Savage storm Read Online Free Page B

one of those you selected as a prospective bride."
    Jason opened the door and tossed his belongings on the nearest chair before he turned back to face her. As she looked up at him, her expression was so sweet it seemed most natural for him to bend down to kiss her good-night. He had meant to do no more than brush her cheek lightly but she lifted her lips to meet his instead. Her lips were soft, opening easily with only slight pressure from his, and she relaxed against his chest with such easy grace that he wound his fingers in her long, flowing tresses. Holding her mouth captive beneath his own, he savored her delicious taste until he could no longer catch his breath. When at last he had to draw away he was stunned by the strength of the desire she had aroused in him, for her kiss had been filled with a promise of passion he'd never felt in any other woman. That it could come from one with such an innocent smile astonished him all the more. His own smile grew wide as he realized she knew far more of the art of love than her very proper appearance had led him to believe.
    Gabrielle stared up at the handsome man she'd so recently met and felt her face flood with the bright color of a deep blush. She'd not expected that kiss nor the depth of her own response, and she was horrified by what he must think of her lavish display of affection when they were little more than strangers. Wanting to end the regrettable incident swiftly, she tried to close the door but Jason blocked her way.
    "If you need me later, I'll be right here. I meant what I said

    at dinner; Til find a way for you to come with us." Jason's admiring glance filled with astonishment as he saw the confusion in Gabrielle's gaze turn to fury. The bright blue of her eyes grew purple with rage as she replied to what he'd meant as reassurance.
    'That is not a very subtle hint, Mr. Royal. Is it a bribe you expect? Well, if you think I'll sleep with you tonight, or on the way along the Oregon Trail you're wrong! If there is not a place for me with the other brides tomorrow morning, then I will earn my own passage in a respectable fashion! Good night!"
    Jason was so startled by her angry outburst that he had to dodge out of the way to avoid being injured as she slammed the door in his face. He could not understand how the remark he'd meant to be comforting could have been so badly misinterpreted, but as he stood there contemplating the question, he realized the innocence of his comment was not the issue—it was the ardor of his kiss. No, damn it! It was the ardor of her kiss which had inspired him to return it!
    "Women!"
    He swore loudly and with a swift kick he hit the connecting door between their rooms. In response he heard Gabrielle turn the key in the lock and cursed again. Well she could just find her own way to Oregon now, for he'd be damned if he'd take a vixen like that and wish her upon one of the good-natured farmers who was waiting for a bride. That idea appalled him so greatly he turned his back on the door as if it might respond to his anger, but gradually, as his reason returned, he knew he had to take Gabrielle home with him if for only one purpose, to teach her how wrong she was to think she was through with love. Love was for the living to enjoy, and she was far too desirable a young woman to have only the beauty of a memory to warm her nights. That one kiss had been enough to convince him she would be a delight in his bed. He wanted to make her purr with pleasure, to hear her sob his name as the ecstasy he knew he could bring her poured through every inch of her most splendid female body. He had never wanted any woman as

    desperately as he now wanted the vibrant beauty in the next room. He had not imagined her to possess such a fiery disposition, and he suddenly felt an unexpected pang of sympathy for her recently deceased aunt. Surely her impetuous niece had driven the woman to an early grave. He vowed not to let Gabrielle get the best of him again and,