“I didn't think you would be able to find me.I was so frightened..."He took hold of her hand, brought it to his lips. "I would have looked forever if I'd had to.”

“I can't believe this." Temper still high, she planted her hands on her hips. "For weeks, I have imagined you making love to me.I even tried to seduce you." So he had been right about that. "Now-when we are in the middle of the Duke of Sheffield's ball-you decide you want me.""I've never stopped wanting you,Grace."She started to back away. "You made me look like a fool."Ethan stalked to her, matching her step for step. Now that his mind was made up,he intended to have her and soon. "You didn't look the least like a fool. You looked like a woman whose husband desired her."Her back came up against the door."You...you are still the pirate you were aboard your ship!""That's right.And I intend to plunder the treasure I acquired the day we were wed.”

“So you'll be keeping the Sea Devil," she said.His light eyes roamed over her, settled for a moment on her breasts. "I'm keeping her. The ship holds a number of interesting memories I wouldn't want to forget."His eyes said he was remembering their numerous encounters-and the final delicious outcome-and a faint smile tugged at his lips.”

“Ethan's gaze returned to the swell of her breast above the top of her gown. "Cord once mentioned a room here at Sheffield House on the second floor, rather out of the way,I understand, and rarely used.I don't think anyone would miss us if we disappeared for a while, do you?"Her pulse quickened. She couldn't look away from the smoky heat in his eyes or the sensual curve of his lips. They were equally matched, she thought, and perfectly mated,her mind slipping ahead to what would happen in that room. "No,I don't believe they would miss us in the least."His look burned hotter. He glanced at the crush of people surrounding them, spoke just loudly enough for them to hear. "Come,my love.It's a bit warm in here.Why don't we take a stroll in the garden?"Grace bit back a smile. "That is a very good notion,my lord.I believe the night is clear enough for us to see the stars.The Great Bear and the Little Lion should be visible tonight and I am ever so eager to see them."Ethan's smile held a trace of amusement that disappeared beneath a look of sensual heat.”

“Another hour of strained silence passed. Hawk left to speak with an aquaintance in another car."Would you like to tell me about it?" James offered as soon as his friend was out of earshot.Mandy looked out the window, shamefaced. "I'd really rather not discuss it, if you don't mind.""You know, even if he is a friend, I'd be happy to black his eye if-""No!""Whatever you say." He sighed resignedly, leaning back against the tapestry seats.”

“As she stepped off the platform, the material parted and he got a gimpse of stockinged feet and slender calves, a single lacy blue garter.His body tightened.He'd been hard off and on for hours.Now his shaft filled again, lengthened and began to throb. Silently he cursed.If he didn't know this was often the way selections were made, he would have wondered if Grace might not be torturing him on purpose.She had seduced him on the ship, he recalled, instantly wishing he hadn't as the ache in his groin grew worse.”

“Wait and see," Claire said excitedly. "Your husband will not be able to resist you."Grace hoped Claire was right.Since the night he had kissed her in the drawing room after their disastrous dinner party,he had done a magnificent job of exactly that.”