He slid his hands down her shoulders and cupped her b.r.e.a.s.t.s before scooping her off her feet with a suddenness that made her squeak. He carried her over to the bed. After stripping off her remaining clothing, he yanked off his breeches, shoes and stockings and joined her. He drew her close, angled his mouth over hers and laced his hands into her long hair.

"Ah, Lucien," she murmured.

Their naked limbs brushed together. Slowly, he explored her body with careful attention to detail. He touched her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, her shoulders, her belly, and her legs until she ached for his possession. Lucien wedged her thighs apart and surged into her body, kissing her fiercely at the same time. Rosalind arched into him. Frissons of desire spilled through her as they rocked together. The sensation built, growing bigger and bigger until the pleasure exploded inside her.

For a long time after, Rosalind clung to Lucien's powerful shoulders, savoring the closeness, the feeling of togetherness, of being one with him and no longer rejected. Instead, his actions told of his love and the way he treasured her. This was security, and she was finally home.

She pressed a kiss to his muscular chest. The spurned viscountess had won the viscount's heart.

About the Author.

Sh.e.l.ley Munro lives in New Zealand with her husband. When she's not writing, she loves to travel and frequently drags her husband off to far-flung parts of the world. Not that he argues much. Enduring memories include being almost sat on by a mountain gorilla in Rwanda, lazing on white, sandy beaches in India, whale watching in Alaska, helmet diving in Bora-Bora, camel riding in Egypt, talkin' the blarney in Ireland, and dealing with ghosts in an English pub.

Cooking is fun (since she enjoys eating), and she likes to take photographs of everyone and everything. No one is safe from her camera lens. Someone should probably warn the dogs and puppies Sh.e.l.ley and her husband are about to foster for the RSPCA. Readers beware! Cute animal photos ahead...You can visit Sh.e.l.ley at http://www.sh.e.l.leymunro.com.