Read Sinful Liaisons Online

Authors: Samantha Holt

Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Genre Fiction, #Historical, #Romance, #Victorian, #Historical Fiction, #British, #Regency, #Historical Romance

Sinful Liaisons (12 page)

BOOK: Sinful Liaisons
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“Why did you not say?” His voice was gritty and harsh.

“Because a duchess doesn’t talk about her emotions. Because—” she lifted a shoulder “—I’m a fool.”

“No. Never. You’re the cleverest woman I know.”

Evelyn shifted onto her knees in front of him so they were on an equal level and put her palms to his face. “Not when it comes to emotions. I love you, Pierce. I should never have denied that.”

Though his eyes softened, a weary sigh released from him. “You were probably right to. What can I offer you?”

“Not riches for certain.”

“No, I would need a few more fights under my belt for that,” he admitted.

“But I have no need for riches, remember?” She looped her arms around his neck, aware of her heart vibrating wildly in her chest. If he denied her now, she wasn’t sure what she’d do, but it didn’t matter. Evelyn knew without doubt she had to take this risk. “I need you,” she said softly. “I want you in my life as more than a lover.”

His gaze searched hers. Doubt flickered in his green eyes. “Evelyn, your son—”

“Is not in charge of me. No man ever has been. But if you would like to be my equal, I’d like that very much.”

A tilted grin slipped across his lips. Pierce framed her face in her hands. “Is that a proposal?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Not just any proposal. A proposal of marriage.”

His smile expanded. “Ask me properly.”

Evelyn lifted a brow. “Properly?”

“Yes.” He leaned back and forced her to unlatch her hands from around his neck. Arms folded across his chest, a smug grin spread across his damaged face.

Narrowing her gaze at him, Evelyn drew in a breath and arranged her skirts about her. She moved so she was on one knee. His lips quirked. “You really are the most arrogant...” she grumbled.

With another inhale, she forced a beatific smile across her face, took his hand and perfected her sweetest voice. “Lord Pierce Cynfell, the love of my life, will you do the honour of marrying me?”

He eyed her for many moments and her heart throbbed in her ears. Was he simply teasing her? Had he meant to humiliate her before saying no?

“Well?” she demanded.

A laugh burst from him, he bundled her into his arms and flattened her against his chest. “I’d be delighted.”

Before she could give into the desire to slap his arm for keeping her waiting for so long, he kissed her, deep and hard and possessively.

“I’m afraid I don’t have a ring,” she said, laughing when they came up for air.

“I have you,” he muttered against her lips as he pressed tiny kisses to them. “That’s enough. That’s all I’ll ever need now.”

Epilogue

“You look beautiful, Mother.”

Evelyn skimmed her gaze over her son as he sat next to her in the carriage and smiled when he ran a finger around the collar of his shirt. “And you look handsome indeed.”

And far too grown-up, but she wouldn’t embarrass him by saying as much. Before her stood a man—and one ready to make his own mark on life. Though part of her ached to have her little boy back, gratitude made her heart swell. She now had two men who would always want the best for her and she didn’t need to worry about Samuel needing her anymore. He’d proved he was quite capable of standing on his own two feet these past few months.

“You can change your mind, you know.”

She narrowed her gaze at him. “I thought you liked Pierce.”

“I do. But he is only seven years older than me. The gossip is already ripe.”

So perhaps her son was not entirely ready to stand on his own. She’d have to counsel him to ignore the gossip. The newspapers had delighted over their wedding announcement, calling her many things—a she-wolf or some such nonsense. And of course, Pierce’s motivations were questioned too. But none of that mattered. Gossip would always follow a duchess and as long as she knew the truth, little else mattered. After all, she hadn’t reached this point in her life to be cowed by the insipid remarks of jealous folk.

“Samuel, do not ever be swayed by gossip. You’re made of sterner stuff than that.”

An eyebrow lifted and he let slip a tilted smile. “Mother, I take after you in many ways, in case you had not noticed. Idle talk doesn’t bother me. I only say these things because I do not want you to have any regrets.”

Pride burst through her. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and noted the roll of his eyes. In some ways, he was still her little boy. “I have no regrets. I never will.”

The only regret she could have ever had would have been if she’d let Pierce go. The idea of a future unknown set butterflies in her belly instead of a heavy ache. Pierce had done that for her.

