The Debutante's Ruse (6 page)

Chapter Seven

It was almost dawn when Henry roused himself from a deep and satisfied sleep. Gray light filtered in through the windows, and daylight was only a few hours away. He stretched his arm out to the side to draw Isabella closer, only to find that she was no longer there. Propping himself up on his elbows, he scanned the parlor.

He saw her immediately.

She was standing by one of the tall windows, the sensuous curves of her nude form cast in pale shadows. One of her hands rested on the wooden frame, the other hung at her side, her fingers moving idly as she hummed softly to herself. She had apparently opened the window, as a briny sea breeze flitted through the curtains and lightly lifted the ends of her dark curls. Henry’s face softened; she was so lovely that his heart swelled with tender affection.

“I hadn’t realized you’d awoken,” He said, “How long have you been waiting?”

She turned to look at him, and he was spellbound by the silvery outline of her pert breasts. Her smile was just as brilliant.

“Only a little while.”

She padded silently over to where he lay. With a boldness that made his loins tighten with want, she casually straddled him, draping her long, shapely legs over his hips.

“Oh my,” He grunted, his hands sliding up her thighs to grip her hips. “I take it that you are pleased?”

She flashed her teeth in a devilish smile as she raked her fingernails down his chest. She leaned in close and traced a line from his chin to his ear with her tongue.

“I am,” She whispered, “Very much.”

With a sigh of pleasure, she began to rock against him. His hardness slipped slowly and seductively between them, and he groaned and dug his fingers into her pliant flesh. She threw her head back and rolled her body against his.

“Again already?” He grunted, tangling his fingers in her hair and pulling her down for a searing kiss.

“No,” She breathed against his lips, “Of course not.”

“What?” He gripped her hips and held her still, pulling back to stare up at her disbelievingly.

Isabella smirked and gently ground her core against him. Then, to his absolute frustration, she lifted herself up and stepped away. He sat up and watched as she nonchalantly slipped back into her black silk.

“Once,” She teased playfully, lifting one perfect finger, “You’ve caught me only once.”

“You little minx,” Henry growled, “Are you saying I’ll have to catch you again? I know you want this as much I do.”

“I don’t deny it,” Isabella said with a sweet smile. “But rules are rules, after all.”

He cocked a brow. “Just what are you suggesting?”

She strolled over to the open window and sat on its ledge. Tilting her head to gauge his reaction, she tugged gently at the jade necklace that still hung from her neck.

“This is mine now,” she said, “But I am still a thief.”

“So?”

“And I don’t plan to stop thieving. So catch me again,” she continued, crossing her legs. “And I promise—I’ll give you even
more
.”

Henry stood, and Isabella could not help but eye his lean, muscled frame. He grinned hungrily, his mind already racing to pinpoint the location of her next target—and their next adventure.

“I
will
catch you, Isabella,” He promised.

“I know you will.” Her lips lifted in an eager smile. “I can’t wait.”

With one last wicked smile, she swung her legs over the edge of the window and dropped down to the street below. Henry strode over to the window and watched as Isabella, the flower of Hong Kong, disappeared into the gray hours of dawn.

Their game had just begun.

* * * * *

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About the Author

Linda is a travel addict and a self-proclaimed food critic with an insatiable appetite for the written word. She first developed her love for reading and writing by browsing her grandfather’s dictionaries and etymology books—a habit she has yet to abandon!

Born to Filipino parents in the United States and raised in Canada, Linda is a modern-day nomad, moving across country and ocean with her military husband. She currently lives in the United Kingdom and spends her free time writing, practicing digital photography, updating her food blog and dreaming of adventures at home and abroad. She has travelled throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

Linda holds a Master of Education and specializes in teaching languages and literature. She has been teaching English as a Second Language, English literature and literacy courses since 2001. Though she is currently teaching part-time at a local technical college, Linda is a full-time daydreamer with a passion for the strange, mysterious and exotic.

ISBN: 978-14592-2672-2

The Debutante’s Ruse

Copyright © 2012 by Linda Skye

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