Regarding the Duke

by Grace Callaway

  “I’ll never get enough of you either,” she whispered.

  “Good because you’re getting more,” he vowed. “All of me, love.”

  He thrust harder, deeper, his balls grinding against her folds. Her beautiful arse jiggled, the tiny pucker between her cheeks calling to his primal need to claim every part of her. Coating his thumb in her abundant wetness, he brought his slickened digit to the virgin entrance. Pushed gently but firmly inside.

  She jolted, her muscles clamping down on him, a dark and visceral delight. But that was reflex, and he needed to know what his lady wanted. After a moment, she pushed back, taking his finger and cock deeper inside her, her back arching at the dual pleasure.

  With a growl scraped from the depths of his soul, he screwed himself into his wife’s holes, taking all of her, giving all of himself in return. He pushed her into climax, the clasp of her pussy summoning his own release. Ecstasy roared over him as he poured himself inside his wife, a scorching, shuddering affirmation of their bond.

  Sated and spent for now, he sprawled onto the couch, tucking her against his side. Contentment hummed through him, a peace he felt down to his marrow. There was a veritable treasure trove of art to explore…but all he wanted to do was cuddle with his wife.

  Her cheek on his chest, Gabby was studying the painting. “I do look like her, don’t I?”

  “With one exception,” he said.

  She lifted her head, her gaze curious. “And that is?”

  “You have better tits.”

  He grinned when she wrinkled her nose at him.

  “Is that the only thing men think about?” she asked.

  “I thought I was rather creative with other parts of your anatomy this eve.”

  That earned him the blush he adored. “That was depraved, Adam.”

  “It was.” He gave her bottom a satisfied, proprietary pat. “We’ll do it again soon.”

  “You’re wicked.” She smiled, snuggling against him. “Thank you.”

  “For being wicked?”

  “For making all my dreams come true.” The love in her eyes was tender and strong, enough to last a lifetime and beyond. “For making me feel special and loved every single day.”

  “Just returning the favor, love,” he said softly. “A heart for a heart and a soul for a soul. That’s the kind of justice worth living for.”

  My heartfelt thanks to all of you who’ve been asking for Gabby’s story ever since she first appeared in The Duke Who Knew Too Much and hosted the infamous house party in The Viscount Always Knocks Twice. Despite Adam’s villainous status in several of my previous books, he, too, has received many well wishes from readers hoping for his happy ending. Thank you for rooting for the Garritys on their journey to true and everlasting love :-)

  When you have a moment, I would truly appreciate it if you left a review wherever you purchased this book. As an author, I value and depend upon reader word-of-mouth, so thank you for taking the time. It means the absolute world to me.

  Next up… The Duke Redemption!

  A gentleman in search of redemption finds a lady looking for a sin. Can one night of passion change their destinies forevermore?

  The next romantic and exciting installment of Game of Dukes features charming rake Wickham Murray, a man whose outer perfection hides his scarred honor, and Lady Beatrice Wodehouse, a reclusive spinster whose unusual beauty doesn’t deter her passionate heart.

  Preorder/ learn more about The Duke Redemption today!

  Also by Grace Callaway

  GAME OF DUKES

  Coming in December 2019:

  The Duke Redemption

  Game of Dukes, Book 4

  A gentleman in search of redemption finds a lady looking for a sin. Can one night of passion change their destinies forevermore?

  Don't miss the next steamy and adventurous installment of Game of Dukes, featuring charming rogue Wickham Murray and the clever and spirited Lady Beatrice!

  Preorder/learn more about The Duke Redemption!

  The Duke Identity (Book 1)

  Shattered by betrayal, ex-scholar Harry Kent finds new purpose as a policeman. Sent to infiltrate a family in London's criminal underworld, he lands a job guarding the family’s clever and wicked daughter, Tessa Todd. Neither is prepared for their passionate attraction—or the rising peril that threatens their lives.

  Enter the Duke (Book 2)

  A hunt for a legendary treasure reunites the Duke of Ranelagh and Somerville with Maggie Foley, a former barmaid and his ex-lover. Her shocking secret triggers a journey of redemption for the devil-may-care rake. Together they must fight for their future and that of their daughter…all while defending themselves against a dangerous foe. Finalist for the NECRWA Readers’ Choice Award and the Golden Quill!

  HEART OF ENQUIRY

  This series features the adventures of the Kent family. Each of the unconventional siblings finds laughter, steamy passion, and true love while unraveling mysteries and secrets in late Regency England. Join them in their sizzling escapades…

  The Widow Vanishes (Prequel novella)

  Fate throws beautiful widow Annabel Foster into the arms of William McLeod, her enemy’s most ruthless soldier. When an unexpected and explosive night of passion ensues, she must decide: should she run for her life—or stay for her heart?

