Pride and Fire Read Online Free PDF

“Where is she?”
    “Chester and Roberts will see my sisters home.”
    Michelle stared at him for a long moment, chewing her bottom lip. She started to stand. “Well, then I shall find another—”
    “Don’t be ridiculous,” he said gruffly.
    He knew it was folly but he couldn’t stop himself. A quick glance on the drive showed no one took note of him at the moment. Stepping all the way into the carriage, he closed the door.
    Michelle’s eyes widened. “But—”
    “You’re ready to leave and so am I.”
    She lowered her lashes and gazed out the window. Paul settled across from her, watching her as the carriage rolled away from the curb.
    “Where do you live?” he asked to fill the silence.
    “I gave the driver my address,” she whispered.
    She focused her attention on the night landscape rolling past.
    “Did you have a nice time this evening?” he asked.
    “Yes,” she allowed.
    Paul let the silence win for the time being, at a loss for words himself. As she continued to stare out into the dark night, he let his gaze caress her. Her hair, in the light of the lanterns, shone like fire. Her skin looked like the finest porcelain. His fingers itched to feel her softness. His reaction to their close proximity caused him to shift on the cushioned seat. He let out a ragged sigh, and she turned to him at last.
    “I am sorry this ride is so unpleasant for you.” Her eyes flashed at him. “Perhaps if you would ignore me—”
    “I can’t ignore you,” he said in a low voice. “Believe me, I’ve tried.”
    She gasped, her body trembling as her eyes flew open wide. “Lord Leed, I—”
    He joined her on the seat. His actions apparently stunned her speechless, he was pleased to note. “I can’t deny my attraction to you, either.”
    She gave a tiny shake of her head even as she swayed toward him.
    “Michelle,” he murmured.
    He brushed his fingers over her cheek, lost in the golden depths of her eyes. He cupped the side of her face, tracing the curve of her lower lip. She closed her eyes and touched the tip of her tongue to his thumb, sending a shaft of desire through his body. He brushed his lips against hers, her fire taking hold of him.
    “Paul…” she whispered softly into his mouth.
    He pulled back. She’d never called him by his given name before. God, he’d never heard a sexier sound in his life. With a soft groan of surrender, he crushed his mouth to hers. She opened, allowing his tongue to sweep inside and taste her. She whimpered as she caught his passion, reaching up to twine her fingers in his hair.
    Paul wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against him. His mouth left hers to place teasing kisses along the column of her throat. She leaned her head back, a soft sigh escaping her. His lips found the swell of her breast, the skin softer and smoother than he’d imagined. He lowered her to the seat, tugging at her bodice. He freed one breast to his touch, its pink tip straining for his possession. Cupping her breast with his hand, he found she fit him perfectly. His palm brushed across the nipple, and he glanced up at her to see the passion etched on her face.
    “Ah, Michelle,” he rasped. “You’re so beautiful.”
    He bent his head to take her nipple into his mouth. Just then the carriage hit a rut in the road and gave a lurch. He jerked himself upright. Raking his fingers through his hair, he hung his head and tried to cool his blood.
    Michelle was frozen to the seat, her rapid breathing in tune with his own. He heard a rustling as she sat up and straightened her dress. She let out a small sob and he glanced at her then. She looked so hurt and vulnerable. He was the worst kind of rake to use and reject her.
    “Michelle,” he began gruffly, “I’m sorry I—”
    “Sorry you touched me?”
    He said nothing.
    “Why are you so angry with me?” she asked.
    He shook his head. “I’m not angry,” he said, his voice rough.
    “You sound angry. If touching me bothers you