One Wicked Kiss

by Brower, Dawn

  She nodded. “Yes.” This time she boldly met his gaze leaving no doubt to what she wanted.

  When the reached the room he pushed the door open and Lia stepped inside—he followed behind her and shut it with a soft click. A fire had been lit in the hearth to keep the room warm. It also gave it a soft glow. Lia wandered over to the window and stared out at the storm. Lucas lit the candles in the candelabra near the bedside table. He didn’t want to sit in a nearly dark room with her. After the candles were lit he joined Lia at the window.

  “The snow has stopped finally,” she said.

  “That’s a relief. It’ll make traveling easier in the morning.”

  She didn’t say a word, just continued to look out the window. “I’m sure it will.”

  At that moment he realized why she was so concerned. The carriage she’d been traveling in was destroyed, and the driver dead. She had no way of continuing on her journey. He brushed her hair with his hand. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll help you with whatever you need.”

  “That’s a nice sentiment,” she said softly. Lia turned around and lifted her arms to wrap them around his neck. “Kiss me again.”

  Lucas didn’t think twice. He leaned down and pressed his lips to her. The passion flared immediately and he forgot all about his intentions of keeping her innocence intact. She tasted wonderful and he became intoxicated on her. He entwined his tongue with hers in a dance of pleasure. After that kiss—one wicked kiss beyond everything he could have imagined—Lucas was lost, and he didn’t care. It was inevitable that they’d come to this point and he wouldn’t regret it. He only hoped that she wouldn’t in the morning light…

  * * *

  Natalia stared down at Lucas’s sleeping form and wished she didn’t have to leave him. She had no choice though. Her father wouldn’t stop looking for her and she’d have to put as much distance between her home and France as possible. It was for Lucas’s protection that Natalia was leaving him behind. He deserved someone better than her. He had a good heart and needed a lady equal to it. Natalia couldn’t be his everything. Her father would make his life hell. Her father might only be a viscount, but he had far more power than a young earl could ever posses. So for Lucas, she’d continue to run.

  She walked quietly out of the room and slipped into the one next door. Natalia prayed she wouldn’t find Callista and Edward in the midst of making love. Luckily, there was no movement in the bed. She had to retrieve her valise from the room before she made her escape. A servant had told her that it had finally be located and delivered to the room after she’d departed. She leaned down to pick up the valise.

  “Leaving so soon?”

  Natalia gasped. “Callista you scared me.”

  “Come out in to the hallway darling,” she said. “We’ll talk more there and let the duke get his beauty rest.”

  They both exited the room and closed the door behind them. Callista lifted her hand and brushed a strand of Natalia’s hair behind her ear. “Tell me,” she began. “Did you have a lovely evening with Darcy?”

  It had been wonderful. “Lucas was a perfect gentleman.” He’d kept their passion to a few kisses nothing more. Though she’d have made love with him if he’d pressed. She almost wished he had. “I trust that your duke wasn’t?” Natalia lifted a brow.

  “Edward is always a gentleman—but a woman prefers something more wicked in bed.” She winked. “You’ll discover that for yourself one day. I take it you are still insistent on running away. Let me help you.”

  Callista’s assistance was preferable to Lucas’s. She didn’t want him involved. It would be easier to set him free if he didn’t know where she was headed. “How?”

  “I don’t need to know your story,” Callista said. “It’s enough you feel the need to disappear. I discussed the particulars with the servant who retrieved your valise.” She handed her a small purse. “There are several pounds in this for you to use, along with how you can reach me if you should need me. Go downstairs and ask for a Mr. Ross. He’ll take you wherever you wish to go. Please let me know when you arrive safely. I’ll worry.”

  Natalia nodded. “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Your gratitude is unnecessary. We’re family and family protects each other—at least that’s how it is supposed to work.” Callista pulled her into a quick hug. “Now go before Darcy realizes you’re gone. He won’t like that you’ve left without saying goodbye. Don’t worry; your secret is safe with me. I’m rather good at keeping things to myself.”