  The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Book 1)

  When Miss Emma Kent witnesses a depraved encounter involving the wicked Duke of Strathaven, her honor compels her to do the right thing. But steamy desire challenges her quest for justice, and she and Strathaven must work together to unravel a dangerous mystery... before it’s too late.

  M is for Marquess (Book 2)

  With her frail constitution improving, Miss Dorothea Kent yearns to live a full and passionate life. Desire blooms between her and Gabriel Ridgley, the Marquess of Tremont, an enigmatic widower with a disabled son. But the road to love proves treacherous as Gabriel’s past as a spy emerges to threaten them both… and they must defeat a dangerous enemy lying in wait.

  The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Book 3)

  Former spy Pandora Hudson gave up espionage for love. Twelve years later, her dark secret rises to threaten her blissful marriage to Marcus, Marquess of Blackwood, and she must face her most challenging mission yet: winning back the heart of the only man she’s ever loved.

  The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Book 4)

  Sparks fly when feisty hoyden Violet Kent and proper gentleman Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle, meet at a house party. Yet their forbidden passion and blossoming romance are not the only adventures afoot. For a guest is soon discovered dead—and Violet and Richard must join forces to solve the mystery and protect their loved ones… before the murderer strikes again. Finalist for the National Readers Choice Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/ Suspense!

  Never Say Never to an Earl (Book 5)

  Despite their outer differences, shy wallflower Polly Kent and wild rake Sinjin Pelham, the Earl of Revelstoke, have secrets to hide—and both desperately fear exposing their true selves. Yet the attraction between them is too strong to deny, and they become entangled in a passionate adventure. Both will have to face their greatest fear in order to win the love of a lifetime... and to survive the machinations of the enemy who lies in wait.

  The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Book 6)

  What happens when fate throws a headstrong miss on a mission to find a titled husband together with a powerful and notorious club owner who is anything but a gentleman? Find out in this final passionate installment in the Kent family series, which stars Primrose Kent and Andrew Corbett in his long-awaited return. Winner of the Passionate Plume Award and Finalist for the Maggie Award for Excellence!

  MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR

  Welcome to Mayfair, where passion and intrigue go hand-in-hand. This steamy romance series brings to life a Regency London of refinement–and depravity. From bawdy houses to Vauxhall, rakish heroes and plucky heroines discover that
the path to true love can take some exciting and decidedly naughty turns…

  Her Husband’s Harlot (Book 1)

  How far will a wallflower go to win her husband's love? When her disguise as a courtesan backfires, Lady Helena finds herself entangled in a game of deception and desire with her husband Nicholas, the Marquess of Harteford ... and discovers that he has dark secrets of his own. Finalist for the Golden Heart Award!

  Her Wanton Wager (Book 2)

  To what lengths will a feisty miss go to save her family from ruin? Miss Persephone Fines takes on a wager of seduction with notorious gaming hell owner Gavin Hunt and discovers that love is the most dangerous risk of all.

  Her Protector's Pleasure (Book 3)

  Wealthy widow Lady Marianne Draven will stop at nothing to find her kidnapped daughter. Having suffered betrayal in the past, she trusts no man—and especially not Thames River Policeman Ambrose Kent, who has a few secrets of his own. Yet fiery passion ignites between the unlikely pair as they battle a shadowy foe. Can they work together to save Marianne's daughter? And will nights of pleasure turn into a love for all time?

  Her Prodigal Passion (Book 4)

  Sensible Miss Charity Sparkler has been in love with Paul Fines, her best friend’s brother, for years. When he accidentally compromises her, they find themselves wed in haste. Can an ugly duckling recognize her own beauty and a reformed rake his own value? As secrets of the past lead to present dangers, will this marriage of convenience transform into one of love?

  CHRONICLES OF ABIGAIL JONES

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  Abigail Jones

  When destiny brings shy Victorian maid Abigail Jones into the home of the brooding and enigmatic Earl of Huxton, she discovers forbidden passion… and a dangerous world of supernatural forces. Nominated for an IRC Readers Choice Award.

  Author’s Note

  Arabian Nights’ Entertainments, which may be better known as Thousand and One Nights to modern readers, is a collection of ancient Arabic tales, many Persian in origin. The stories first appeared in Europe in the eighteenth century, translated from Arabic to French by orientalist Antoine Galland into twelve volumes he titled, Les milles et une nuits. The version that Gabby would have read in Regarding the Duke would be the English translation of Galland’s work, either the “Grub Street” version (published anonymously in the early 1700’s) or the translation by Jonathan Scott in the early 1800’s. Of course, Gabby’s naughty and romantic take on Schahriar and Scheherazade is entirely her own.

