Alaric lifted Keeley into his arms and strode toward the bed. The linen that he’d wrapped around her body loosened and fell to the floor, leaving her naked. He eased her onto the mattress and took a step back, his gaze never leaving her.

　　She felt intensely vulnerable and she swallowed with nervous excitement as he slowly began to disrobe.

　　His arms and shoulders rippled and bulged, and his taut abdomen stretched over tightly corded muscles. Her fingers itched to trace the lean lines and explore every hard spot on his body.

　　“Spread your thighs for me, Keeley. Let me look upon your womanly softness.”

　　Blushing, she relaxed her legs...