"I made a request and tipped them for their thoughtfulness."

"I will not waltz with you."

"Yes, you will."

"You can return when the next dance begins."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I am not afraid. I am wary as any young woman should be of a man like you." Amanda was intensely aware of him. She could still feel the heat of his hands where he'd touched her. How was she going to survive a waltz without letting him know how he affected her?

He took her arm and linked it through his. "Even a rake such as I would not attempt to ravish you on the dance floor."

Much to her annoyance, his touch sent shivers down her spine. "One waltz. Then you promise to leave me be for the rest of our stay here."

Rhys smiled. "If that is what you still wish, then I will not plague you again."

Amanda's heart pounded as he led her onto the dance floor. The strictures of society dictated that a waltzing couple kept eighteen inches of space between them, but Amanda doubted Rhys left three. He was so close, the warmth of his body radiated against her as if she were naked. His thighs brushed hers as they twirled, and she tried to look anywhere but into his eyes.

As they moved together, she realized Rhys was an excellent dance partner. Most men whose invitations she accepted were arrogant and boorish once they got her on the floor. Even if they showed any skill at dancing, she was too busy trying to discern their true motivations to enjoy herself.

Rhys made his motives clear enough. He wanted to seduce her, but she also knew he would not truly harm her. Mark would kill him if he did. Rhys led so expertly she had only to relax and let him direct her body. She could easily let her world narrow to the strains of the music, his body pressed to hers and the wonderful feeling of flying.

Then she made the mistake of looking up. Their eyes met. Raw hunger was reflected in his gaze. She'd seen lust on men's faces before, but she'd never expected such primal desire to be directed at her.

She realized with dismay that Rhys had managed to maneuver them so they were standing by the French doors which led to the courtyard. When the music ended, he flashed a wicked smile. "I thought you might enjoy some fresh air."

Before she could protest, he reached around her, opened the door and practically pushed her through. She took a slow, deliberate breath. "Now I have some fresh air in my lungs. Please return me to my aunt."

"Your aunt is busy catching up with old friends. Why don't we take a few minutes to enjoy the cool evening?"

Rhys had made her body come alive while they danced. She was much too vulnerable to be alone with him. "I found the temperature in the ballroom quite pleasant."

"Really? Then why are you flushed?"

"How rude of you to notice."

"Not rude, simply honest."

He walked toward her. She backed up, but a bench caught her behind the knees. She sat down hard, her breath escaping in a whoosh.

Rhys sat beside her and took her hand in his. His thumb stroked her wrist, sending waves of heat straight to her belly. "Why are you afraid of me?"

"I'm not afraid. I'm annoyed. Now unhand me and let me go inside."

He smiled. "Prove it."

"Prove what?"

"That you are not afraid."

"How would I do that?"

"Kiss me."

"You must be joking."

But she looked into his eyes and knew he was quite serious. He'd said the words in a light, teasing tone, but his eyes glowed like a predator stalking prey.

She told herself to get up and go inside, but her legs wouldn't obey. He'd trapped her like a frightened rabbit. A secret part of her wanted to sample what he had to offer.

His lips descended on hers, and she opened to him. For once in her life, she gave herself utterly to a new sensation.

What a glorious sensation it was. The heat of his mouth enveloped her as his tongue sought the recesses of her mouth. Never in her most fevered fantasy had she imagined a kiss could feel so -- exotic and sinful.

Instinct took over, and her tongue reached out, sliding across his and seeking entrance to his mouth. He groaned as she traced his lower lip with her tongue. His arms closed around her, pulling her firmly against his hard chest. She shuddered as his hands stroked the naked skin of her shoulders.