When she met his gaze again, his anger gave way to amusement, and he began chuckling as he strolled over to her.
“Do not laugh at me.” She peered up at him. “I may be unconventional, but I do possess honor.”
“I assure you that I am not amused at your expense.” He pulled her to her feet, still chuckling. “I am laughing at us.” To think the whole time they’d been acquainted the two of them had been at odds and all the while they’d both been struggling with their underhanded deeds.
She studied him with one brow arched. “Might I know why?”
“I should have known you would find a way to run Merlin. Your determination is one of the things I most admire about you.” Along with her wit, those sultry whiskey eyes, her feminine curves… God he wanted her. “You are unique. Unlike any other lady I have ever known, and you captivate me all the more for it.”
“You do?” She smiled a sultry grin.
“Without a doubt.” Seth wrapped his arms around her small waist.
Narissa placed her hand on his chest. “All the same, I was wrong in this. Allow me to explain my motivation.”
“None of it matters.” He truly did not give a damn so long as he got to hold Narissa in his arms. Feel her molded against him.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling. “It matters to me. You see, winning Epsom with Merlin was the last dream I shared with my papa. Before his death, we trained and cared for the horse together. I felt compelled to do whatever necessary to see our dream come to fruition.”
“Then it shall.” He pulled her into his embrace.
“You are not cross with me?” She asked, nibbling her lower lip.
“Not at all. In fact, if riding Merlin pleases you, then that is what I want you to do.” Seth would find no greater joy than watching her achieve her goal. Somehow over the course of their acquaintance, he had fallen madly in love with the vixen. Her win would be his as well.
She studied him through narrowed eyes. “Truly? What about your pride?”
“It no longer matters, for I have found something I care about exceedingly more.” He pulled her against his chest, then angled her chin up so that he could gaze into her eyes. “You are everything.”
Moisture pooled in the golden depths of her eyes, and she said, “I care for you as well. It matters not who rides Merlin. Hell, I do not even care if he runs in the derby this year. Papa would understand. He always said there was no greater gift than love.”
“Merlin will race, and you will be his rider.” Seth brought his lips down on hers in a crushing, soul binding kiss.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, her tongue tangling with his. Passion burned through him as he held her tight against him, their hearts beating as one.
Pulling back, he stroked her flushed cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Your happiness means more to me than any blasted race ever could. I want to spend the rest of my life proving it to you. Marry me, Narissa?”
“Nothing would please me more.” She smiled up at him. “I do not understand how, nor do I know when it happened, but you have my heart.”
“And you have mine.” He gave her a roguish grin. “When would you like to say our vows?”
“As soon as it can be arranged.” She ran her fingers under his cravat, loosening it, and gazed at him through heated eyes. “I want to feel all of you. Your bare flesh pressed to mine, our hearts beating against one another. I want everything.”
Warmth flooded through his body. He wanted to collect her in his arms and carry her to his bedchamber immediately. It took all the will he possessed to fight his growing desire. Seth released a pent-up breath. “I will secure a special license. We can be wed tomorrow, my little vixen.”
“Tonight.” She nuzzled her face against his chest. “I do not want to waste a single moment being apart when we could be together. I love you, Seth.”
“I love you more.” He brushed his lips against the warm skin of her shoulder. “I always will.”
Epilogue
Narissa stood near the rail, her hand in Seth’s. Race day for Epsom had arrived at last, and true to his word, Seth had not asked her to ride Banshee. Little did he know, she’d arranged for both of them to get their wish. She would honor her papa and Seth would maintain his pride.
“A kiss for good luck.” Narissa rose up on her tiptoes.
Seth leaned in dropping a soft peck on her lips. “Now go show them how it’s done.”
“You can bet on it.” She grinned and held a piece of paper out to him.
Seth took it, one eyebrow arched up in curiosity. “What’s this?”
“Read it,” she said, then strolled away toward her waiting mount. She swung onto Merlin’s back before she cast a glance at Seth. His head was bent as he read the document showing him as co-owner of Merlin.
If she won—no, when she won, victory would be theirs.
Taking her place at the starting line, Narissa looked out at the crowd. Hannah and Brook had joined Seth near the rail to watch the race. He gave her a roguish grin that sent her stomach into a flurry. Narissa grinned back, heat rising within her.
She blew out a breath and turned her focus to the task at hand. Leaning low over Merlin, she held the reins. Her horse bolted at the starting signal, taking the lead without hindrance. Narissa fought to hold him, her arms straining until they reached the final stretch. Once she turned him loose, he fairly flew. Sweeping the field to win by several furlongs.
“We did it, Papa.” She looked up into the clear blue sky. A gust of wind stirred her hair and she knew Papa had heard her words. She slid from the saddle, excitement pumping through her, and searched for Seth.
When he approached and Narissa jumped into his arms. “Congratulations.” Seth swung her in a circle before setting her back on the ground. “You little vixen. When did you manage to make me part owner?”
