Mark sniffed the air. One part of this gypsy was ready for more than gazing at balls. “I’ll agree to a glass of champagne first.”

So much for his vow to avoid pussy at all costs, but why resist such a gorgeous woman? Something about her seemed familiar. Could it be? One thing remained certain, it wasn’t Traci. Not this able-bodied vixen. His former fianceé left town in a hurry, declaring she’d fallen in love with another man. He’d gone almost six months without anyone to warm his bed. To quench his thirst, he removed two glasses of Dom from the silver salver held aloft by a waiter. He passed one to the gorgeous gypsy.

Henry Ballentine strode over to the fireplace and stood much as a sentry. “Ladies and gentleman. We know you women like it rough, so we men will refrain from anything gentle for the remainder of the evening. Come and join my better half and me in the gamin’ room for an orgy. One of such proportions that would have made Caligula proud.”

Silks rustled and several partygoers nearly trampled others while beating a heated path behind their hosts. A crooked conga line of carousers, bent on satisfying every sexual desire before another second elapsed.

“Maybe we should check out the festivities before finding somewhere private?” The giggling gypsy drained the last drop of champagne from her crystal flute.

He mimicked her, and set his empty vessel down. “Sounds too tempting to pass up.”

She placed her flute beside his on an end table. “I agree.”

By the time they entered the smaller ballroom, the games were running full tilt. Several male guests had let down their girding and risen to the occasion. The enchantress beside him broke free, crooked her finger and coaxed him over to a pile of pink velvet cushions. After arranging herself over them, she loosened the bodice of her emerald-green and black gown. Full, firm breasts tumbled over the sumptuous silk and velvet.

He approached and leaned over her. Drew in her delicious scent. Drank in her beauty. Gorgeous brown eyes returned his stare. Eyes the same color as the Belgian chocolate his mother fancied. With a tug on his starched collar, the black-haired temptress pulled him down and pressed her soft lips against his.

Tongue to tongue they battled, each sucking and tasting the other’s essence. His cock hardened against the fabric of the codpiece, and she moaned as he shifted his weight.

Her pale skin, bathed now in a soft rosy light, welcomed his every touch and tease. He traced his finger down the column of her throat and moved the necklace’s golden strands aside.

His gut clenched while examining her dewy skin. At the very top of her cleavage was a small pinkish-brown mole. When Chloe Vincent fell into his arms yesterday, he noticed a similar mark. Dipping lower, he poked several fingers into her bodice. With each heaving breath, her soft breast flesh pressed against his index and ring fingers. He eased the gown off her shoulder and pulled one breast free from the bodice.

Now the joke would be on her. Tonight, he’d seduce the woman of his dreams. Then, he’d hopefully fuck her until they both screamed in satisfaction. But now, he was hungry. Lowering his lips onto hers, he claimed them in a hard kiss.

Breaking free, he licked away her tangy gloss from his lips. “You taste even better than you look, wild gypsy. My tongue longs for a taste of those pretty nipples.”

She writhed against the pillows at his suggestion. Gone was the wild green-eyed gaze she possessed, concealed by specially tinted contacts. She thrust her bared breast toward his opened palm. He swooped and helped himself to the soft flesh.

“Lick them, jester. Tease them with your long tongue. Suck them.”

He pinned her tight against the cushions. “Let’s make love, not levity.” The left nipple tasted so good against his tongue, turgid and vanilla-flavored. Mid-torment, he pried his lips from the scented pucker of skin. “Pardon me if you say something and I don’t answer. I can’t talk with my mouth full.”

While she watched and wiggled underneath him, he applied just enough pressure to make her squeal and squirm. During their sexual struggle, the other breast popped free. With each nip of his teeth on her nipple, she thrust her hips harder against his. To drive her further to distraction, he pretended not to notice the demands of her body. Such a delectable morsel, her nipple. The color of soft caramel in the dim lighting.

He cupped her breasts and buried his face between them. She panted as he tickled their softness with the mask’s feathers. Beside his cheeks, the nipples strained, harder and more insistent than ever. He licked a path down her cleavage. Under the burden of desire, her chest heaved in rhythm with her heartbeat. A strong and demanding woman, she’d probably not rest until she drained every bit of sexual energy from them both.

Into the gown’s lacings, he knotted his fingers. Fumbling with the corded fastenings, he eventually bared her to her belly. Sexually starved, he devoured her beautiful nakedness. Full breasts. The faint swell of her belly. His mouth watered. The shallow pucker of her navel, that’s where he’d lavish the most attention.

Her fingers tugged at his hair, and she ground her hips against his codpiece. “Lick me lower. Kiss me where you really want. Taste me.” © Shawna Moore

"Shawna Moore has a big hit on her hands with this book. From start to finish, The Gypsy & The Jester sizzles with erotic, steamy moments that make you want a glass of cold water and a fan as you read the story. The Gypsy & The Jester takes you into a Mardi Gras that the normal people would not see. I enjoyed the tension between Chloe and Mark immensely. I m a big fan of Shawna Moore; I love all of her books and can honestly tell you this one is worthy of her. Scenes are so hot that when you read it, you will definitely be warm on a cool fall evening. The Gypsy and The Jester was one book I could not put down. Take a look, it is a wonderful story." -- Wendi, Joyfully Reviewed.

"Shawna Moore deftly describes the sizzle between Chloe and Mar...<She> creates believable characters that have me wanting them to find a way to be together. The pace of The Gypsy & The Jester eloquently matched the pace of Chloe and Mark's relationship as the tension between them increased the plot thickens. I hope Shawna Moore will write more about Chloe and Mark soon." -- 5 Angels, Dena, FAR.

"The Gypsy and the Jester is one enticing read. Chloe's independent character is feisty and brazen and really gives the story life. Mark is more than just a handsome stud-muffin. He adds his own little pepper spice to make the relationship passionate. Ms. Moore generates fascinating characters, a wonderful ambience setting in New Orleans, and a wicked nemesis that keeps Chloe on her toes. With a bit of sexual seduction, this charming read is loaded in some heated seasonings that are sure to delight any reader." -- Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance.

"Shawna Moore lights up the world of romance again with the Gypsy and the Jester and fireworks between Mark Sloan and Chloe Vincent... If you want a really fast paced and sexy read, I think you will enjoy the exploits of Chloe and Mark as they heat up the sheets, and their hearts in pursuit of the perfect aphrodisiac." -- Rose, Romance at Heart.

"This is definitely a hot number, and very graphic. I liked the New Orleans setting which is nicely detailed. Chloe is definitely an independent woman, well aware of her own desires, needs and goals; I appreciate this in a character. The hero, Mark, is well-characterized also; he's not just a pretty face." -- Annie, Euro Reviews.