“I’m not fragile, West. I won’t break easily. I know exactly what I’m doing to you. I’m seducing you.” She pulled her gown down one shoulder so slowly that his heart nearly stopped beating. “We’re not at Westbury House. I’m not companion to your sisters after tonight. And I’m not your employee anymore. You’re not even a duke here, with the weight of all that anger and regret attached to the title. Here we can be West and Viola.”

“I want you so badly.” The words were wrested from his throat on a growl. He fought desperately for the control he required to walk away.

“You told me to want things for myself, and to take what I want. You said I lived only in service to others and claimed nothing for myself.”

“You know why this is a terrible idea.”

“Maybe so, but it doesn’t change how I feel. I want you, West. For me. Now come to bed,” she said, lowering the other sleeve of her gown until her breasts bounced free.

There was no chance in hell that he could resist.

He’d give her whatever she desired. He’d lay his heart at her feet.

That was a good place to start. Kneel down on the carpet and pull her forward on the bed until she was in the right position.

Pull up her skirts, nuzzle beneath them . . .

“West . . .” Such exquisite music. His name on her lips.

He worked his tongue over her, inside her, teasing and licking.

She made him think impossible things.

She was his new addiction. His new compulsion.

He moved over her on the bed, lavishing attention on her breasts, the soft skin of her neck, and her full lips.

When her dimples appeared his heart burst into song. And when she touched him, it was like a bolt of the finest cobweb-thin silk rolled out and poured over him, enveloping his senses: scent of warm, sweet woman, sound of her lilting sighs.

The sheen of sweat on her brow, between her breasts. Tasting her skin slowly, drawing out this perfect pleasure.

He undid her gown and slid it off her body. Her corset, chemise, and stockings came next, until she was naked underneath him.

Take her waist between his palms, lift her hips, lift her soft belly to his questing tongue.

Fingers supporting her back, thumbs lightly brushing the sides of her belly. Kiss her navel, tongue pressing. Slide his hands under her back, down the ridges of her spine, until he cupped her bottom with his hands. Part her thighs with his tongue.

She knows the way of pleasure now. She’s not so shy, not so hesitant. She opens for him while he angles her hips upward. Lick the outer edges softly, building her anticipation, don’t just get right to it, don’t be too greedy, too abrupt.

Taste her. Salt sweet. Silk smooth and delicious.