Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

LUC straightened his tie and waited near the wall of Bonheur‟s

windows as the sun streamed in golden and bright on this November noon.

The smell of roses and stargazer lilies filled the air, slightly cloying. At the

other end of the restaurant, Alyssa emerged from the shadowed hallway in

white, looking ethereal, elegant—and very nervous.

On the other side of Luc, Sadie, dressed in ice blue, shushed him.

Yes and no. He was still thrilled about the baby, but standing beside

the justice of the peace as Alyssa walked to him through the hush, it hit him

that, as husband and wife, they weren‟t going to have to merely treat each

other with civility, as she‟d demanded. They must also get along day in and

day out. Balance lives. Find common ground. Get accustomed to sharing

space and priorities and feelings. Become good spouses and parents. To

make this work, they would have to build trust.

Could they do that with a marriage based on a big lie? He swallowed.

On the groom‟s side of the room, in the front row, his parents sat, still

holding hands after nearly forty years together, looking uncertain. They‟d

both talked to him about commitment, compromise, honesty, and

communication. He and Alyssa might be committing, but so far, they

sucked at the other three virtues.

When he‟d called to tell his parents that he was getting married in six

days, he‟d leveled with them about his reasons. Since yesterday, his

mother had tried to talk him out of this—twice. He hadn‟t budged. Now,

somehow, he had to make this work.

Behind Luc‟s parents sat his sisters and their families, a handful of

aunts, uncles, and cousins, Deke‟s wife, Kimber, along with her brothers,

Logan and Hunter, a few of Luc‟s close friends and colleagues. His side of

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the room was full to bursting, and he could have invited more. Alyssa‟s side

was virtually empty.

Tyler sat in the second row, scowling as if he‟d like to kill someone.

Why the man hadn‟t tried to stop this wedding, demanded parental rights,

or even a paternity test, puzzled Luc. Maybe Alyssa had asked him to step

aside, and Tyler‟s pride kept him from fighting for her. Even so, Luc wasn‟t

sure how the guy was restraining himself. He wouldn‟t. Then again, maybe

Tyler hadn‟t wanted to shoulder the responsibility for his baby.

Jack and Morgan Cole sat behind the bouncer. Some of the other

dancers and restaurant staff were scattered in various rows, dressed in

their Sunday best. The first row, usually reserved for family, sat empty.

Until now, he hadn‟t thought to wonder if her family would be coming.

The fact none had made him hurt for her. At the hospital after Alyssa‟s

attack, Tyler had claimed she had no family. Seriously? Not one single

blood relation who cared enough to see her on her wedding day?

Luc rolled his shoulders and stared at his bride. God, that sounded

odd. But she actually looked bridal, hair upswept, pearls dangling at her

ears, sheer tulle trimmed in sparkling beads falling softly down her back, to

her hips. Her dress was simple. Cap sleeves clung to her shoulders. A Vneck hinted at cleavage, and the ruched silk cupped her generous breasts.

Sparse beading encircled her small waist. The rest of the gown cascaded

down to her feet in a gentle fall, a very short train behind her. In trembling

hands, she carried a small bouquet of baby red roses that matched her

lipstick.

Besides beautiful, Alyssa looked pale and scared. Luc clenched his

jaw, resolving to do his best to put the lies behind them and be good to her.

She had given him a gift he‟d never expected. Despite the enormity of her

deception—and his—a part of him still loved her.

As Alyssa neared, he held out his hand to her. She stared, her blue

eyes pale, red-rimmed, and swollen. She hadn‟t slept and she‟d been

crying. Clearly, second thoughts tortured her. Or was that guilt? Everything

inside him tensed.

Luc forced himself to smile. She took a breath, finally putting her cold

hand in his. Her gaze asked what her lips couldn‟t in front of all these

people: Why did he want to marry her?

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Answering was pointless. The truth would serve no purpose except to

expose his humiliation, tear them apart, and send her to back to Tyler‟s

arms. He‟d bear the secret. And if the child emerged looking like her

bouncer . . . Luc clenched his fist. Nothing to do but cross that bridge then.

The best strategy now was to calm his bride and be good to her for the rest

of their lives.

Beautiful, he mouthed to her. A smile wobbled across her face.

