Read Online The Heart's Victory by Nora Roberts - Free Book Online Page B

“Newman sends his regrets,” Lance said softly as his eyes moved back to hers. “Something—ah—came up. Do you have a wrap?”
    â€œCame up?” Foxy repeated. She found no relief when her chin was released as his hands moved to her bare shoulders. She felt the temperature of the room rise ten degrees. “What are you talking about?”
    â€œNewman discovered he didn’t have the evening free after all. It’s a pity to cover up such elegant shoulders, but the nights here can be cool in June.” They were closer than they had been a moment before, but Foxy didn’t know how he had contrived it. His hands were still light on her shoulders.
    â€œWhat do you mean, didn’t have the evening free?” she demanded. She started to back away but his hands tightened on her shoulders slightly but meaningfully. The mockery in his smile caused her temper to soar along with her heart rate. “What did you do? What did you say to him? He’s much too polite to break a date without telling me himself. You intimidated him,” she finished hotly, glaring into Lance’s smile.
    â€œI certainly hope so since that was my intention.” He confessed to the crime so easily, Foxy could only splutter. “Fetch your wrap.”
    â€œMy—my . . . I certainly will not!” she managed in a choked voice.
    â€œSuit yourself.” Lance shrugged and took her hand.
    â€œIf you think I’m going out with you,” Foxy began as she tugged furiously at her hand, “you’re not running on all your cylinders. I’m not going anywhere.”
    â€œFine.” Lance’s hands spanned her waist. “I find the idea of staying here very appealing.” Before she could move away, he lowered his mouth to the gentle incline between her neck and shoulder. Her skin trembled.
    â€œNo.” Hearing the waver in her voice, Foxy fought to steady it. The room was already swaying. “You can’t stay.”
    â€œRoom service is excellent here,” Lance murmured as he caught the lobe of her ear between his teeth. “You smell like the woods in spring, fresh and full of secrets.”
    â€œLance, please.” It was becoming very difficult to think as his mouth roamed over her skin, leaving a soft trail of quick kisses.
    â€œPlease what?” he whispered. Lightly he rubbed his lips over hers. His tongue teased the tip of hers before she could answer. Foxy could feel the quicksand sucking and pulling at her legs. Desperately she pushed away from him and filled her lungs with air.
    â€œI’m starving,” she said abruptly. She considered the statement a tactical retreat. Hoping to hide her vulnerability, she brushed casually at the curls that rested on her flushed cheeks. “Since you frightened off my escort, I suppose I should make you pay for my dinner. At a restaurant,” she added hastily as he cocked a brow. “Then you’ll have to take me to the casino as Scott was going to do.”
    â€œMy pleasure,” Lance replied with a faint bow.
    â€œAnd I,” she said, feeling stronger with the distance between them, “shall take pains to lose as much of your money as possible.” Lifting a thin silk shawl from the bed, Foxy tossed it over her shoulders and flounced from the room. She managed for nearly an hour to remain cool and aloof.
    ***
    Moonlight spilled over the Bay of Monaco. A breeze that had been born far out to sea drifted easily into shore. It carried its own perfume. The terrace of the restaurant was canopied by stars and palm fronds. Music floated by the secluded table, but it was too soft for Foxy to distinguish any words. Only the melody flickered like the lights of the twin white candles on the tablecloth. Between these was a red rose in a slender vase. The murmur of other diners seemed more a backdrop than a reality. Foxy was finding it difficult to maintain an indifference to an