Read Online Pride of the Lion: Hades' Carnival, Book 3 by N.J. Walters - Free Book Online

ever been this embarrassed in her life? She was naked in bed with a complete stranger, which might be okay in a dream, but was definitely not okay in real life. That gave her pause. Maybe she was dreaming again. Maybe this was nothing more than a continuation of the carousel dream. It was too confusing to figure out.
    “I am Leander. Who are you?”
    His name sounded exotic and mysterious, much like the man. She couldn’t place his accent, but it was sexy as all get out. “Araminta Davidson.”
    “Araminta.” He said her name slowly, as though he was savoring the sound. “A beautiful name. I like it.”
    This was truly the most bizarre experience of her life. She was exchanging names with a man she was naked with. “Umm, how did we get here?” She had to remain calm and use her head. Whatever this situation was, she could get out of it with her dignity intact.
    The light from the window was enough for her to see one broad shoulder shrug. “I’m not sure.” He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her toward him. His breath was warm on her lips. “But I do know that you set me free. Thank you.”
    Before she could ask him what he was talking about, he leaned down and kissed her. And oh, what a kiss it was. His lips were warm and firm against hers. He took his time, caressing and nibbling his way across her lower and then her upper lip. He traced his tongue along the seam of her mouth and she parted it on a gasp. He took advantage and made several quick forays that left her wanting more.
    Her tongue touched his and he groaned. Liquid fire shot through her entire body, leaving her breasts swollen and tender and her sex aching. He tilted her head to one side for a better angle and deepened the caress.
    Araminta had only been kissed like this once before in her life—in her dream last night. It was all consuming and went on and on. Leander took his time, making her feel as though there was nothing he’d rather do but kiss her.
    It was intoxicating and seductive.
    She gripped his shoulders, anchoring herself to him. He didn’t need to be standing for her to know he was a big man. Muscular too.
    It was her fantasy man, which meant he wasn’t real. Disappointment shot through her. She was dreaming again.
    He eased back from their kiss. “What’s wrong?” He sprinkled soft kisses on her chin and across her cheeks.
    The fact that he’d sensed the change in her was concrete proof that the guy wasn’t real. What man broke away from physical contact with a naked woman to ask her what was wrong? None that she’d ever met, that’s for sure.
    “You’re not real. You’re nothing more than a figment of my imagination.” And that was a stupid thing to say, but she really wasn’t thinking clearly at the moment. Between the dizzying carousel ride and the mind-altering kiss, it was a wonder she could string two words together.
    “If I’m not real then you won’t mind if I do this, will you?” He trailed his lips over her jawline and up to her ear. He rasped his tongue over the whorl of her ear, making her shiver. Goose bumps trailed down her arms and over her legs, and she clenched her thighs together over the growing ache. Pure need shot through her. Dream or real, she wanted this man.
    “You are so beautiful.” He whispered the words, his breath warm against her ear, and then captured her lobe between his teeth and carefully nipped. She dug her fingernails into his skin, an erotic punishment. He groaned and shifted so she was flat on her back with him on his side looming over her.
    She should have been scared to death. After all, she was completely at the mercy of a man she didn’t even know. She would have been terrified if this was real. But it wasn’t. Nothing made sense, but she felt totally safe in his arms, absolutely free to give herself to him.
    Araminta tunneled her fingers into his amazing hair, wishing she could see what color it was. It fell around his shoulders like a silky cloud