Then the justice of the peace began the ceremony. The words were

short, a blur. He responded when prompted. Alyssa did the same, her voice

thin and high and shaking.

Then came time for the rings.

He held out his hand toward Deke, who leaned in and whispered, “You

really sure, man?”

Luc merely wiggled his fingers impatiently. With a sigh, his cousin set

the ring in the middle of his palm. Then he turned to Alyssa and began to

slide it on her finger as he recited his vows.

Love. Honor. Cherish. Until death. Could they make it work?

As she looked down at the ring, she gasped. And he smiled.

Earlier in the week, she‟d asked him if he wanted one. He‟d said a

band would be fine. Apparently, she‟d assumed he‟d get her the same. But

when he‟d gone to return Emily‟s ring and find something else, this had

caught his eye. Three stones meant to represent their past, present, and

future. He‟d seen it as their new family. The middle gem was nearly two

carats, the stones on either side a carat on their own. Set in platinum. No

baguettes, no channel setting, no filigree. Simple sparkling splendor. So

Alyssa.

Eyes wide, she nodded. A stupidly pleased feeling slid through his gut.

This marriage might be a train wreck down the road, but this made her feel

special. For now it was enough.

Then the justice of the peace prompted Alyssa. Still shaking, she

slipped a ring on his finger, a brushed platinum band. Stylish but not

fussy—exactly what he would have chosen for himself.

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cherish from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in

health, forsaking all others until death parts us.”

Alyssa took a deep breath and met his gaze. Her usually self-assured

expression was gone. She looked shaken, anxious. Was she worried he‟d

discover her lie?

Tamping down the ironic smile, he took her hands in his at the justice‟s

prompting. The older man paused and sent him a weighty stare.

Now, this was something he‟d been waiting for since she‟d suddenly

reappeared in his life last Saturday. Since that moment, they‟d talked

wedding details by phone and e-mail, the tone infuriatingly businesslike.

Earlier this week, he‟d had to take a damn PR trip to New York and hadn‟t

returned to Lafayette until yesterday. The simple ceremony hadn‟t required

a rehearsal, so he‟d arranged a quiet dinner with his parents last night so

they could meet her. He hadn‟t been alone with Alyssa for a single minute

this week. He hadn‟t touched her since that disastrous night in her bedroom

above the club.

He was dying to kiss her.

Luc cupped her face and leaned in. Alyssa clamped her hands around

his waist, as if he were her anchor, and waited, breathless. Slowly, he

pressed his lips to hers. Soft, a brush. A shared sigh. He lingered, slanting

his mouth over hers again, a firmer press. Hunger crashed through him,

sharp, fresh, demanding. Beneath him, Alyssa went pliant and opened to

him. Luc was so tempted to sink deep into her, drown, guests be damned.

Later. Now was about their first kiss as husband and wife with family

and friends looking on. Later, she‟d understand exactly what he wanted

from her and how badly he wanted it.

After savoring the meeting of their mouths a moment more, Luc eased

back and stared down into her flushed, golden face. She sent him a

nervous, tentative smile.

Traverson.”

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Their guests politely clapped as the couple walked back down the

aisle. Jack Cole reached out to shake his hand. Kimber kissed his cheek,

whispering, “Be happy.” Sadie hugged Alyssa. Tyler still scowled.

The photographer, a friend of Luc‟s, awaited them. He snapped a few

pictures, posed them close together. Something greedy leapt inside Luc

when the man suggested they kiss again so he could get a shot.

Restraining himself this time proved more difficult. The first taste had

merely whetted his appetite, made the hungry beast inside him roar to life.

Whatever lay between them, this—touching her— was always gripping and

exquisite. To have the right to do it whenever he wished was heady.

The rest of the luncheon passed in quiet festivity. They cut the cake

he‟d made early this morning. Simple and all white fondant with beads of

frosting decorating the edge of each of the three stacked tiers. White

ribbons of fondant ran along the sides, so it resembled an elegant package.

Fresh flowers circled the cake on the pristine white tablecloth.

He and Alyssa hadn‟t talked specifics after he‟d volunteered to handle

this part of the reception. Now Luc was oddly nervous that she‟d had

something else in mind.

gorgeous.”