  Natalia didn’t waste any time. She rushed down the stairs and located the man Callista had directed her to. Not long after that she was on her way out of Canterbury and headed to Dover. She wasn’t sure what her future held, but at least Lucas would be safe. No one would ever know that he’d captured her heart in an instant. It was better this way…

  * * *

  Lucas rolled over on the bed and reached across the silk coverings. His eyelids fluttered open when he realized he was alone. Where had Lia gone? He came to a sitting position and scanned the room quickly. She wasn’t there…

  A sick feeling settled into the bottom of his stomach. She’d been so frightened the night before and admitted she was running from a forced betrothal. He hoped she’d trust him enough to allow him to help her. Maybe he was wrong and she’d gone downstairs to break her fast. He slipped on his boots and went toward the door. It flew open before he had a chance to reach it.

  “Ah, good, you’re awake,” Edward said. “The carriage has been brought around. Mrs. Klaus was good enough to make a basket of food for us to take along with us. I don’t want to stay for the large breakfast she’s prepared. There are some odd individuals here.”

  Lucas shook his head. “Is Lia with the countess?”

  “Lia?” Edward lifted a brow. “Oh, you must mean the girl we rescued. I haven’t seen her all morning. Callista is packing her trunk. A servant will be by to load all of them on the carriage in a moment.”

  He’d been right… Lia had left him… Lucas took a deep breath and refused to give in to the melancholy threatening to rush over him. He’d find her and convince her they belonged together. Surely she hadn’t deceived him and her feelings had been real too. He doubted she could have feigned that passion, but that didn’t mean she hadn’t.

  “I didn’t even open my trunks and they can go down now,” Lucas replied. “I just need to tie my cravat and replace my waistcoat and jacket.”

  “Wonderful,” Edward replied. “I can’t wait to leave this establishment.”

  Lucas refrained from rolling his eyes. His friend was acting every inch the stuffy duke. He’d been in plenty of brothels before. “I’ll meet you downstairs.”

  He’d go with him to Weston Manor as planned. There wasn’t a lot he could do in Canterbury. Lucas doubted Lia stayed in the town. There was nothing there for her. It was more likely she went to a seaside village and planned to escape England altogether. He prayed he found her before she did anything so drastic. They belonged together and he would prove it to her, but first he had to locate her. As long as he held on to hope it would give him the strength to go on. Once they were together again he’d marry her. He loved her…

  Preface

  One Wicked Kiss was a book that I never intended to write. I was approached by Ava Stone and asked if I would like to write a short story to add to an Anthology titled A Christmas Brothel. All the author proceeds went to charity so I said yes. While I was trying to decide what to write this story formed in my head. Earl In Trouble was the next book on my writing schedule and I thought…What if I wrote how Natalia and Lucas first met. In the anthology it was titled A Christmas Kiss. I retitled it for re-release.

  So I have to apologize for the ending of this book. In A Christmas Brothel I didn’t include the final chapter so it seemed like it had a happy ending. Unfortunately, after they first met Natalia felt the need to flee and they don’t see each other for nearly a decade. I don’t usually write anything that en
ds on essentially a cliffhanger. The good news is there isn’t a long wait after the release of the next book and you have a small sneak peek into Earl In Trouble at the end of this one. I hope you continue on to read Natalia and Lucas’s story and you find their journey satisfying.

  Continue on to read the first two (unedited) chapters of Earl In Trouble. The complete story releases in February. You can preorder your copy here: www.books2read.com/EarlInTrouble

  Excerpt: Earl In Trouble

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues 4

  Dawn Brower

  Chapter 1

  September 1823

  Lucas Carter, the Earl of Darcy lounged on a chair in the game room at Weston Manor. The current Duke of Weston, James Kendall, was lining up a shot on the billiard’s table as his good friend, Dominic Rossington the Marquess of Seabrook gave him pointers. “You’re going to miss if you keep it at that angle,” Seabrook advised. “I’d move it a little to the left.”

