Three Rich Men: House of Midnight Fantasies / Forced to the Altar / The Millionaire's Pregnant Mistress

Selene appreciated his confidence. In fact, she appreciated everything about him at the moment—the length of his dark lashes, the definition of his incredible mouth, the breadth of his shoulders and the clear-cut control he emitted.

Absolute power.

“First, you need to relax,” he said as he took her hand and led her to the open doors, then stood behind her. A chorus of locusts eemed to keep time with Selene’s thrumming heart as Adrien circled his arms around her waist and pulled her back against him.

“The swamp is a powerhouse of biorhythms at night.” He moved his palm to her neck and rubbed his thumb up and down the column of her throat. “Unlike humans, animals don’t fight the force of nature.”

“They don’t overanalyze, you mean.” Selene was proud she could assimilate any thoughts at all with Adrien so close.

“Exactly.” He tipped her face back with his fingertips and pressed a kiss on her cheek. “They only consider their natural urges.”

Selene decided taking a lesson from nature seemed like a fine idea. Right now she would give up all reason for his attention. The pleasure of his touch. He kissed her lightly, chastely, before pulling away until she sought his mouth again. Twice more he retreated, and each time Selene went back for more. Finally he deepened the kiss, suckling her lips, nipping lightly, exploring meticulously with the soft thrust of his tongue.

So wrapped up in that kiss, it took a moment for Selene to register the waft of warm air on her chest. She hadn’t even noticed that Adrien had managed to unbutton her blouse, leaving her red lace bra exposed.

He halted the kiss to rest his lips against her ear. “Are you relaxed yet?”

Relaxed, not exactly. Heating up with every passing moment, definitely. “I’m getting there.”

“Good.”

When he circled her nipple through the thin lace with his fingertip, Selene’s whole body felt as if it might liquefy. She could only imagine how she would react when he finally touched her without any barriers at all.

He slid his hand down her bare midriff and around the skirt’s waistband, as he had in the cabin earlier that day.

“Stop or go?” In the instant that she hesitated, he told her, “Don’t think too much, Selene. Listen to your body, not your mind.”

“Go.” The word rode out on a shaky breath that halted altogether as Adrien reached down and worked her skirt up her thighs. When he formed one palm between her legs outside her panties and applied only a slight pressure, her knees practically buckled.

He released a rough, sensuous laugh. “We definitely need the bed.”

Again he took the lead, and she followed him back into the room without any real qualms. He seated her on the edge of the mattress and left her to open the screened windows flanking the closed doors, then walked to the middle of the room and pulled the chain that set the overhead fan on high.

He came back to the bed and stood over her. “Take off your blouse and your bra.” His voice was a firm command. His steadfast gaze demanded she answer.

As if she had no choice but to do his bidding, Selene slid the gaping top off her shoulders with ease and draped it on the footboard. But when she attempted to tackle the bra’s front closure, her hands trembled. Adrien knelt in front of her and gently moved her hands away before effortlessly flicking the bra open, proving he’d done this before. Probably many times, Selene decided. When he leaned forward and touched the tip of his tongue to her nipple, Selene experienced a pleasurable shock to her system and drenching dampness between her legs.

He stood, pulled her to her feet and, after he’d proficiently discarded her skirt, he tossed back the bedspread and sheets. “Stretch out on your back, Selene.”

Selene was naked except for her panties, and he was still wearing his slacks. That seemed somewhat unfair. “What about you?” she asked.

“What about me?”

“Aren’t you going to get undressed?”

“This is all about you right now.”

Well, that was definitely a first in Selene’s experience, so she chose not to argue even though she was somewhat disappointed. She doubted that her disappointment would last very long. After climbing into the bed, she laid her head back on the pillow, waiting and wondering what Adrien planned to do next.

Following a long look down her body, he sat, leaned over and braced his palms on either side of her. “I want you to watch what I’m doing.”

“I want to close my eyes so I can concentrate.” The truth, but only in part. She wanted to remain somewhat disconnected. She wanted to treat this exclusively as a visceral experience, leaving all emotions out of it. She didn’t want to become too attached to a man who lived only for the moment.

