The Spanish Outlaw Read Online Free Page B

who is putting on a performance?”
    “I’m just trying to get my way.”
    He ran his finger and thumb across his well-groomed mustache, drawing her attention to the gentle curves of his lips. A mouth that might be heaven to kiss.
    She silently scolded herself. Stop it! You must be strong.
    “I assume you always get your way.” The tone of his voice lowered.
    “Usually.”
    “Has anyone ever refused you?”
    She shrugged. “On rare occasions.”
    As Anton continued to rub his mustache, his gaze moved over her face, and swept down her neck. His close inspection made her squirm. He ceased toying with his facial hair, peered into her eyes and smiled.
    “I, too, rarely lose, but it seems after meeting you tonight that is all I have done.” Closing the gap between them, he leaned closer and stroked her cheek. “I have a deal to make with you which will proclaim us both winners this evening.”
    “And what is that?” Her voice shook and she prayed she could gain back the control she had just lost.
    “You give me what I want, and in exchange, I will give you what you want.”
    Did he mean what her wayward mind thought? Her face burned, and her throat turned dry. Anticipation rushed through her.  Her chance had finally come to charm him into submission.
    She had to, but she had to remain professional about it and not let the emotions get the best of her.
    “What do you have in mind?”
    * * * *
    Despite her bold attempt, Anton detected her underlying innocence. She couldn’t hide her timid nature. He’d been with plenty of experienced women…and Vivian was certainly not in that class. What game did she play with him?
    He teetered between doubt and amusement, knowing he shouldn’t laugh aloud at her expression. He cupped her face, enjoying the way she snuggled against his hand.
    “You are very beautiful.” He inched her face closer to his, his mouth descending. “And it makes me wonder if you use your beauty to get what you want.”
    “I fear I do not know what you mean.”
    “I will explain myself.” His lips hovered closer to hers. “But first, I want a quick sample.”
    When his mouth touched hers, a small sigh breezed through her lips, but she didn’t pull away. Her shoulders stiffened, yet her lips moved with his. He took his time, savoring her tender flesh, nibbling on her top lip then the bottom.
    This woman tested his ironclad control and drove him to the limits of his endurance. The newfound feeling exhilarated him...and confused him.
    Her fingers caressed his neck, and he slanted his head to deepen the kiss. Vivian moaned, and his heart soared with triumph. Finally, she was under his spell.
    Her kiss seemed quite inexperienced, which told him his suspicions were correct. She wasn’t the type of woman he was used to consorting with. Was it her bold personality that made her so courageous? He’d love to find out and perhaps be the one to teach her about passion, but at a different time. He couldn’t cross that bridge until he received some answers.
    Ending the kiss, he placed a few smaller pecks on her lips before pulling away.
    Her eyes opened half-mast as she looked at him. “Is that what you wanted?” she asked with passion still laced in her voice.
    He detected a hopeful note and grinned. “Not exactly.” He paused only for a moment before scowling. “I want to know why you have been following me. Why did you sneak into this party without an invitation? And why is it so important to know personal things about my past?”
    Her eyes flew open, and she jumped back as if he was on fire and she couldn’t stand to be so near.
    “Are you accusing me of something, Sir?”
    “You are not whom you pretend to be, Señorita . I may not know your secret, but what I do know makes me suspicious.”
    “And what is it that you think you know about me?”
    “You are not Vivian Harring, a noblewoman as you have proclaimed, but Miss Vivian Wentworth.”
    Her face lost color. Just as he’d suspected. He