The Widow Vanishes (15 page)

"Is that a promise, McLeod?"

"One you can count on, lass."

They smiled at each other. No words could express their happiness. And the kiss that followed proved, as always, that her Scot was a man who kept his word.

EPILOGUE

A month later, Will's new wife threw her head back and chanted his name. "
McLeod.
"

"Don't stop, beauty." He gripped his beloved's hips through the layers of her wedding dress, bringing her down hard against him. His breath hissed through his teeth as her pussy clamped around his cock, holding him deep inside her silken depths. "Ride me until you spend—take us both there."

Annabel moaned, her knees pressing against his hips as she bounced up and down. His bride's natural talent for riding overwhelmed his senses: his eyes feasted ravenously on her bobbing breasts even as his prick pulsed inside her tight passage. In his haste, he'd managed only to yank down her bodice and corset and toss up her skirts; the garments were now bunched at her waist as she impaled herself upon him.

Upon bidding farewell to the guests who'd been invited to their small wedding breakfast, Will had given the servants the rest of the day off and promptly swept Bella upstairs. From the moment he'd laid eyes on her that morning—shyly walking down the aisle toward him in a simple, blush-colored gown—he'd been nigh mad with love and want of her.

Part of the reason for his crazed desire was that he'd resorted to playing dirty in order to convince Bella to marry him. After two weeks of patient waiting, of wooing his stubborn lass with flowers and trinkets, he'd decided that enough was enough. It was as clear as day that they were meant to be together—each passing moment brought more laughter and love than he'd imagined possible. Yet Annabel had still needed convincing that she was his equal in every way, the only wife he would ever want.

So he'd informed her of his decision to withhold his favors from her until they were married.

She'd blinked at him. "You're not serious."

"Aye, lass, I am."

He'd stuck to his word. Less than a week later, she'd caved.

He'd gotten a special license, she'd planned the celebration, and now, with the bluidy guests gone, things were finally as they should be. She rose on her knees and off his turgid member. Before he could protest, she gave a saucy wriggle, the lush lips of her sex kissing the crown of his cock, gliding back and forth, and his eyes rolled back in ecstasy.

Aye.
Exactly
as things should be.

She plunged down again, taking him to the hilt, grinding with sensual force. Will moaned. By God, his wife was a hot little temptress. Perfect for him in every way.

"Tease," he said through tattered breaths. "Two can play at that game."

His thumb combed through her nether curls, finding her tight little bud. He diddled her as he thrust his hips up. The drenching rush of her response sent another wave of heat over him.

"Mmm, I've missed you," she sighed. "That's so
good
 ..."

Was it ever. He continued to play with her clit, his eyes on her flushed face as she rode his cock. Her wet, gripping strokes set him afire. When she looked close to coming, he reached up and spread his palms over her shoulder blades, pulling her closer. At this new angle, he drove his hips up repeatedly, drilling against her pearl, into the deep, giving core of her.

He took her mouth, swallowing her cries, glorying in the rippling sweetness of her climax.

When she lay limp and boneless against his chest, he rolled them both over. On top once more, he stirred himself in her lush sex, pumping leisurely.

"I like watching you come, wife," he whispered. "So damned beautiful."

She gazed up at him with adoring eyes, her hands playing with the hair at his nape. A dimple peeked out. "Then perhaps you'd care for a repeat performance, husband?"

"What a greedy wench I married," he said, grinning.

He took her slowly, trying to draw out his pleasure and hers. When her legs wrapped around his hips, however, the animal in him took over. Growling, he drove his prick inside her. Harder and harder and when her fingernails bit into his shoulders and she arched up against him, her face a beacon of ecstasy, he lost control altogether. Her breasts jiggled in rhythm to his savage thrusts. His jaw clenched as fiery desire raged through him.

"Love you, lass," he gritted out.

"And I you, my darling," she gasped as the crisis hit her once again.

He wanted to say more, but his own pleasure overtook him. His stones pulsed and released their roiling load. With a shout, he ejaculated, his mind and vision emptying as he gave his beloved all that he was.

He didn't know how much time had passed before he lifted his head from the crook of Bella's neck. Her eyelashes fluttered up, and he saw steadfast love and desire in those stunning violet eyes. His wife's eyes. Once again, wonder suffused him; the actions of one foolish night had somehow led him to this woman, his mate and future.

"No regrets?" he said, stroking her cheek.

"None." She paused, bit her lip. "Other than one, that is."

He frowned. "What is it, lass?" Whatever lingering doubts she had, he would dispel them forthwith.

"Well, I was wondering—on formal correspondence and the like," she said, wide-eyed, "must I be known as Mrs.
Peregrine
McLeod?"

She burst into giggles as he growled and tickled her in revenge. Soon their playing led to other things. Laughter mixed with other sounds of pleasure as the lovers carried on their private celebration into the wee hours of the morning.