  The duke stood to his full height and stared at the marquess through a narrow gaze. “I don’t need your bloody drivel breaking my concentration. Keep your opinions to yourself.”

  Lucas sighed and held his glass of brandy against his eye. The Earl of Shelby, Gregory Cain, had landed several blows to his face earlier in a scuffle over Shelby’s sister Lady Samantha Cain. She was a lovely lady and Lucas had thought she might make a wonderful countess for him. His father was being a trite arse lately and kept insisting he settle down. He had tried to explain to him that marriage didn’t mix well with him. At one time it had… An image of the woman he’d fallen instantly in love with almost a decade ago floated through his mind—Lia… She had soft brown hair highlighted by streaks of gold and red. Her eyes were a brilliant green like an emerald shining in sunlight. He’d never met anyone as lovely as her. They had merely hours together, but it had been enough for him to want to spend the rest of his days with her. She’d been lovely and sweet. At least that was how she’d seemed. Not long after they met she’d run away and he hadn’t seen her since. Thoughts of her crept up on him when he least expected it. If only she’d stayed…

  He shook that away. There was no going back to that fateful winter night and he had to accept she would never be his. He had no idea where she had gone and long ago stopped caring. He’d done his due diligence and searched for her—for a couple of years, and then had to face facts. Lia didn’t want to be found and she most certainly didn’t want him. It didn’t help he only had a first name and a description to go by. For all he knew she was using a different name entirely. Lia had made it clear she was hiding from an arranged marriage. He didn’t blame her either. If he didn’t chose a bride soon his father would pick one for him. Lucas wanted to at least like the woman he had to spend his life with—hence his current dilemma and bruised face. He’d taken refuge with the marquess and the duke because Shelby had gone off with Asthey and Harrington to do only God knew what. He honestly didn’t care as long as they all stayed away from him.

  Weston took his shot and missed… His cue ball failed to connect with the object ball and then landed in the corner pocket. “I tried to tell you…” Seabrook held up his hands and backed away. “All right do it your way. I don’t mind winning if you don’t want to listen to sound advice.”

  “Bugger off,” Weston ground out. “Maybe Darcy would like a round with you. I’m not in the mood to play anymore.”

  That was the last thing Lucas wanted. He just wanted to be left alone with the entire decanter of brandy. “I’ll pass,” he said. His voice was still a little hoarse after Shelby tried to strangle him with his bare hands. The bloody bastard had a temper on him and an unending overprotective streak. “Though I will take a refill on my brandy.” He wiggled his glass toward Weston. “Care to help a bloke out?”

  The duke grumbled something under his breath about not being a servant but still refilled Lucas’s glass. “Thanks,” he said with a nod at the duke. “Much obliged.”

  Lucas sipped on the amber liquid and tried to forget everything that troubled him, but it all screamed at him inside his head. Lady Samantha would have solved all of his problems. Damn her rotten brother… What did he ever do to Shelby anyway? He thought they got along fairly well. Apparently, Lucas’s judge of a person’s character had gone downhill in the last decade. Ever since he’d met Lia… Why did she continue to haunt him?

  “Darcy,” Seabrook nearly shouted his name.

  “Wha…What?’ He blinked several times. He had been so lost in his memories of Lia he forgot where he was. Lucas cleared his throat. “My apologies. Did you require my attention?”

  Seabrook shook his head as if disgusted with Lucas for some odd reason. What had he done now. It seemed like everything he did lately brought him nothing but trouble. Sometimes it seemed as if he was completely alone in the world. He used to do almost everything with his closest friend the Marquess of Dashville. Sadly, Dash had gone and married Lucas’s sister and settled down. These days he was happy to be a husband and father. Most of the time Lucas was jealous of what Dash and Helena had together. Their marital bliss could also be nauseating too. He suspected that was because he’d missed his chance at happiness long before Dash had found his. But none of that mattered at the moment. What did was the glare Seabrook had pinned on him. Lucas sighed. “I don’t suppose you’re going to answer me anytime soon?”

