For years, Damien Avenall loved Alexandra Turlington like a little sister; or so he thought until she grew into a lovely and desirable young lady. In a moment of madness, he kisses her and everything changes between them.
Alex often wonders why the dangerous viscount betrayed their special friendship. His kiss awakened her to passion, but she knows better than to give her heart to a libertine. Or does she?
Excerpt:
Damien resumed his place at the breakfast table and smiled sardonically. “A man can enjoy a variety of interests, Miss Turlington. People may call me Demon, but I don’t waste all my time in decadent amusements, I assure you.”
He waited for her response. Would she recognize her own words? Words that had cut through his jaded heart, words he knew even then to be true?
Alexandra rose from the table, her cheeks flushed. “Years ago, I said some unkind things to you. I’m sorry, but you must admit the provocation was great.”
Quickly, Damien pushed back his chair and leaned across the table. Placing a finger under her chin, he stared at her full, moist lips, then into her eyes. “I admit nothing, my dear. And I refuse to apologize for something which—if I remember correctly—I found extremely pleasurable.”
Jerking her chin from his grasp, Alex stepped back. “You forget yourself, my lord. I’m no longer an impressionable schoolgirl. Try for once to act with gentlemanly decorum, especially if you intend to stay at Willowmede. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall go see about my brother.”
“Certainly, Miss Turlington.” He frowned as he watched her retreating form. Alexandra was correct in saying she was no longer a schoolgirl. She was a beautiful woman, and much too desirable for his peace of mind.