Together they cut the cake, and flashbulbs went off. Gently, he fed her

a piece and she moaned, to his satisfaction. Then, with shaking fingers,

she fed him as well. The desire inside him surged, tearing at his restraint.

Luc was still grappling for self-control when Deke rose and toasted

them. “After one of the most inauspicious meetings, you‟ve elected to share

a future that I hope will be filled with love and all the best life has to offer.

Congratulations.”

Holding her sparkling water, Alyssa leaned to him. “He couldn‟t

possibly have written that on his own.”

Luc laughed for the first time today. “I‟m sure Kimber helped.”

Then Sadie rose to make her own toast. “To a great boss, friend, and

human being, who‟s always there for her employees, whether that‟s lending

a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand. You deserve great happiness. Luc, I

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haven‟t known you long, but I‟m hoping you‟ll be a strong, positive force in

her life and will love her as she is. To a long and happy life together.”

Moments later, the soft instrumental music he‟d chosen sounded over

the restaurant‟s speakers. Luc rose and extended his hand to Alyssa. She

bounced a surprised gaze up to him.

She bit her lip, then stood. The guests were dead silent as they

watched him take her in his arms. She felt good against him, too good.

Hunger kicked up another notch, and Luc buried his face in her neck. Her

peaches and cinnamon scent mixed with a light perfume, driving him mad

with the need to hold her, strip her, take her.

sure your parents would have preferred a fancier wedding.”

One that wasn‟t rushed, in which the bride wasn‟t a pregnant

stripper—Luc heard regret in her voice. He lifted her chin with his finger.

don‟t regret it. Sadie wants us to have a long and happy life together. Let‟s

start it by looking forward, not back.”

LUC‟S earlier words on the dance floor echoed in her head. Could they

really look forward without the past coming back to haunt them?

wedding gown in Bonheur‟s bathroom.

dress earlier. The answer is still the same.”

into her hands, regret crashing through her. “But I‟m going to fall for Luc

completely and utterly, and I‟ll never be more to him than the great lay

whose egg happened to meet his sperm.”

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She knew that wasn‟t true, but she didn‟t understand why he‟d married

her. She‟d been perfectly willing to allow him whatever parental rights he

wanted. Luc had given her some reasons for the wedding . . . but they all

benefited her. What was in it for him?

And the uncertainty on his parents‟ faces concerned her. It wasn‟t

disapproval . . . yet. But what if that came? What if her job, her life, her

past, became a bone of contention between Luc and his family? Or

between Luc and herself? There was a whole lot about her he didn‟t know.

And God willing, he never would.

Sadie shook her head. “Annoyance, no. Serious lust, totally. But I think

it‟s even more.”

Alyssa was afraid to hope that Luc had genuine feelings for her.

Pushing it aside, she stepped out of her wedding dress, then turned her

back to Sadie. “Can you take this off?”

Her friend hesitated. “No. That white corset is hot! You‟ll knock Luc

dead with it.”

Biting her lip, Alyssa wondered if that was a good thing. She‟d tasted

the desire in his kiss, felt a surge of her own. Hell, she did whenever he

was in the same room. In the same zip code. But they had to start building

their marriage on something more than sex and the coming child. They

couldn‟t do that if he kept seeing her as a stripper.

fourteen years of pure shit romantically speaking, she‟d learned to mistrust

men. They‟d do or say anything for sex. So why had she tied herself to

someone who‟d likely become a lying bastard and ruin her life?

Because you were dumb enough to fall in love, and you’re still hoping

that the baby will round out the perfect family so you can all live happily

ever after. Yeah, right . . .

In a million years, she‟d never imagined that one man would get under

her skin and that she‟d be tempted to keep him forever. But she wanted

Luc too much to refuse. What if he realized that she loved him? What if he

moved on?

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Alyssa was pretty sure she‟d already made it. “Just take it off.”

Sadie harrumphed. “You‟d better have something sexier in mind.”

With a cackle of glee, Sadie tore into the corset. Alyssa pulled the

boning away from her body, then thanked her friend as she waved and

exited carrying her dress in its protective bag.