“If that makes you more comfortable, fine,” he said. “At least for now.”

Selene closed her eyes when he kissed her again with a highly evocative play of his tongue against hers, driving all reservations from her mind. When he broke the kiss and drew her nipple into his mouth, she absorbed the sensations, savoring every pass of his tongue, every pull of his lips. Then something happened that was both unexpected and enthralling—she could see as well as feel what Adrien was doing through the mystical workings of her mind now joined with his. She could see him skim his hands down her sides at the same time she experienced the slight abrasion of his callused palms. Could see as well as feel him draw a line with his fingertips from her pelvis to her hips before drifting down to bend her knees.

For endless moments he caressed her with delicate strokes all along her body, from her arms to her feet, leaving nothing untouched. After another stimulating kiss, he used his mouth and tongue to follow the path he’d taken with his hands. He tenderly manipulated places that at one time had seemed inconsequential to Selene when it came to lovemaking. Yet with Adrien, every spot he explored became overly sensitive, as if he had found undiscovered erogenous zones. Undiscovered to her, at least.

And all the while, she watched from his perspective from behind closed lids, taking an erotic journey into his mind, sensing his building excitement as well as her own. By the time he sucked a small patch of skin between her thighs, she was bordering on coming totally undone. And when he clasped the elastic band below her belly, she experienced an undeniable ache and another rush of damp heat between her thighs.

But instead of sliding her panties down, Adrien paused and said, “I want you to hold out as long as you can before you climax.”

Selene opened her eyes and met his intense gaze. “I’m not sure I can.”

He gave her the most patently sexy look she’d ever witnessed from a man. “Then I guess I’ll be forced to give you another orgasm.”

This had to be a dream. Never before had Selene encountered a man so determined to give her complete pleasure with no thought of his own needs.

Without wavering, Adrien worked the lace down her legs and tossed her panties aside. Again Selene closed her eyes and saw what he saw as he parted her legs. Now she was completely exposed to him and more vulnerable than she’d ever been before. Yet any concerns she might have entertained gave way to an unqualified rush when he divided her flesh, tested her with a fingertip, then two as he fondled her inside and out. He knew how to tease. He knew how to tempt. He knew exactly where to concentrate his attention until she lifted her hips in response.

Holding back wasn’t going to be possible, that much Selene knew as the first contraction hit her, causing her to clasp fistfuls of the sheet. She gritted her teeth, tried to cling to her control, but that control clashed with the need for release. The climax surged through her, shaking her entire body. She tipped her head back and a steady moan threatened to leave her mouth, saved only by Adrien’s own mouth closing over hers to absorb the sound.

When he broke the kiss, Selene opened her eyes to find him studying her. She draped an arm over her damp forehead and sighed. “I’m relaxed now.”

He released another low, grainy laugh. “You’re almost too hot to handle. But I’m going to do it to you again.”

“Adrien, I.”

Can’t handle any more. She had no choice but to try as Adrien began touching her as ardently as he had before.

“I want to use my mouth on you,” he said as he slid a finger inside her. “But I’ll save that for later, when I know you’re ready.”

If he did use his mouth, Selene had no doubt she would dissolve into the mattress beneath her back. And she wasn’t concerned with later. She was focused only on the here and now as Adrien worked his spell, speaking to her in a low steady voice, telling her how sweet she was and describing what he was doing to her in very detailed terms. In a matter of moments, he had her back on the brink, ready to plummet again. When he whispered, “I’m going to make you scream,” that was all it took.

Selene didn’t exactly scream when the orgasm hit, but she did groan. A long, almost mournful groan that she couldn’t believe actually came from her. She had no idea what he had done, only that she was practically panting by the time the sensations subsided. Then suddenly Adrien was next to her, enfolding her in his arms, soothing her with gentle kisses on her lips and cheeks.

“Where did you learn to do that?” she finally managed to say.

