Read Online Night Thief by Lisa Kessler - Free Book Online Page A

intoxicated by the scent of her skin.
    They turned the corner, and he opened the door of the inn. Music swelled around them. Kane guided her inside. Marguerite kept her hand in his and he moved through the patrons toward the cramped dance floor. When she turned toward him, his arm moved around her waist, drawing her close to him.
    Where she should always be .
    He silenced the thought and forced himself to live in the moment. Their bodies moved as one in a lively waltz. Seeing her smile and hearing her laughter while they turned in dizzying circles cast a spell over him.
    Finally, Rita looked up at him, her skin glowing with color. “I need air.”
    He nodded and led her toward a shadowed table, but she shook her head.
    “No, I need air.” She gestured toward her corset.
    Damn Parisian fashion .
    “Can I help?”
    She nodded. “Yes, but we need someplace private.”
    He guided her through the tables and into the alley. Rita’s chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath. Anxious to assist her, he scooped her up and ran with a speed no mortal could achieve. When he lowered her feet to the ground at his stable, her eyes were wide with shock and her hands trembled. He cursed his carelessness.
    “I should have warned you. Forgive me.”
    She shook her head, tousling the curls that now drooped lower on her pale shoulders. Her chest heaved and she gasped, “I never dreamed anything could move so quickly.”
    Attempting to distract her from the shock, he pointed to her dress. “Show me how I can help you breathe.”
    She turned her back toward him. “Unfasten the buttons, and then loosen the corset.”
    Carefully, he released each tiny pearl button. Unable to resist, he bent forward, pressing a kiss to the back of her bare shoulder. He felt her body tense, but she didn’t move away. His lips caressed the side of her slender neck and her head tilted, opening herself to his affections. Kane popped off the last of the annoying buttons and quickly worked the laces of the corset loose.
    Rita’s moan of relief shot heat right to his groin. He wanted to hear her moan his name. She turned, smiling up at him as her dress threatened to expose her beautiful breasts. “You should remind me why it would be a bad idea to lose myself in your arms.”
    “I am the wrong man to ask.” He throbbed against the bindings of his pants, and reached up to cup her cheek. “Here and now is all that matters tonight.”
    She ran her hands up his chest, her nimble fingers making quick work of his buttons. He growled when her warm hands explored his bare chest. His eyes locked on hers. “You steal my will.”
    Her lips curved into a sensual smile. “You are no match for Le Voleur D’or.”
    He had no choice but to kiss her. Holding her tight, her lips parted, his tongue tasting her while he slid his hands up her back. Every curve of her body called to his desire. He wanted to touch and taste every inch of her.
    But not in the barn.
    He broke the kiss without loosening his hold on her. “Not here. Your bedchamber.”
    Her nod was all the consent he needed. Kane lifted her into his arms, forcing himself to walk while shuddering with need when her hot kisses caressed his chest. Once he had her alone in her bedchamber, he laid her gently onto the feather bed. Her golden hair fanned around her head, her lips swollen from his kisses, her cheeks flushed with color.
    Marguerite watched him shed his coat and shirt. She’d already seen his chiseled chest, but now she could see his broad shoulders and the strength in his arms. Her pulse raced, and she wet her lips, waiting. His hands loosened the laces on the front of his pants until he could slide them off.
    Her gaze ran up his tanned, muscular legs. She’d lain with more than one man, but never one so comfortable in his body. Instead of shame or modesty, he stood before her, his erection plainly displaying his desire for her. No secrets, no games. He offered her more honesty than any man she’d