She shoved the corset into her bag, then donned a white lace bra and

a matching thong. From a hanger she‟d left on the wall, she drew on a

chocolate suit with a simple white blouse. After changing shoes, removing

her veil, and packing up, she marched outside.

Luc talked in hushed tones with his parents near the door. The few

remaining guests milled around outside Bonheur‟s doors. Beyond the

sidewalk, she saw Luc‟s new Jaguar.

At her approach, he looked up, and her belly pulsed nervously. When

she‟d merely wanted him sexually, she‟d been so full of confidence and

swagger. Snaring a man for a night was easy. Keeping him when her heart

was on the line . . . All her self-assurance had vanished. What the hell did

she do now? Tomorrow? And every day after that?

Taking her bag in his hand, Luc guided her back to his parents. They

looked somewhere between reserved and resigned. She knew Luc had told

them about the baby—and suspected he‟d told them about Sexy Sirens.

But Alyssa couldn‟t afford to be embarrassed or apologize. What would it

change? Everything probably looked worse because she had no family at

the wedding. They likely assumed her family had shunned her. In a way,

she supposed they had.

What would her mother have thought if she‟d been here today?

Alyssa shoved the thought away. While the woman who had died just

a few months ago had given birth to her, the years and issues separating

them had made her a virtual stranger.

Luc‟s mother, Clarissa, looked up at his father, Anthony, who sent her

a vaguely warm smile. “We wish you and Luc every happiness.”

It wasn‟t exactly welcome to the family, but it was a start.

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In a few short moments, he made arrangements to pick them up for

lunch, then see them off to the terminal. Hugging and kissing their son, they

shook her hand politely, then left.

She looked around the room. The guests had all gone now. Inside

Bonheur, dirty linens needed washing. Certainly there was a stack of

dishes in the kitchen she didn‟t want to think about now. The floors were a

mess and would have to be cleaned. She‟d tackle all that in the morning.

First, she and Luc had a wedding night to get through.

No. God, no. What do I know about making a marriage work?

Alyssa drew in a shaky breath. “Absolutely.”

LUC clearly wasn‟t driving back to her house. As he headed west,

beyond Lafayette‟s city limits, Alyssa hesitated. The silence in the car was

thick, expectant. She hated to break it, but . . .

He sent her a black-eyed gaze that scorched her to her toes. Lateafternoon shadows lent an expectant, intimate feel to the car‟s interior.

Alyssa caught her breath.

Meaning he had something planned? “I—I thought we‟d just go to my

house.”

Luc shook his head. “We should celebrate our first night as husband

and wife.”

They hadn‟t talked about this. Being alone with Luc for a whole night—

as his wife? Nerves clenched her stomach into a big knot. They‟d have sex;

that was a given. But he made this sound like . . . more.

Then again, he‟d arranged their romantic wedding dance, made the

cake, bought her this huge and totally unexpected ring. Why? What did all

of this mean to him?

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Of course, he‟d married her, at least in part, for the baby. And for the

sex, too? If so, she knew exactly what would happen once he tired of it.

She saw those men in her club every night. So why plan something special

tonight? The wedding had been a show for his parents; she understood

that. Now that they were alone, what was with all the romance?

His observation startled her. “It‟s beautiful.”

Luc paused. “It reminded me of you.”

Alyssa tried not to let his words melt her. “Thank you. You didn‟t have

to—”

reason not to have solid symbols of our union.”

She bit her lip. Luc said all the right things . . . but something troubled

her, some hint of anger. Or maybe it was just her nerves.

. . .”

God, where had that question come from? “I‟m an only child, and I

haven‟t seen my father since he left. I was four.”

Luc frowned. “Aunts, uncles, cousins?”

She shook her head. In truth, she hadn‟t thought about them in years.

She hadn‟t dared contact them. Her cousins were likely married, had

children. Her aunt Anna was probably retired from teaching school.

He looked ready to say something, then closed his mouth. A long,

silent minute passed before he finally said, “If you ever want to tell me

about your family, I‟d love to listen.”

an excellent suggestion.”

Sighing, Luc gripped the wheel. “Are you hungry? You didn‟t eat much

lunch.”