“A lady must have her secrets.” Narissa beamed. “I wanted to make all of our dreams come true and I found a way to do so. That is all you need to know.”
“You made my dreams a reality the night you married me.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “I am the luckiest man in all of England. Hell, all the world.”
Narissa’s heart swelled with love. If someone would have told her that marriage would be more thrilling than her horses and her club, she never would have believed them. She would have been a fool for it too.
With Seth, she’d found everything. He was her friend, confidant, lover, and so much more. He thrilled her down to her marrow and made her want to include him in all aspects of her life. What’s more, he accepted her for who she was and encouraged her to continue with her endeavors.
“And I am the luckiest woman for I have you.” Narissa rested a hand on his chest as she gazed up at him. “Take me home, husband. I wish to celebrate our victory.”
“What do you have in mind, love?”
Narissa crooked a finger beckoning him closer before she whispered, “I want to feel you. All of you.”
“Far be it from me to deny you.” Seth scooped her off the ground, then cradling her in his arms strolled toward their waiting carriage.
***The Scandal Meets Love series is a joint effort between Amanda Mariel and Dawn Brower. The books are designed to standalone and/or be read in any order, but are most enjoyable when read together as a series.***
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Keep reading for an excerpt from book 2 in the Scandal Meet’s Love series:
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Find Me Love
By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Dawn Brower
Prologue
Norfolk, England 1806
The early summer sun shone brightly in the afternoon sky. Big white fluffy clouds floated across the blue horizon. All signs pointed to a wonderful day of enjoyment and Lady Diana Thomas hoped the weather held to ensure that. Her father was the Earl of Bristol and along with the Earl of Northesk hosted a fair in the town between their two estates. For a brief time, there was a wor
ry that the fair wouldn’t happen as scheduled. The Earl of Northesk died suddenly and his son grieved the loss; however, he insisted that the villagers not be disappointed. Lord Bristol had agreed to take on the bulk of the preparations to free the new earl from the task. What that really meant was that Diana had more to deal with. She didn’t mind though. The fair continued to be something she loved and would always hold dear.
The annual event could be traced back several generations and everyone in the surrounding area looked forward to it. Through the years the fair changed with the times. New things were added and improvements were made. This year there would be a different take on a Shakespearean play. Diana couldn’t wait to see how it all unfolded. The gypsy’s hired to handle some of the games and other entertainments came back every year too. She had come to know many of them by name and considered them friends of a sort.
Diana wandered through all the displays making sure that everything was ready to go. The villagers were already starting to arrive and soon the gentry would follow. It was one of the only days that every class mingled and didn’t think anything of it. They were all part of the community and it was meant to be a day for amusement.
“Lady Diana,” a male called to her.
She turned toward the sound and frowned. Luther Wright, the new Earl of Northesk stood behind her. What was he doing at the fair? Her father had made it clear he didn’t expect him to attend. The earls hosted it but they didn’t participate much in the actual activities. They made an appearance and stayed for an hour or so, then went back to their respective estates. However, in this one instance, no one thought the Earl of Northesk would come at all.
“My Lord,” she said and quickly curtsied. “How may I be of assistance?”
He frowned. “I don’t remember it being this—expansive.”
They had added a few booths and built a temporary stage for some of the shows. She didn’t understand why he appeared so confused by it all. There were perhaps a few extra entertainments added. Nothing that should perplex him… “The fair is how I’ve remembered it.” Diana chose to act as if she didn’t understand what he meant. “I don’t recall you attending the past few years. Were you not traveling?”
Last she understood he’d left Oxford and traveled to Italy for a year. He’d only returned recently. Diana didn’t recall him being so—handsome. His dark locks curled around his ears and neck and shined brightly under the sun’s harsh rays. His green eyes were the color of jade and appeared almost as hard as the stone.
He sighed and then rubbed his hands over his face. “You’re not incorrect. I did choose to travel. Something I regret now that I’ve lost time I could have had with my father if I had known…”
Drat. He had to go and make her feel bad. “I apologize. It was rude of me to remind you of your loss.”
“No,” he said with a shake of his head. “The fault is mine. I shouldn’t have come here.”
Lord Northesk turned and headed in the opposite direction of the fair. Diana sighed and considered what she should do next. The new earl had been her neighbor for as long as she could remember. Her parents had made no secret they hoped she would catch his notice at some point. They hoped that she would marry him and remain close. It would be quite the coo if that were to occur. Diana had other ideas for her future though. She wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to marry, and she didn’t show any signs that she’d grow into a great beauty either way. Her blond hair was drab and her blue eyes were so pale that they didn’t inspire anyone to write poetry about them. This was her sixteenth summer and soon she’d have her come out in London. She had little hope that a gentleman would offer for her. She had a decent dowry and connections, but little else. This lord wouldn’t even be able to properly court her until his mourning period ended—not that it mattered much. Lord Northesk wasn’t for her and never would be. She would probably end up being a wallflower, and then afterward a spinster. A fate she’d accepted already and decided not to fight. She had other qualities to offer society and she’d make her life using those. Maybe one day she’d be a lady’s companion or have enough funds to travel the world much as Lord Northesk had.