*****

Three months later, Will surfaced from marital bliss long enough to see about a job.

He'd heard that Harding had recently been found floating in the Thames. Todd, unsurprisingly, had already moved on: he was engaged in a territorial skirmish with another ruffian of the underworld. None of that involved Will. He'd learned his lesson and severed all ties with cutthroats.

Thus, he needed a new line of work. Strathaven had voiced haughty disapproval at the notion of his heir earning a living, but Will had no intention of sacrificing his independence for anyone—especially his brother. Nothing had changed between him and Alaric: the same cool distance had settled between them. Although Annabel encouraged him to try to mend fences with his brother, Will believed that, once broken, certain things could not be fixed.

Instead, Will chose to invest his energy into work. When Hunt told him of friends looking for a new partner to join their business, Will knew the opportunity was too good to pass up.

He arrived at the address that Hunt had given him. The small brick building was located near Soho Square, on a busy thoroughfare crammed with storefronts. Will's destination sat shoulder to shoulder with a pianoforte maker's and a bakeshop, and it was one of the few addresses on the street that didn't boast a sign declaring the nature of the tenant's business.

Will went inside. Though the floorboards and walls of the front room looked a bit worn and the boxes stacked along one wall announced that the occupants were newly arrived, the few items of furniture spread throughout the room were luxurious and tasteful. A muted burgundy and maize carpet welcomed visitors as did the matching upholstered chairs. Rich drapery framed the bow window, and an elegant floral arrangement bloomed on a side table.

A bespectacled clerk poked his head out from behind a pile of boxes. "Good morning, sir!" the young man said with rather alarming enthusiasm. "Welcome to the new office of Kent and Associates. How may I assist you?"

"I'm McLeod. Mr. Kent is expecting me," Will said.

"Mr. McLeod! 'Tis a true pleasure. Hobson at your service, sir," the clerk chirped. "If you'll have a seat in the waiting area, I'll fetch you some tea and let Mr. Kent know—"

Will heard a door open, masculine voices coming from the hallway past Hobson's desk. Two gentlemen appeared. The first was an African with closely cropped hair and a brawny build to match Will's own. He silently returned Will's assessment, his expression carved from ebony. The second, a tall, lanky fellow with dark hair and alert amber eyes came forward.

"Mr. McLeod, I'm Ambrose Kent," he said.

Will returned the other's handshake. It was a firm grip, one that inspired trust. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said.

"This is my partner, Mr. Lugo," Kent said.

Will and the African exchanged nods.

"You'll have to pardon the dust—we're settling into the new office," Kent said.

Will glanced at the furnishings. "Looks like you have a fine start."

"That's Mrs. Kent's handiwork. According to my wife, first impressions are critical when it comes to our fashionable clientele." A hint of a smile softened Kent's somber demeanor. "I've learned to defer to her in matters of fashion."

"Only in matters of fashion?" Lugo said in a wry baritone.

"Like any worthwhile endeavor, marriage requires compromise," Kent said mildly.

Will hid a grin at the good-natured exchange. He himself was learning the wisdom of give and take in marriage. As he and Annabel were both stubborn by nature, they had the occasional butting of heads. But he didn't mind—not when the patching up between them involved the butting of other body parts.

By God, marriage was sweet.

"Our mutual friend Hunt recommends you highly, Mr. McLeod," Kent went on. "The timing is perfect as our private enquiry business has picked up pace, and Lugo here and I can no longer manage the number of investigations between the two of us. Shall we withdraw to my office and discuss business further?"

Looking around the fledging office, Will felt a surge of anticipation. A gut sense that he was glimpsing a part of his future. 'Twas not unlike what he felt when he gazed upon his beloved, whose lovely form was blossoming day by day with the miracle that they had made together.

In fact, he and Annabel were growing so attuned to one another that, at times, it seemed as if they could read one another's thoughts and feelings. He wondered if she could sense his present intuition: that another adventure was about to begin for them.

He inclined his head at the two investigators.

"Lead the way, gentlemen," he said.

THE END

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COMING SOON: BOOK 1 IN THE
HEART OF ENQUIRY
SERIES

The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Coming December 2014)

A Stranger to Love

Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the
Devil Duke
for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin—who accuses him of a crime he didn’t commit. Is she his worst nightmare ... or his salvation?

A Novice to Desire

Emma Kent is an independent country miss cast adrift in the
ton
. When a depraved encounter with an arrogant rake lands her in intrigue, Emma’s honor compels her to do the right thing. But desire challenges her quest for justice, and she must decide: can she trust her heart to discover the truth?

Bound by Passion and Peril

Alaric and Emma engage in a battle of wits and will. As their attraction flares, the true enemy stalks their every move. With danger looming, will they solve the mystery and find true love— before it’s too late?

BOOKS IN THE
MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR
SERIES