No, but she was starting to feel weak. Since becoming pregnant, she‟d

noticed that she couldn‟t skip meals the way she used to. And most days

until about two, she lived on crackers and apple juice.

He smiled. “I‟ll take care of it.”

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Like he‟d taken care of things this week. Most men would simply have

asked when to show up. Instead, he‟d arranged the invitations, luncheon,

cake, rings, photographer. She‟d barely mentioned the things on her to-do

list before they were done. Alyssa couldn‟t fault his taste. Everything had

been elegant, likely chosen to please his reserved parents. She‟d had only

to buy a dress off the rack and order flowers.

She nibbled the inside of her cheek. She‟d feel so much better if she

could just figure out why he married her. Just for the baby . . . or something more.

silence again. “How has the pregnancy been so far?”

A safer topic. “Other than being really tired, not bad. The vitamins are

finally helping. I‟m doing better about getting in my fruits and vegetables at

dinner. Can‟t eat much the rest of the day so far. I don‟t have morning

sickness, but food sounds bad until later in the afternoon.”

It wasn‟t a question, but she couldn‟t miss the concern in his voice.

She should pull back and protect herself . . . but that voice warmed her too

much. “I will.”

A few minutes later, they reached a bed-and-breakfast in a nearby

town. The sun was setting on the grand old brick house and the

surrounding cottages that stood in the distance. It was gorgeous,

reminiscent of a bygone era. Romantic. Her heart caught.

Theirs was a marriage of convenience and unrequited love. He‟d done

so much already and brought her here for a real wedding night . . . The

man overwhelmed her. Which was stupid. He was probably just making the

best of their situation. Still, tears stung her eyes.

She breathed, trying to suppress her feelings. “It‟s beautiful. Thank

you.”

Luc parked in the driveway. “Wait here. I‟ll be right back.”

When he returned, it was with a big brass key ring; then he drove

down the dirt road behind the main house to a little blue cottage with a

quaint little porch, complete with rocking chairs. The sign on the door read

SWEET SURRENDER.

Alyssa‟s stomach curled up tighter. Her pulse rocketed.

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He unlocked the door and pushed it open. Before she could peek in,

Luc swept her up into his arms. She shrieked.

him.

Inside, the cottage had a homey feel, braided rugs over aged

hardwood floors. Wainscoting and cheerful paint covered the walls. Quilts,

lacy drapes, and country-style furniture all added charm.

He set her down on a distressed leather sofa, then knelt to remove her

shoes, his palms lingering on her calves. She shivered at the heat in his

eyes.

No one but Luc had ever taken care of her like this, and it was heaven.

She should balk, insist on doing for herself. But this special treatment likely

wouldn‟t last, and leaning on him was so tempting.

Finally, she complied. If the past was any indicator, she‟d need all the

energy she could get for later.

Minutes later, she woke when he set chicken pasta and a salad

brimming with vegetables in front of her. As with every day this past week,

by dinnertime, she was famished and demolished every bite. “That was

incredible.”

Luc finished off his own plate. “I have dessert, if you‟re ready.”

Amazing . . . “When did you make all this?”

He‟d thought of everything—and gone the extra mile to make it

special. Again, the ever-present question slammed her brain: Why?

Without waiting for her reply, he rose and disappeared to the little

kitchen. He returned moments later with a bottle of champagne and one

flute, popped the cork, and poured. She supposed he was drinking without

her, since she couldn‟t have the alcohol. Before he took a sip, he

disappeared again, then returned with two heaping cups of chocolate

mousse and a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries.

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picked up the glass to toast her. “To a beautiful bride and the beginning of

our lives together.”

Ask or leave it alone?

child, we have nothing in common but great sex.”

Luc raised a dark brow and fingered the rim of the glass for a long

moment. “When you were driving to Dallas last week, were you at all

excited to see me? Had you missed me even a bit?”

Alyssa hesitated. But why lie when she sought the truth? “Yes.”

glad you were there. There‟s . . . something between us.”

Her breath caught. Hope rose. Was it possible he could someday fall

in love with her?

What are the chances, really?

Hope crashed. It almost hurt too much, but she couldn‟t shake the

fear. Like a splinter in her psyche, it festered. When had anyone ever

wanted her beyond the bump and grind?

