Sophia desperately wished he would say or do something. The sexual tension in the rose-colored sitting room was overwhelming, as she stood face-to-face with Pendergast. His smooth skin and rigid posture made him seem like a statue wearing a black suit. A shudder of pleasure quaked through her body when at last he placed a pale hand on the small of her back and pulled her a few inches closer to him. She looked into his unusual eyes and saw a battle between reason and passion being waged. One long finger found its way to her full lips and gently traced their outline. She moaned when his mouth finally descended to hers. His kiss was tender and lingering. Pendergast lost control of himself for the first time in her presence, when she responded by pressing her whole body against him. His barriers broke, and passion won the war against reason.

Aloysius deepened the kiss and it became almost savage. Sophia was glad his arms were supporting her; she would have collapsed from the sudden weakness in her legs otherwise. Her hands wandered to his chest and began removing his jacket. The garment slid to the floor and was quickly followed by...   read more »