He brushed her hair from her forehead and kissed her there. “I studied tantric sex. Since then, I’ve done some modification and experimenting. And I’ve practiced.”

“With several partners, I take it.” Something that didn’t set well with Selene.

“No. Only a chosen few.”

That relieved her somewhat. “Should I be flattered?”

“Yes, you should. I’m very selective. And I always begin with the singular purpose of pleasing a woman. I’ve only scratched the surface with you.”

He’d scratched a few itches she hadn’t realized she’d had until now. “I’m not sure I can take much more of that.”

He rose up on one elbow, using his fist to support his jaw while keeping his free hand idling on her breast. “You can. But right now, you need to sleep.”

Selene could only gape when Adrien left the bed and started toward the door. “Wait a minute. That’s it?”

He faced her again. “That wasn’t enough?”

“Actually, I thought we were going to …” She wasn’t quite sure how to say it.

He leaned back against the door. “Anyone can climb on and have it over in a matter of minutes, Selene. But not everyone takes the time to get to know their partner’s body. I want to know yours before I’m inside you. And I’m only getting started.”

Then he left the room, the sounds of his footsteps and the opening and closing door echoing in Selene’s ears.

Adrien Morrell was a sexual savant bent on demonstrating his genius on her. And she would continue to be a willing study, as long as he eventually gave in and gave her his all.

Six

Selene awoke the next morning, still restless even though she’d slept remarkably well, thanks to Adrien’s undivided attention. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d been so relaxed, even if she hadn’t gotten everything from him that she’d wanted. Hopefully that would be included in the next phase. In the meantime, she had work to do.

She went through every room on the first floor, taking inventory of the furnishings as well as jotting down ideas and making a few preliminary sketches. She wanted to retain as much of the original atmosphere as possible, which meant eventually scouring antique stores to fill in wherever necessary, unless she found more items in the attic. She made a note to explore there in the next few days.

By the time afternoon rolled around, her head began to spin when she considered how much she needed to do with a house this size, including refurbishing the flooring and updating the kitchen. Right now, she needed to get out of the house, if only for a while. She also needed to see Adrien, the reason why she set out for his office before she drove into town.

When she knocked, he called, “Come in,” in a gruff voice.

She opened the door to find him standing with his back to her, one hand holding back the curtain as he stared out the window. His white shirt was rolled up at the sleeves and it appeared he might be wearing the same pair of slacks he’d worn last night. Had he slept in his clothes? Had he slept at all?

She cleared her throat to garner his attention. “I’m about to go into town for a while, if that’s okay with you.”

He let the curtain drop and slowly turned to face her. His rumpled unbuttoned shirt hung open, revealing his incredible chest. “You don’t need my permission to leave the house.”

She centered her gaze on his coveted medallion resting flush against his chest. “I thought you might have something you need me to do first.”

When she forced her gaze back to his face, along came the suggestive look he flaunted so well. “I do, but we’ll save that for later.” He rounded the desk and leaned back against it. “Unless you’re reconsidering after last night.”

Selene fumbled in her purse for the car keys, unsuccessful in her first two attempts to find them. “I’m leaving all options open. In the meantime, is there anything you need me to pick up from the store?”

“Do we need condoms?”

She gripped the keys tightly in her palm as a hot blush raided her cheeks. “As far as birth control is concerned, no, I’m on the Pill. But we do have other things to consider.”

“I’ve made more than a few mistakes in my time, Selene, but carelessness during sex isn’t one of them. Trust me, you don’t have to worry that I have some sort of disease. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

“The same holds true for me.” She had spent several months after she’d tossed Richard out making certain her ex-husband hadn’t left her with any reminders of his infidelity, other than bitter memories.

“Good,” he said. “When I make love to you completely, I don’t want anything between us at all.”

“It’s nice to know you still plan to make love to me, hopefully before I’m too old to care.” Where on earth had that come from? Apparently from that recently discovered area of her brain known as “sex central.”

He gave her a smile as he pushed off the desk. “You are an impatient little minx, aren’t you?”