The carriage drew to a halt and the door opened. She drew in a breath, clutched her flowers and waited for Samuel to exit. He handed her down and she straightened her wedding gown. The flutter in her stomach increased. She was well-used to stepping into ballrooms and having her gown critiqued by everyone in attendance and to having her every move watched. But nothing could prepare one for walking up the aisle to marry the man one loved.

On the arm of her son, Evelyn entered the church and her breath caught in her throat. The people in the pews vanished. She saw only Pierce. He glanced over his shoulder, then looked again. His smile made the nerves fly away. She lifted her chin high and returned his look with a smile of her own. One that she hoped told him how happy he made her, how loved she felt. How lucky she was to have found love all over again.

“You look spectacular,” he murmured as she came to his side.

“Thank you. You look wonderful. Though—” she slipped him a sideways glance “—it’s not my favourite outfit.”

“I think I could take a gamble on your favourite look of mine. Does it involve minimal clothing?”

“And here I thought you’d learned your lesson with gambling,” she said lightly as the vicar came their way to take up his position in front of them.

“I would not mind making a wager now.” He leaned in. “I bet I can have you naked and writhing in pleasure within ten minutes of getting you into our honeymoon cottage.”

Evelyn smothered a laugh lest everyone hear it and tilted her head toward him. “That’s a very safe bet, my lord, and the sort of gambling I find I cannot object to.”

Pierce returned her grin, a glint of promise in his eyes and she knew he’d be fulfilling that bet soon enough. As they exchanged vows, she could only think how lucky she was that Pierce had lost his bet that day they’d met. She’d never regret picking up the handsome, naked man who had gambled with her heart and won it.

THE END

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Other titles by Samantha Holt

Sinful Confessions (Book 1 Cynfell Brothers)

Sinful Deeds (Books 2 Cynfell Brothers)

Tempting His Mistress

Once Upon a Rake

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Coming November 2015

Chapter One

London, 1898

Was it his imagination or was the scent of perfume emanating from that woman? Jasper peered over his wine glass at the woman—no, girl perhaps—in the doorway and pondered just how much Guerlain’s
Jicky
she could possibly be wearing if he could smell it from his position near the fireplace at the back of the wine bar. Of course, he knew the perfume well. Many women of his acquaintance wore it. He couldn’t recall the number of sweetly-fragranced necks he burrowed into while murmuring how delicious they smelled. And the response the vast majority of the time had been a giggle and ‘
Oh it’s just Jicky
.’

Jasper let his brow furrow as he considered the woman with a hand to her hat. This was not the sort of woman to wear expensive perfumes or to bother with anything other than soap, in his experience. Her stiffly starched collar, small, non-descript cameo broach, tight jacket and long skirt spoke of a woman with little patience for vanity.

A few speckles of rain and an umbrella in her hand told him the weather had turned since his arrival at Gordon’s. She turned his way, her hand still to the brown, wide-brimmed hat. It reminded him of something a pastor might wear and he had the urge to accidentally knock the monstrosity from her head and stomp on it. No woman should be dressed so dully.

And he had now decided she was definitely a woman—though he could be forgiven for thinking of her as younger with an air of innocence that was wasted on her. Any other young woman would be using that petite face and wide brown eyes to beg for assistance but her pursed lips and severe eyebrows kept every man at bay.

Including him. He had no interest in her even if he puzzled over why someone like her had stepped foot in Gordon’s Wine Bar—a place with a reputation for beautiful women, scandalous happenings and the occasional illegal activity.

Jasper managed to ignore her until she stumbled not far from the bar. She glanced around again and he saw colour spring up on her cheeks when her gaze connected with his. For some odd reason, he didn’t look away. Perhaps he simply liked making her more uncomfortable. That had to be it. He didn’t wish to think about a passably pretty face and fairly attractive brown curls creeping out from that...
monstrosity
on her head.

Anyway, was he not meant to be thinking of Constance? Constance and her painted lips and artfully decorated eyes. Constance who would not be seen dead with a brown hat and a starched collar. Constance who he had pursued quite fervently this week and fully intended to take to bed tonight so he could appreciate what he’d spied beneath those low bodices. Unfortunately Constance was not here yet and Miss Ugly Brown Hat was.