  More information about Arabian Nights’ Entertainments can be found on Wikipedia and in the extremely informative introduction by Robert L. Mack in the Oxford World’s Classics 1995 Edition.

  Another historical point of interest concerns Titian’s Venus of Urbino. This painting has been part of the Galleria degli Uffizi’s collection since the 1700’s. I last visited the Uffizi as a backpacking college student and, alas, cannot recall if I actually saw this work of art (it was a long time ago, and there were a lot of competing masterpieces!). Nonetheless, I chose to use this painting in the book because it is an allegory of marriage, and the journey of marriage is one of the themes in Regarding the Duke. According to the Uffizi website, the painting was a gift from a duke to his young wife, and symbols within the painting are intended to be “lessons” about the importance of eroticism, fidelity, and motherhood in marriage.

  Praise for Grace Callaway

  “Readers looking for a good historical mystery/romance or a historical with a little more kink will enjoy The Duke Who Knew Too Much.”—Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

  “Her Husband’s Harlot is a pleasing, out of the ordinary read.”—Dear Author

  “Grace Callaway’s book is the first in her ‘Heart of Enquiry’ series, and this excellent brew of romance and intrigue and emotion is also Stevereads best Romance novel of 2015.”—The Duke Who Knew Too Much named the #1 Best Romance of 2015 by Steve Reads

  "Grace Callaway writes the way Loretta Chase would if she got kind of dark and VERY naughty."—Nicole, Goodreads

  “I discovered a new auto-buy author with [M is for Marquess]… I’ve now read each of Grace Callaway’s books and loved them—which is exceptional. Gabriel and Thea from this book were two of the best characters I read this year. Both had their difficulties and it was charming to see how they overcame them together, even though it wasn’t always easy for them. This is my favorite book of 2015.”—Romantic Historical Reviews

  “Erotic historical romance isn’t as plentiful as many would think, but here you have a very well-written example of this genre. It’s entertaining and fun and a darn good read.”—The Book Binge

  “I devoured this book in a couple of hours!…. If you love a story with a heroine who is a wallflower with a backbone of steel or a damaged hero then you will love this one too.”—5 star review from Love Romance Passion on Her Wanton Wager

  “I found this to be an exceptional novel. I recommend it to anyone who wants to get lost in a good book, because I certainly was.”—A Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews

  “I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Grace Callaway is a remarkable writer.”—Love Romance Passion on Her Prodigal Passion

  “The depth of the characters was wonderful and I was immediately cheering for both of them.”—Buried Under Romance on The Widow Vanishes

  “Callaway is a talented writer and as skilled at creating a vivid sense of the Regency period as she is at writing some of the best, most sensual love scenes I’ve read in a long while. For readers who crave sexy, exciting Regency romance with a fresh plot and intriguing characters, I would highly recommend Her Protector’s Pleasure.”—Night Owl Reviews

  "You know when a book is so good that you are still reading it at 2 am....This book had it all: drama, laughter and a few tears as well. The chemistry between Harry and Tessa just sizzled off the pages....If I could I would give this book ten stars, but I'm only allowed to give 5/5 stars." —Boonies123 Book Review on The Duke Identity

  About the Author

  USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes steamy and adventurous historical romances. Her debut book, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She’s the winner of the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel, and her books have been honored as finalists for numerous awards, including the National Reader's Choice Awards, the Maggie Award of Excellence, and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/ Suspense.

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  Growing up on the Canadian prairies, Grace could often be found with her nose in a book—and not much has changed since. She set aside her favorite romance novels long enough to get her doctorate from the University of Michigan. A clinical psychologist, she lives with her family in Northern California, where their adventures include remodeling a ramshackle house, exploring the great outdoors, and sampling local artisanal goodies.

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  Keep up with my latest news!

  Newsletter: gracecallaway.com/newsletter

  Acknowledgments

  To the readers and fans who take my characters’ journeys with me: from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You make it possible for me to dream big and keep on dreaming. I hope my stories inspire the same spirit in you.

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  To my retreat groups: you gals are the best. Learning and laughing with you is as essential as coffee to my writing (that is no faint praise!).

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  Special thanks to my editor Ronnie Nelson and my cover designer Erin Dameron-Hill for making my books shine, inside and out.

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  To my family: I love you. You’re the inspiration for everything that I do.

  Regarding the Duke © Grace Callaway, 2019.

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval s
ystem, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.