She was now. “I should go so I’ll be home before dark.”

He moved in front of her and drew a line down her jaw with his fingertip. “You want to get home to have more of what you had last night.”

Very true, Selene decided. But she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that. “I was thinking about dinner.”

He snagged the belt loop on her jeans and tugged her against him. “To hell you were. You’re thinking about sex. About me touching you again. If I said the word, you’d let me take you right here on my desk.”

Selene received a very detailed vision of that, thanks to Adrien. She glanced behind him and frowned. “I believe I’ll wait.”

“Fine, because I have no intention of taking you on a desk the first time.”

So long as he took her, Selene didn’t care where it happened. She formed her palm to his stubbly jaw. “Do me a favor and shave before tonight.”

He moved her hand to his lips and streaked his tongue over her palm before placing it against his chest. “I’ll definitely do that. I wouldn’t want you to suffer from whisker burn.”

“I do have a very sensitive mouth.”

His smile was oh so wicked. “I wasn’t referring to your mouth.”

She backed out of his hold and tugged at the hem of her T-shirt. “I see.”

“Not yet, but you will.”

“I’m leaving now.”

He crooked a finger at her. “Not until you come here.”

Selene knew exactly what he wanted and she wanted it, too. A quick kiss goodbye. A prelude to what he had in store for her that evening. She easily moved back into his arms and tilted her face up in a blatant offering of her mouth. Instead of kissing her, he brought his lips to her ear. “If you think you want it badly now, wait until tonight. I’m going to take you places you’ve never been before.”

Only then did he meld his lips to hers, driving her wild with the sweep of his tongue before he released her.

Selene wanted him to take her to those places, wanted him to take her beyond the limit. And that want had her counting the minutes until she again entered Adrien’s dark, seductive world.

He didn’t show up for dinner. In fact, Selene hadn’t seen him since she’d come back to the house from her errand run. After she did a load of laundry and cleaned up the kitchen, she went to her bedroom in hopes of finding him waiting for her, only to find the place deserted.

She opted to take a quick bath and ready for bed before she decided what to do next. Dressed in a mid-thigh pink satin robe, her wet hair bound in a towel, she stepped into the hallway and encountered her least favorite demon. Even after a few days of enduring Giles, her heart leaped into her throat every time she laid eyes on his murderous guise. Tonight she was jumpy enough without having to deal with him. On that thought, she pulled the towel from her hair and tossed it at him, making a perfect three-point landing on his horns and effectively covering his snarl. Unfortunately, the poor terrified woman was still exposed and, unless Selene retrieved a blanket to use as a drape, she would have to ignore her.

She returned to her still-empty bedroom and ran a brush through her hair. On afterthought, she dabbed on a little lip gloss and applied a touch of mascara, just in case she might actually get lucky with Adrien. Now the time had come to execute plan A—make the short trip to his office in hopes she might find him there. She padded down the corridor on bare feet, trying desperately to ignore the rasps and groans of the floor, the darkness down below and the dim light in the hallway.

She stood outside his office for a time, and when a knock received no response, she listened carefully and heard nothing. She tested the handle only to find it locked. Disappointed over her lack of success, she headed back down the corridor and paused at the staircase’s landing to look down into the dark depths of the rotunda. She wondered if Adrien was prowling around like some restive creature of the night. Even if that was the case, she had no intention of going outside to find him.

When she reached her room, Selene sent a quick glance at the demon only to find the towel was gone. Either he’d managed to remove it himself—a thought she preferred not to entertain—or Adrien had been around at some point in time.

Maybe it was time for plan B—checking out Adrien’s inner sanctum. She stopped outside his bedroom and, after finding the door partially ajar, called his name. When she received no answer, she stepped inside. The room was much bigger than hers, much cooler thanks to an operable window air-conditioning unit, and definitely more opulent. That didn’t exactly surprise her. After all, he was the lord of the manor. A gilded bed, the headboard and footboard upholstered in heavy blue brocade with a matching spread, sat angled in the corner across the room near the doors leading out to the veranda. To the left of those doors, a long Victorian walnut chaise covered in gold damask and two blue-and-gold striped armchairs formed a sitting area lit by a lone brass floor lamp.