Miss Ugly Brown hat who was moving farther into the bar and starting to attract attention. It couldn’t be for her looks. There were plenty of decent-looking women in the bar, most of whom could be bought by the hour, but this lady had a look of utter naivety to her. Her nervous movements and darting gaze said
easy mark
. And if he knew anything about women’s clothing—which he did—hers was of decent quality. She was no princess but no pauper either. The likelihood was, she’d have a few bob on her.

Jasper tightened his grip on the wine glass. The patrons knew it too. He grimaced to himself. She was going to get herself in trouble. What was a woman like her doing in a place like this anyway? Certainly he spent time with women here but they were never alone and never made themselves look so vulnerable. No one would dare stare at Constance like that. She might be a rich widow but the patrons knew they’d never survive touching her.

He blew out a lengthy breath and placed down his glass. There was no escaping it. He’d have to go to her defence. Ugly hat or not, he couldn’t very well stand by and watch her be robbed.

Two men rose from their seats before he did and they were a darn sight closer. She had the look of a fox being chased by a hound as they approached. She gripped the umbrella and held it across her chest like a shield. One of the men leaned close to say something Jasper couldn’t catch to her. Then the other touched her.

Jasper came to his feet and strode over, fully prepared to grab the man who had latched a hand about her arm.

Before he reached her, there was a blur of movement and an
oof
from the man who’d dared to touch her. He staggered back and the woman whirled again, brandishing her umbrella like a sword. It was only when the touchy man retreated with a hand to his stomach did Jasper realise he’d nearly been impaled by an umbrella. He fought down a smirk when she turned the weapon on the other man and smacked him around the ear, rather like a naughty boy.

He let out a yowl and eyed the woman for several moments, perhaps deciding if she was worth the hassle. Clearly the blackguard decided no, as he retreated to join his friend while they nursed their wounds.

Jasper took a few steps forward and held up his hands when she turned the point of her umbrella to him.

“Stay back,” she warned, her voice slightly throaty and astonishingly appealing for a woman with an averagely pretty face.

“I have no intention of robbing you, ma’am. I am quite rich enough, thank you. But I would like to offer my protection.”

Her eyes narrowed at him from under the brim of her hat. “And who would protect me from you?”

“You need no protection from me, I can assure you.” He eyed the wavering end of the umbrella. “Let me escort you to a carriage.”

“I have no intention of leaving and certainly not with you.”

Jasper grimaced to himself. Why had he even bothered with her? She could clearly fend off an army with the lethal umbrella. “This is no place for a young lady such as yourself.”

“I’m aware of that. I just need to speak to the landlord.” She darted a look around.

“Well, you won’t find him here today.”

“How do you know that?”

“I’m a regular,” he drawled.

She lowered the umbrella and pushed up the brim of her hat enough to run her gaze over him. Her mouth opened then closed, as if debating what she would say next. She clamped it shut then shifted forward a step. “Who are you?”

He ignored her abruptness and even offered her a slight dip of his head. “Lord Jasper Cynfell.”

Realisation seeped into her eyes. Whoever this woman was, she was not wholly out of society if she recognised his name.

“Yes, I’ve heard of you.”

Jasper suspected by the tone of her voice she’d heard nothing good. Not that he was surprised. Only the men who longed to be like him would speak of him with praise. The mamas, protective fathers and any other uptight member of society would have nothing good to say of his antics.

What a bloody good job he didn’t give a fig for their opinions. He gave no apologies for living as he did. He enjoyed life, enjoyed sex, enjoyed...well enjoyment. It was not as though he had any responsibility to worry about, so why the hell not?

He ignored her pinched lip expression and grinned. “Now that we’ve established who I am, who do I have the honour of addressing?”

“Miss Henrietta Foster.”

The name meant nothing, although he did know a young woman by the name of Foster. He couldn’t imagine they were related. Miss Emma Foster was bright and radiant and quite the bold little thing. Too young to appeal to him but sadly young enough to be taken advantage of by some of his more unscrupulous friends. Yes, even he had his limits and young virgins was certainly one of them.

Running his gaze over her apparel again, he concluded there was no chance they were remotely related.

“Miss Foster, may I repeat my offer of escorting you to a hack?”

She peered around, though what she was searching for he didn’t know. “I’m quite capable of finding transport myself, my lord, thank you. Good evening to you.”

Armed with her umbrella, she pivoted away and ducked out of the door. Jasper eyed the doorway for several moments before heaving a sigh.

~~~

BOOK: Sinful Liaisons
2.81Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

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