A Hint of Seduction (35 page)

She clutched his shoulders and lifted her hips to meet his and cried out her total release as John pushed deeper into her, burying his face in the crook of her neck and shuddering as he lowered his weight upon her.

His breathing was hard and raspy as she gloried in the heavy feel of his body on hers.

Catherine hugged John to her and whispered, “I love you, John, I love you.”

He rose on his elbows with a smile. “I believe you, my love.”

“You haven’t changed your mind have you? About marrying me?”

He gave her a queer look. “How can you ask that? All of London saw me ride off with you in my carriage. I couldn’t get out of marrying you even if I wanted to.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And I don’t. Have no fear. You are mine forever.”

She moistened her lips and said, “I just wanted to be sure I wasn’t dreaming.”

He slipped his arms underneath her back and pulled her up close to him. “You are not dreaming. I kidnapped you and seduced you. No one can take you from me including the formidable Mrs. Goosetree. Later we’re going to get dressed and I’m going to take you back to her house, and in three days we will be married.”

“I believe Victoria wanted me to marry you, but I don’t think a fast wedding is what she had in mind.”

“Do you think she will be furious?”

“Very much so.” Catherine reached up and kissed him on the lips. “But I have a feeling that in time she will forgive you.”

John chuckled. “You are mine, Catherine, and I will love you all the days of my life.”

Catherine smiled contentedly. “And I will love you forever.”

John rolled her over, placing her on top of him, and then he reached up and pulled her down to him.

Catherine thrilled to his touch.

Twenty-two

“Never look a gift horse in the mouth” might be the Marquis of Westerland’s new motto, for he is now the proud owner of what was once the Earl of Chatwin’s most prized possession, the General. But one could assume Lord Chatwin doesn’t notice, for all his time is now spent with his blushing bride. It was revealed today that the last of the Terrible Threesome earls has left London with no word when he will return. If anyone knows more about the hasty departure of Lord Dugdale, please tell and all will be printed here.

Lord Truefitt
Society’s Daily Column

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

A HINT OF SEDUCTION

BERKLEY SENSATION / published by arrangement with the author

BERKLEY SENSATION edition / September 2004
BERKLEY SENSATION e-edition / January 2005

Copyright © 2004 by Gloria Dale Skinner.
Cover art by Wendi Schneider.
Cover design by George Long.
Interior text design by Julie Rogers.

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MSR ISBN: 0 7865 5460 6
AEB ISBN: 0 7865 5461 4

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