He reached for the door,
but her voice stopped him.

“Please,” she said, and touched the bed beside her. “The ship shakes so. I don’t want to be alone. I feel better with you near. Here.”

Lightning kept flashing through the glass—giving her a mythical glow, freezing the unmoving image of her into his mind, painting her like a statue, a work of art.

The intensity of her gaze caused him to stare—her eyes clear as a harvest moon, surrounded by lashes dipped in the flashing light. He dropped to his knees, landing beside her, entranced by the flickers of lightning on her skin. He swept his finger over her bottom lip. Now he knew what magic felt like. His skin tingled with anticipation.

* * *

Safe in the Earl’s Arms
Harlequin® Historical #384—July 2014