Embrace the Night

Page 208



overwhelming feeling that she had done it all once before.
After an eternity, he drew back. "Forgive me." "There's nothing to forgive," she replied quietly.

His eyes were deep, dark gray. She had seen those eyes before, she thought, felt their magnetism in childhood dreams.

"Sarah, come home with me."

She started to refuse, angry that he would think she was the kind of woman who would sleep with a man she hardly knew. For, even though he hadn't said the words, she knew that was what he was asking.

Because she wanted it, too.

He stood up, his eyes burning into hers, his stance almost arrogant, but she knew now that he was vulnerable, needy. Hurting. And in that same instant, she knew that he hadn't meant to insult her at all, that he wasn't the type of man to take a woman to bed unless he loved her… but that was impossible. How could he love her?

How could she love him?

And then he put out his hand in silent invitation.
And she stood up and placed her hand in his. And he felt the darkness evaporate from his soul. And she felt the loneliness in her heart take wing.

No words were needed now. With a muffled cry, he swept her into his arms and carried her home.

This can't be happening, Sarah thought. She'd never slept with any man except her husband. She had married David right out of high school. He was the first man she had ever known, the only man she had ever wanted. Until now.

Strangely, she didn't feel the slightest bit of guilt or doubt as Gabriel carried her up the winding staircase to the pale pink bedroom.

Very gently, he placed her on her feet, and then he kissed her. And kissed her again. She quivered with anticipation as she felt his hands feather over her shoulders, down her back. His tongue slid over her lower lip and she opened for him instantly, her tongue mating with his. He tasted of wine, and she thought how appropriate that was, for his kisses were intoxicating.

Still kissing, they undressed each other, and then he swept her into his arms and carried her to bed. She drew him down beside her, not wanting to be parted from him for even a moment. His skin was firm and cool beneath her questing fingertips; his mouth was hot as it moved over her. A low groan escaped his lips as his tongue laved her neck, lingering over the rapidly beating pulse in her throat.

"Gabriel… Gabriel…" She moaned his name as his hands caressed her, bringing her body to full, vibrant