There was nothing appealing about that sardonic face of

his with its expressive black eyebrows, sharp nose. and those

curious point y-topped ears that in her mind defined him as

Lucifer. No, there was only one thing about McAllister that

worried her. His wide, sensual mouth. She gazed at it.

shivering at the thought of it fastening on her own mouth. It

had to be an illusion, that inviting mouth, because she was

certain there was nothing more than a brute wearing it.

"Awright" she informed him grimly, "let s get on with it.

What do I do here?"

"To start, you can stop looking like I m going to strangle

you. Relax. Callie. " When she squeezed her eyes shut and

braced herself, he sighed. "Oh. for the love of-- Okay, just

keep still. This won t hurt." She started when suddenly two

hands framed her face to hold it steady. They were very large

and very strong hands but surprisingly gentle. " Now we tip

your head slightly just so. And my head goes here." She

knew how close he was. for she felt his breath against her

face. It was warm and dauntingly masculine.

"Callie." he whispered.

"What ?" she croaked.

"Part your lips a little."

She obeyed, keeping her eyes tightly closed. In the next

instant his mouth was on hers. He was kissing her! Slowly,

softly. And. dear God. was that her kissing him back?