Read Online Sullivan's Woman by Nora Roberts - Free Book Online

ridiculous.” Cassidy spoke quickly. She realized her temper had carried her into territory she would have been wise to avoid. As she began to speak again, he caught her bottom lip between his teeth. The movement was sudden, the pressure light, the effect devastating.
    Though she made a tiny sound of confused protest, her fingers clutched at his shirt instead of pushing him away. The tip of his tongue traced her lip as if experimenting with its flavor. When he released it, she stood still. Her eyes locked with his.
    â€œThis time when I kiss you, Cass, it’s to pleasure myself,” he said as his mouth lowered to take hers. Knowing he would meet no resistance, he circled her waist to mold her against him. Cassidy responded as if she’d been waiting for the moment all of her life. Her body seemed to know his already and fitted its soft, subtle curves to his firm, taut lines. Her hands traveled from his neck to tangle in his hair, while her mouth grew more mobile under his. For one brief instant, he crushed her to him with staggering force, ravishing her conquered mouth. Just as swiftly, her lips were freed. Her breath came out in a quick rush as she gripped him for balance. He held her close, keeping their bodies as one, his eyes boring into hers. Only the sound of their mixed breathing disturbed the silence.
    The weakness Cassidy felt was a shock to her. Her knees trembled beneath her and she shook her head in a quick attempt to deny what he had awakened. Something deep and secret was struggling for release. The strength of it alarmed and fascinated her. Still, her fear outweighed her curiosity. Instinct warned her it was not yet time. Even as she found the will to draw away, Colin pulled her closer.
    â€œNo, Colin, I can’t.” She swallowed as her hands pushed against his chest. She watched his eyes darken as his lips lingered just over hers.
    â€œI can,” he murmured, then crushed her mouth. She swirled back into the storm.
    Nothing in her experience had ever prepared her for the new demands of her own body. With innocent allure, she moaned against his mouth. She felt his lips move against hers as he murmured something. Then he plundered, pulling her down into a world of heat and darkness. A quickening fear rose with her passion. When he released her mouth, her breath came in short gasps. Her eyes clouded with desire and confusion.
    â€œPlease, Colin, let me go. I think I’m frightened.”
    He was capable of taking her, she knew, and of making her glad that he had. His eyes were blazing blue, and she kept hers locked on them. To let her eyes drift to his mouth would have been her downfall. The fingers at her neck tightened, then relaxed and dropped away. Seizing the moment, Cassidy stepped back. The narrowness of her escape shook her, and she dragged her hand through her hair.
    Colin watched her, then folded his arms across his chest. “I wonder if you had more difficulty fighting yourself or me.”
    â€œSo do I,” Cassidy replied with impulsive candor.
    He tilted his head at her response and studied her. “You’re an honest one, Cassidy. Mind how honest you are with me; I’d have few qualms about taking advantage.”
    â€œNo, I’m sure you wouldn’t.” After blowing out a long breath, Cassidy straightened her shoulders. “I don’t suppose that could have been avoided forever,” she began practically. “But now that it hasn’t been, and it’s done, it shouldn’t happen again.” Her brow furrowed as Colin tossed back his head and roared with laughter. “Did I say something funny?”
    â€œCass, you’re unique.” Before she could respond, he had moved to her and had taken her shoulders in his hands. He kneaded them quickly in a friendly manner. “That streak of British practicality will always war with the passionate Celt.”
    â€œYou’re romanticizing,” she claimed and lifted her