Love's Guardian Read Online Free PDF Page A

brows, yet it wasn’t fear that made her search his gaze. There was something compelling in the way he looked at her.
    His breath warmed her face, making wisps of her hair dance around her forehead, as his unyielding body pressed against her.
    He leaned forward, his ice blue gaze narrowed. “This is what could happen.” His mouth came down hard on hers. At first, the pressure was painful. His hand tangled in the curls at the nape of her neck, holding her head immobile. Her whole body tensed, as she tried to twist away. Then, without warning, he softened the assault on her lips, until small sounds escaped from the back of her throat.
    He still held her captive, but the seductive movement of his mouth against hers made her question her wish to be free. What was he doing to her?
    Desire stabbed at Declan as he ran his palm against Alex’s silky hair. Her soft moans vibrated against his lips, causing him to harden. The honeyed taste of her mouth blended with the scent of vanilla floating on the spring breeze.
    He teased her lips with the barest of caresses, while he dropped his hand from her neck to her shoulders. Her body felt warm, soft, and he suspected her skin would feel smoother than the silk garment beneath his palm. The need to touch her without the thin barrier overwhelmed him.
    While still exploring her mouth, he leaned back slightly and loosened her shirt from her pants. He shouldn’t be doing this, she was his ward for God’s sake, but his infamous control seemed to have taken this moment to desert him.
    His movements freed her arms, which wrapped around his shoulders as if she would never let go. It was all the encouragement he needed. He wasted no time letting one of his hands wander under her shirt, while the other caressed the back of her neck. He could feel the firmness of her flesh as it stretched over her ribs, sloping to the curve of her waist.
    Her hands kneaded his shoulders, and the leather saddle creaked as she tried to draw him closer.
    His fingertips slipped upward over silken skin until he cupped one full breast. Thank God her manly attire allowed such easy access. His thumb and forefinger gently tugged on the hardening tip.
    With an indrawn breath, she jerked backward, breaking the kiss. She stared at him, her eyes huge, then twisted back and forth, trying to free herself from his grasp. Unfortunately, she only succeeded in thrusting the lower part of their bodies closer together.
    Declan bit his lip, his arousal almost painful where it rubbed against her. He grabbed her wrist, then lowered her arm between them, noting her rapid pulse under his fingertips.
    Shaken, he removed his other hand from under her shirt, then raked it through his hair. She had every right to be upset, but he wouldn’t apologize. If he had been a highwayman intent on rape, the consequences would have been much worse.
    “We must be making progress.” Declan tightened his hold on her wrist when she tried to break away. “At least you didn’t reach for your dagger.”
    “Let go of me.” Alex tried to pry his fingers loose. Her eyes wild, she reminded him of a hare he’d seen once, trapped by a pack of hunting dogs.
    “You’re despicable. Why can’t you leave me alone?” Alex stopped struggling, but bitterness edged her voice. “Of course, if you left, the courts would find another guardian.” She gave a laugh devoid of joy. “I’m sure my cousin Luther, Viscount Addington, would volunteer. Even you’re preferable to him.”
    He felt her shudder. “Well, I’m glad to know I’m not last on your list.” Before she could guess his intent, he reached over, removed her dagger, then slipped it in his boot, next to his own. “Just in case,” he remarked, and let go of her wrist.
    Freed, she scrambled from his horse, as if pursued by wolves. She whistled to Blade, who grazed nearby, then jumped into her saddle and wheeled around to face him.
    “Alex, listen to me,” Declan said. “It’s not safe for you to be