Rebel Dove by Linda Daly
. . . Needing no more coaxing, Joshua lifted his hand to the back of her head, drawing her closer still, then–stopping in mid-air–he looked down at the woman in his arms. Elise almost swooned, but she kept her head as she slid her fingers gently beneath his sash, securing the papers she had been after. With short gasps of air that pushed her bosom up against his stiff body, she slowly began to inch the papers clear of the sash. When Joshua drove her lips apart with his tongue in a deep, moving kiss, Elise nearly dropped the papers, but somehow managed to grasp them tightly in her hand as she slowly moved it to her side. All the while, Joshua tantalized her with the tip of his tongue, sweeping it across her lips, sending a tingling shiver through to the very depth of her soul. The sensation of their kiss and the adrenaline rush of her thievery made it a doubly bewitching experience that Elise never wanted to end. The intensity eased, only to be replaced with shorter kisses as if he were nibbling away at her lips, making her gasp with longing.
As they pulled slowly apart, she eased the papers she had stolen from him behind her, sliding it under her jacket and into the belt at her waist. His lids lowered and his smile was utterly sensual. Hmm–that was quite enjoyable, definitely more to my liking and I got what I came for–the papers, and him!
“Do you have to go on duty, Joshua?” she asked reluctantly, her voice a sensual coo. “We could take a walk down by the creek, if you like.” His hand slid around her back, pulling her close again for one brief kiss on her upturned lips.
“As tempting as the offer is, Elise, I regretfully have to decline. Duty calls, you know, darling.”
As heartwarming as it was, hearing him refer to her with such endearment, she skillfully pouted to show her disappointment, cleverly disguising how keen she was to escape to her room to read the stolen document.
“Yes, of course. Will I see you later, then?”
“Much sooner than you’d expect, so no frettin’ now, y’hear?” Joshua was clearly mocking the southern phrases he had picked up around town.
Ignoring his snide remark, Elise smoothed her fingers on his chin and leaned forward to place one last kiss on his wide, sensuous mouth. “I’ll be waitin’ in anticipation for that splendid moment.”
With that, she pretended to adjust herself, making certain that she secured the papers in her hand and swiftly turned, being careful not to let him see what she held. Smiling proudly at pulling off the ultimate piece of espionage, Elise started to climb the stairs. As she reached the second stair she found herself unable to continue, as Joshua’s hand was holding firmly onto her belt.
“Whoa there, sugar!” Joshua commanded.