She had to stop borrowing tomorrow‟s trouble and live in today‟s

moment. Despite his vows and words to the contrary, all too soon, he could

be gone.

Luc raised his glass and took a sip, savoring the champagne. Then he

frowned. “This could be better.”

His sensual mouth lifted in a smile. “It would taste better on you.”

That was all the warning Alyssa got before Luc dipped his finger in his

glass, then traced the liquid over her lips. She barely had a moment to

smell the tang, feel the tickle of the bubbles, before Luc rose over her, eyes

a blazing black, before he devoured her in a scorching kiss.

Air left her body in a rush of sizzle and need. She swayed toward him,

and he pulled her in tighter, slanting his lips over hers again and sinking

deep into her. So deep. It was as if the last seven weeks of separation had

never happened. Her body knew him, dampened, ached, opened, yearned.

Moaning, Luc pressed closer, conquering the last of her resistance

and wits with his fervent kiss. Without conscious thought, her hands found

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their way into his hair, tied neatly at his nape. She needed to bury her

fingers in it the same way she needed to bury her senses in his scent.

Suddenly, he pulled away and traced more champagne on her lips.

Now they tingled and trembled, and she couldn‟t wait to feel his mouth over

hers again. Luc didn‟t disappoint, tasting her, drinking from her as if he‟d

never get enough.

Alyssa wondered if she ever would.

attacking the buttons of her blouse. “Now.”

His gaze remained riveted on her, a searing promise of ecstasy to

come, a silent declaration of his intent to satisfy her until she was boneless

and whimpering. Already she trembled. Desire throbbed between her legs.

Blood scalded her veins. She couldn‟t wait to feel him skin to skin, surging

deep inside her until she knew nothing but the pounding pulse of desire

and the wild surge of climax overtaking her body and inhibitions.

Next, he tore into her bra, yanked away her skirt, and shredded her

thong with his hands. Now completely naked and at the mercy of a man

who appeared to have none, Alyssa throbbed.

He shook off her request, then reached for a chocolate-covered

strawberry. “Open.”

Arguing with that forceful command seemed impossible. As soon as

her lips parted, he placed the sweet fruit on her tongue. Flavor burst across

her senses, and she bit into its succulence, melting most of the chocolate

on her tongue. Sipping champagne, Luc watched, his gaze smoldering.

The second she swallowed, he was all over her again, his mouth

forcing hers open under the crush of his. The chocolate met the bubbly

wine on her tongue. The flavors entwined to create something irresistible.

Pressing closer, she ate at his mouth, needing more, and he gave, delving

into her endlessly. She gasped.

Moments later, he was gone, reaching for the nearby table. “Mousse?”

Panting, unable to answer, Alyssa stared as Luc picked up a cup and

spooned a bite into her mouth.

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Oh, dear God! That man could create the most amazing flavors. She

closed her eyes and moaned. When she opened them, he was swallowing

another sip of champagne—and swooping down for another kiss.

This time, she anticipated the flavors, the rich, lingering taste, now

creamy and smooth and addicting. Every time his tongue brushed hers, the

flavor of the bubbly wine added the perfect tang to the sweet decadence of

the dessert.

She grabbed his shoulders to rid him of the jacket and pull him closer.

He edged away, then grabbed the mousse once more.

He tossed the spoon aside, and it landed with a clatter on the table.

Alyssa flinched, but the sound didn‟t register with him. He simply shoved

two fingers into the smooth confection and scooped some out.

Dizzy, overwhelmed, she could barely catch a breath. He‟d kissed her,

stripped her bare, and already she was in danger of losing her head

completely. And she didn‟t care. Now she just needed more of this volatile

ride to pleasure only he could deliver.

Luc spread her out on the sofa, then smeared the mousse between

her swollen folds. She gasped at the icy-hot sensation of the dessert and

warm skin against her and struggled to keep her head.

He was having none of that. He grabbed the bottle of champagne and

tipped it above her. Cold, bubbly liquid sloshed over her breasts and

abdomen, pooled in her navel . . . drizzled into her pussy with a sensation

that made her gasp.

Wearing a devilish smile, Luc stared at her wet body and chocolatecovered clit. “Having dessert.”

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