The door flew open, and she was stunned to the spot by the smolder in Lucian’s eyes. He came to her; he didn’t halt until his knees pressed into her skirts. Her hands fluttered up, but he grabbed the thick fabric at her hips and pulled her flush against him, and her thoughts flew apart. His gaze searched her face so intently, as if he wished to see right into her soul. “Much that I despise,” he said hoarsely, “and all that I desire, meets in you. And it frustrates me beyond reason.”