Selene noted a door not far from the right of the bed and presumed that was the master bath. It didn’t seem wise to try and find out if he might be in there. Of course, she didn’t actually have to go in. She could stand by a few minutes and listen to see if he was taking a shower. She crossed the room to investigate and discovered no light filtering through the door, no sound coming from inside, indicating he was somewhere else in the house. But where? She supposed he could have taken a drive, but she didn’t recall seeing any car other than Ella’s hatchback.

She started to leave but instead turned back to survey the room. She had two more options—wait for him here in hopes he’d eventually come to her, or wait in her own bedroom with the veranda doors opened wide in invitation as she had last night. Or she could explore a bit more, beginning with the locked chamber across the hall. But did she dare? If he happened to be in there and she knocked, he would either allow her in or tell her to go away. He might also be angry over the intrusion. If so, he would simply have to get over it.

Filled with determination, Selene took one last glance at the room then spun around—only to run into a solid wall of prime male.

With one hand against her pounding heart, Selene stepped back to find Adrien dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, his jaw clean shaven, his hair shower damp, his feet bare … and a towel dangling from one hand. Her discarded towel. “Did you lose something?” he asked.

She suddenly felt very silly. “I was wondering where that went.”

He slid a slow glance down her body. “I was hoping you were leaving a trail so I could find you.”

“Actually, I got tired of that monster leering at me. I took the towel from my hair and covered him up.”

“Too bad the towel wasn’t around your body.”

Selene felt as if she were totally naked now under his perusal as he took a step toward her. “Did you need something from me?” he asked.

He knew exactly what she needed, but Selene wasn’t about to bite. “I needed to tell you that the contractor will be here first thing Monday morning to assess the repairs.”

“It’s only Friday.”

“I was afraid I might forget to mention it.”

“You were afraid I might not pay you a visit tonight.”

She shrugged. “Since it’s late, maybe some other time.”

When she started past him, he grabbed her arm and pulled her around. “It’s not too late to give you what you need.”

“I don’t need anything from you.” Another tiny lie.

“Okay, what you want” He slid his hands inside the collar of her robe and rubbed her neck with his thumbs. “It’s already started, the addiction. Don’t bother to deny it.”

She wasn’t a card-carrying Adrien addict yet, but she could be. Which is what made this situation so hazardous. “Look, whether you want to continue this or not is immaterial to me.”

“It’s everything to you.” He clasped her waist and hauled her against him. “Now that you know what you’ve been missing, it’s difficult to do without it.”

“I can do without it, thank you very much.”

“Are you sure about that?”

She was only sure of one thing—he could do things to her that no man had ever done with only a look.

Without the least bit of warning, he pulled up the back of her robe and ran his hands over her bare bottom. “For someone who doesn’t want it, you’re certainly prepared to get it.”

She shivered slightly despite her efforts to stop it. “I didn’t have the opportunity to get dressed after my bath.”

“You didn’t have any intention of getting dressed after your bath.” He took his hands from her bottom and brought them to the robe’s sash, releasing it with only a minimal tug. After parting the fabric, he took a step back and a visual excursion down her body that was already flushed. “Now to decide exactly what I’m going to do to you, and where I’m going to do it.”

She closed her robe and redid the sash for the sheer pleasure of having him open it again. “I don’t remember giving you permission to do anything to me.”

He gestured to the door. “Go, then. I’m not going to force you into anything.”

Damn him. And damn herself for her inability to resist him. “Well, I suppose since I don’t have anything better to do, we could spend some time together.”

His smile was smug and tremendously sexy. “That’s what I thought.”

Clasping her hand, he led her to the chaise and sat her down. Then he took the chair across from her, tugged his T-shirt over his head and tossed it behind him. Selene held her breath when he toyed with his fly before lifting his hand and settling it on his thigh without lowering his zipper.