  Seabrook shook his head. “How hard did Shelby hit you in the head?”

  “Much harder than I’d have liked, I assure you, his fists are like bricks.” He brought his hand up to his face and touched the spot beneath his eye. “It’s already black and blue isn’t it?”

  “Don’t worry,” Weston said amicably. “You’re pretty face will be back before you know it.” He gestured toward Seabrook. “He suggested we go for a ride. Since billiards isn’t to your tastes. Care to join us?”

  Lucas stared down at his brandy and then drained the contents in one quick gulp. He would prefer to drink himself into oblivion, but what the hell. Maybe a brisk ride would lift his spirts and deliver him a solution to his current dilemma—he needed a willing bride and it wouldn’t hurt if she was also pretty, and had a tolerable personality. He didn’t ask for much… “I’d be happy to.” He came to his feet and set his empty brandy glass on a nearby table. A servant would find it at some point and take care of it. “Lead the way, your grace.” He nodded at Weston. “Maybe Seabrook can forgive my maudlin mood after he puts his mount through the paces.”

  Weston chuckled. “Ignore Dom. He’s surly for an entirely different reason that has everything to do with my sister, his loving wife.”

  “Hold your tongue,” Seabrook ordered. “I’d rather not discuss Rosanna if you don’t mind. Don’t you worry—we’ll be fine. She does love me.” With that last statement the marquess winked at Weston. “Much like your wife often forgives you the blunders you make.”

  There went that jealousy again. He was surrounded by happily married people and he was sick of it. Whatever happened to the traditional ton marriage where spouses barely tolerated each other. “I thought we were going riding?”

  “Quite right,” Seabrook agreed. “It’s good to see you’re finally with us. You weren’t looking to healthy a bit ago. Whatever is troubling you it must be quite serious.”

  “I’d rather not discuss it.” Lucas sighed. “Family stuff.” It was all the explanation he’d give either man. He really hated his father and his autocratic demands. Ever since Helena married the bastard had taken all his attention and thrown it at Lucas. He’d been able to sidestep his marriage demands for the past eight years, but now he couldn’t hold the old duke off any longer. The blasted man thought if Lucas didn’t marry and sire a child the Montford title would die with him. As far as Lucas was concerned he didn’t care if it did or not. He liked being an earl and didn’t relish the idea of holding the ducal title—even if it meant his father was no longer around to terrorize him.

  “All right.” Seabrook nodded his head. “If you change you
r mind we’ll be around.” He gestured toward Weston. “He kind of owns the place.”

  Lucas laughed. “I have heard that rumor.”

  “Very funny,” Weston said sarcastically. “Everyone is a jokester these days. Come on let’s go to the stable.”

  Lucas smiled for the first time in days. He was glad he’d made the decision to stick close to Weston and Seabrook. Weston Manor had always been like a second home to him. He’d been good friends with the Kendall twins. Edward had been born first, but died not long after Lucas had met Lia, leaving James with the ducal responsibilities.

  He shook his head. In that one thing he didn’t envy Weston. If he lost his only sibling, he wasn’t sure he’d handle it well. Of course, the man had over a decade to be accustomed to the loss. Perhaps it was just a matter of time healing even the worst of wounds…

  Either way it didn’t matter. His sister lived happily with her husband and two children. It was Lucas who had to figure out his life and find the answer to all his troubles. Too bad the answer wouldn’t fall in front of him an make things easier on him.

  * * *

  Natalia Benson stared at the lady she’d been hired to chaperone. Lady Anne Northcott was the worst sort of person. Selfish, egotistical, and so narcissistic she even talked to herself. There wasn’t a mirror around the lady didn’t like. If she didn’t need the funds to survive she’d have turned down the offer. She’d been on her own for several years now.

  “Do you think he’ll like me?” Lady Anne twirled one of her golden locks with her index finger. “I do hope so. I need to marry and fast.”