilded Cuff
The Gilded Cage
The Gilded Chain
The Darkest Hour
Her British Stepbrother
Forbidden: Her British Stepbrother
Seduction: Her British Stepbrother
Climax: Her British Stepbrother
Forever Be Mine (Coming soon)
* * *
Paranormal
Brothers of Ash and Fire
Grigori
Mikhail
Rurik
The Lost Barinov Dragon (coming soon)
Dark Seductions Series
The Shadows of Stormclyffe Hall
The Love Bites Series
The Bite of Winter
Brotherhood of the Blood Moon Series
Blood Moon on the Rise (coming soon)
* * *
Sci-Fi Romance
Cyborg Genesis Series
Across the Stars (coming soon)
About the Author
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, and a Semi-Finalist award for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.
To connect with Lauren, visit her at:
www.laurensmithbooks.com
[email protected]
