Excerpt: The Emperor: Secrets Bared

Lori pulled back, breathless, chest heaving. “I-I can’t do this, Gideon.”

“Yes. You can, dammit.” He let her pull away, but only because he had other plans.

Stealing kisses was exciting, but if he wanted to drive her mindless with pleasure, it would take more than locking lips.

Gideon looked down at her bent head and knew her mind was in turmoil. He could only guess at that because she was trying hard to block him. It infuriated him even as he admired the strength of her will. She wasn’t a woman he could control and dominate,

not unless it was what she wanted.

Gideon titled her head back and forced her to look at him. “You can’t tell me you don’t want me,” he said gently. “I won’t believe you. Even with you blocking me out, I can see it in the way your body responds to me.” He held her gaze as he slowly lowered himself to his knees in front of her. Her eyes rounded, and there was a fire he hadn’t seen in them. “Before you leave I want one last taste.” She started to protest. He could see the way her cheeks bloomed pink at his erotic words. In the bright light of day, she was becoming embarrassed and overwhelmed all over again.

“You wouldn’t deny me this last request, would you, love?” Gideon grabbed handfuls of her dress and tugged it upward, slowly exposing the lower half of her body. She licked her lips and moaned his name. With her lower half uncovered, he could see her black satin panties. They were delicate and feminine, like her, but they were in his way. He took hold of them in both hands and yanked, easily tearing them in two. Lori yelped.

“I’ll buy a new pair,” he promised. “Hell, fifty new pair.”

Gideon tossed them aside and stared at her glistening mound. Her soft curls were damp with arousal. He was suddenly starved for her.

“You’re so goddamn sexy. Sexy and wet and ready.”

“Oh, Gideon.”

The need in her quivery voice urged him on. “Put your leg over my shoulder, baby.”

She was unsteady but eager as she did as Gideon instructed. The position put the apex of her thighs directly into his face. It was a major turn-on. She looked a little bit awkward and wobbly in her pumps. Gideon grasped her hips and pulled her to him. He

kissed her clit then growled, “I want your juice on my tongue before you leave. I want it there forever.” Gideon spread her open with his thumbs and exposed her. He leaned in and licked her slit, then his tongue moved inside her body, and his hands clasped onto her bottom bringing her closer. Gideon was swept away on a sea of desire as emotions rocked his body and tore at his heart and soul. He delved deeper, his cock throbbing as

he felt her inner muscles clench around him. Lori raked her fingers through his hair and clutched onto him. She moaned as he flicked his tongue over and around her clit, time after time, until her thighs started to quiver and her body began to spasm out of control.

Without warning, Lori shuddered and screamed as she came into Gideon’s hungry mouth. She all but slumped over him, and he relished the feel of soft curves, totally replete, leaning on him for support. She was vulnerable and trusting, and it pulled at him. He gently kissed her swollen nub one more time, then pushed her away just enough so he could stand. He was careful to keep a hold on her as he stared at her quick breathing and heavy-lidded eyes. Christ, he wanted to have this with her every morning. To see her smile in just such a way, just for him. It would be more than enough to make him a happy man.

“God, you do fight dirty.”

The words were so unexpected and Gideon laughed. “I did warn you.”