Seventeen

      Royce couldn’t quite believe the woman in his arms was his. Soft. Sweet, with just enough spice. And he had no doubt that she was giving herself to him fully in this moment.

      Was it possible to feel humbled and powerful at the same time?

      He’d certainly never had the heady experience before, but he wasn’t going to waste it. With the expert skill he’d never thought he’d need, he waltzed Jasmine in a full circle around the room, coming to rest near the alcove door. Knowing the house had been cleared of workers, he didn’t bother leading her to a more secluded spot.

      Privacy wasn’t as important as their hunger for each other.

      He thanked the universe for the opportunity and crowded her against the wall with his body. Her eyes widened. Her breasts plumped above the edge of her dress. Her skin was pale against the deep blue. Royce wanted to explore every inch, but for tonight, he would taste her right here.

      His lips stroked over hers. He savored the mewling from her throat as their tongues entwined. She tasted of surrender, though he knew her strength; she had tested him with it more than once. And would again in the future.

      But, for tonight, she was his.

      She wasn’t a passive princess. Her deft fingers unbuttoned his jacket then slid inside to spread warmth to his ribs through his thin dress shirt. Her touch sent a surge of need rushing through him. His hips pressed closer. She gasped.

      He had to taste more of her.

      Bending low, he placed his mouth right below her ear. One of the most tempting things Jasmine did to him every day was wear her hair up. It was gorgeous down, and it was pure pleasure burying his hands in its thickness. But when it was pulled up into a twist, a bun or, hell, even a ponytail, he couldn’t resist the length of her neck and the sensitive skin he knew was there.

      She clutched at him once more as his mouth covered the pulse point below her ear. Her breath hitched as he suckled lightly. The tension invading her body drove his own need higher. The fact that he knew how to make this woman ache with pleasure brought him the most satisfaction of anything he’d experienced thus far in life.

      It was addictive. Necessary.

      Slowly, he let himself meander the familiar but exciting path down her straining muscles. Her skin was smooth. Her body was responsive on every level. He lapped at the hollow at the base of her throat, savoring the rapid beat of her pulse. Her cries filled his ears. He knew without a doubt that she was ready for him.

      But he wasn’t taking things any further without sampling the top curve of her breasts, slightly salty from her day of work. He pulled her closer and lifted her higher with his hands at her waist. The tender flesh plumped beneath his lips. He couldn’t stop working her until he nuzzled one tight nipple. Her textures and flavors amazed him.

      He drew on her carefully, knowing how sensitive she was here. Her cries grew loud enough to echo off the walls. Strange how satisfying that was to hear. Royce played for long moments, feeling her fists clench and pull at his shirt.

      Now. He needed her now.

      With more haste than finesse, he scrambled beneath the layers at the front of her dress until his hands found skin. Then he followed the trembling muscles of her thighs to her damp underwear. Quickly he stripped it from her.

      Mine. Mine.

      He readied himself, practically tearing open his fly and fitting on a condom. He lifted one of her legs, making a place for himself between them. The moment that he slid inside, her head fell back against the wall. He captured her open mouth as he forged into her. The thrust and retreat was exquisite. His hips drove hard as she gasped out his name.

      The feelings were too intense to last long. In a flash, they were both consumed. He gave one last thrust and her body clamped down on his with a demand of her own. And he obeyed without protest.

      In the throbbing, heated aftermath, Royce knew a part of himself was now forever tied to this woman. For the first time, he could admit that he had no desire to fight the pull.

      * * *

      Jasmine’s heart thrilled at the sight of hundreds of masked attendees in line to enter the mansion. The dark tuxes and formal gowns befit the setting, taking her back to a bygone era when this house was a mecca for Savannah society. The masks ranged from plain and simple to elegant affairs adorned with sparkles and feathers. They lent just the right touch of mystery, even when Jasmine knew who the wearer was.

      Excitement filled the air as guests made their way inside. The chatter of each group transformed into oohs and aahs as they discovered all the wonderful entertainments available in the various rooms.

      After most of the guests had arrived, Jasmine turned to the next person in line, only to discover Francis Staten. His long hair had had a slight trim and he sported a smooth new tux. She smiled. “Well, don’t you look spiffy?”

      His grin was a little shame-faced. “I was just gonna dust off the old suit, but Royce had this delivered. I feel almost guilty wearing it.”

      “Don’t.” After years of seeing him in his khakis at the mission, she completely understood. Still... “Let him do this for you. Represent the mission tonight, in the midst of these people, with pride in all you do every day.”

      Jasmine knew how much more confident and comfortable she was among Savannah’s elite when she dressed the part.

      “I don’t want people to think—”

      “No, Francis. No one will think you are using the mission’s money to buy yourself a suit. If they do, they won’t understand what we’re trying to do there, anyway. Just enjoy yourself, have a glass of champagne and talk us up.”

      “At least I’m comfortable giving speeches. Unlike wearing this bow tie.”

      He pulled at his collar as he walked away, but Jasmine was glad to see him join a conversation almost immediately. She didn’t want him to feel alone all evening. Royce paused for a few moments to greet Francis, then made his way back to Jasmine’s side.

      His black tux and matching half mask set off his blond hair. Jasmine could have watched him walk toward her all day. He was so incredibly sexy...and all hers.

      “Everything is going very well,” he said, as he bent to kiss her.

      “Thank you,” she murmured against his lips.

      He pulled back a fraction. “For what?”

      “Francis’s tux,” she said, nodding in the other man’s direction.

      Royce glanced over his shoulder before turning back to her. “I figured it would help him feel more comfortable here. If he had the money for one, that’s certainly not what he would spend it on.”

      “How did you know that?” Because Royce was exactly right.

      His dark gaze was intense behind the mask. “I know a few things about people, you know. Even if I’ve never put them to good use in social situations before.”

      “Well, thank you for seeing that.”

      “Thank