Read Online Mirage by Serena Janes - Free Book Online

fifties. Rather small, as far as Roman theatres went, it was perfectly proportioned. She counted nine rows of stone seats surrounding the arena.
    “It’s in amazing condition,” she said in a whisper, as if she were a trespasser.
    “Yes. I was here earlier today, and I thought you might like to see it.”
    “Thank you. I love it.” A flood of emotions welled inside her chest, making her voice husky. Her heart began to hammer in her chest.
    She looked at the vast stage, made entirely of stone and backed by a proscenium wall decorated with beautifully carved niches. Now empty, they’d once held statues of important men. Maybe even Nero, she’d read somewhere.
    There were rooms back there, too. A senate building and a Tariff Hall. But they were half hidden in the dark and looked a little spooky. Besides, she didn’t want to leave Tor’s side. He was her protector, her desert lion.
    And now, a gift-giver.
    She turned toward him when they reached the edge of the elevated stage. “It was very kind of you to bring me here. And to buy me dinner.”
    He looked down at her, his eyes shining with reflected light. “You look beautiful tonight, Julie. I wanted to tell you earlier, but I guess I had to wait until we were alone.”
    Her heart lurched. His words were so unexpected. “Thank you. So do you.”
    “What?”
    She felt herself blushing, and tried hard to keep from stammering as she said, “You look very beautiful tonight, too, in your robe.”
    He laughed. “I don’t think anyone’s ever told me that I’m beautiful.”
    “But you are. To me.” Now her face was really red. She was grateful for the low light.
    That was when he touched her.
    She hadn’t expected that either. She was too full of words and feelings to be able to read his.
    He reached out a hand and picked up a strand of her hair, pulling it gently. This one small gesture sent a jolt of electric desire through her entire body. She began to tremble, acutely aware of his large, masculine shape beside her, the smell of his body, the sound of his deep voice.
    Looking up into his eyes, she anticipated what he would do next. And for a moment, he did nothing. Her mouth fell open as she waited, holding her breath, weak with longing. She wanted him to embrace her. Kiss her. Sweep her off her feet and transport her.
    Not breaking eye contact, he let go of her hair and moved his hand to the back of her neck, causing a shiver of pleasure to run down her back. Then, slowly, he lowered his face to hers, pulling her head up to his.
    His breath was hot and moist on her face, and she felt goose bumps race down her neck. His nose brushed hers, causing an exquisite tingling of pleasure all along her face. He kissed her cheek, first, and she felt it burn in response. Then he moved his mouth to her open lips and touched them with a feather-soft kiss.
    Her belly flipped. This visceral response to his first small kiss caught her unawares, and she gasped into his mouth, trying to catch her breath. Then she kissed him back. The taste of his warm, wet mouth made her dizzy. Everything seemed to slip sideways a little, and she reached out to grab his robe to keep herself from sliding to the ground. The fabric was soft in her fists, and she could feel the hard muscles of his chest underneath her fingers.
    They broke for air, dove back into each other, and she experienced the thrill of his big arms encircling her body, lifting it upwards. He was outrageously strong. She’d never been embraced by such a big man, and the effect was intensely erotic. She wanted to go limp in his arms, melt into him, so he could mold her body into his own. Her arms encircled his neck and she hung on as she sucked his hot, sweet tongue deep into her mouth.
    Pressing into him, she could feel his erection under the thin fabric of his robe. It sure didn’t feel like he was wearing any underwear, and she smiled in the middle of a kiss. His hands were running up and down along the length of her back.