She sighed and ran to catch up to the earl. “Don’t go,” she called out.
He stopped and then glanced at her. “Why not?”
Did he really need a reason? She blew out a breath. When did it become her responsibility to make everything all right for him? Probably when her father had given her the task of planning the fair… “You’re hurting and this is probably the last place you want to be, but I think it could be the one you need. This is meant to be a happy day and if you allow yourself to enjoy it you might find some even if it’s only for a moment or two.”
“Happiness isn’t something I deserve.”
“Everyone should have a little in their life, my lord—even you. Stay.” She smiled at him. “Your father was a big part of the fair. If it’s not for you, then stay for him.”
Maybe he would listen to her and try to find something good at the fair. Either way, she did her part and tried to convince him of the wisdom of remaining. In the end, it was up to him what he chose to do. She didn’t dare try to discern the inner workings of the male mind.
“I might return later,” he replied. “For now, if you’ll excuse me, I must depart.”
So cold, but she couldn’t really blame him for that. In his place, she’d probably react in a similar fashion. Diana couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose one of her parents. Thankfully, both of them were very much alive. “I hope that you do,” she said. “As long as the weather remains so pleasant the rest of the festivities should go smoothly. Good day, my lord.”
He nodded and then continued to walk away until he reached a horse. Then he slid onto its back and motioned it into a canter. Soon he was a small figure in the distance and then he disappeared completely. Diana turned away from the road that led toward Northesk Castle and returned to the fair. The booths were surrounded by villagers and laughter floated through the air. A small boy was tossing a ball toward a series of buckets and groaned when he failed to get it inside. She wandered over to the area where the stage had been created for the play enactments. A lot of the villagers had gathered around waiting for the first enactment to take place. They didn’t have to wait long before two men with masks strolled out.
The first man shouted out his lines. ‘“I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire. The day is hot, the Capels are abroad, And if we meet we shall not scape a brawl, For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.”‘ They were performing a scene in Romeo and Juliet.
Diana became even more excited. It was a fight scene and she’d always been interested in fencing. She couldn’t wait to see how it was staged for their entertainment. Soon the Capulets and Montagues would be fighting, with Tybalt dying at the end of it at Romeo’s hand. At least that is how it all happened in the play by Shakespeare. Diana didn’t know if they would change any of it or not. That was part of the fun of the enactments.
More men in masks came on the stage. They said their lines flawlessly until their rapiers were drawn. They were an older style of fencing swords. Diana thought they might use foils, but the rapiers had a different style. Maybe she’d ask later why they chose to use them. The actors were engaged in a heated battle. The rapiers clanged against each other and the dance as deadly as it was beautiful. She was riveted in her spot unable to glance away from it all. One of the men jumped between two of the combatants in an attempt to stop the fight, but it was to no avail. One was hit and fell to the ground in a dramatic fashion.
‘“This day’s black fate on more days doth depend, this but begins the woe others must end.”‘
The man on the ground went still and the guy playing Romeo picked up a sword and started fighting with the man who murdered Mercutio. Another wickedly good battle scene commenced with Tybalt dying alongside Mercutio. Diana clapped wildly as the scene ended. She wanted to learn to fence like that—if only her father would
find her an instructor willing to teach her. The actors all took off their masks and bowed to the audience.
“Another,” someone shouted.
Diana stared at the actors. She’d assumed they were all men, but that wasn’t the case. There was a woman amongst them. Gorgeous didn’t even begin to describe her. Her body was lean, lithe, and she moved with a fluid grace Diana could never achieve. She had midnight black hair that fell to her waist in a thick braid. How had she failed to notice that? Had it been tucked away during the fight? She had to meet her…
They bowed once more and then exited the stage. They would be back later for another scene and probably a new crowd. Either way, Diana would be back to watch, but she had another goal before then. She pushed her way through the crush until she reached the tent where the actors were taking refuge in-between performances.
The woman was about to enter when Diana reached the tent. “Pardon me,” she called out to her. “Do you have a moment.”
Up close she didn’t seem to be much older than Diana. Maybe three or four years but not much more than that. Her hair seemed darker up close and her eyes were a violet shade similar to the sky before a storm. “I’m busy,” the girl said rather rudely.
“And my father is paying your wages for today. You can spare me a minute of your time.”
“Little girl,” the woman said in an accent similar to many of the gypsies she’d met over the years. She narrowed her gaze into tiny slits. Disdain dripped from her voice as she spoke. “You should learn when to be demanding and when it is best to turn and walk away.”
“This is not one of those times to give up,” Diana insisted. She’d beg if it helped, but she hoped it wouldn’t go that far. “Please, may I have a moment of your time?”
The girl sighed and then nodded. “What does her highness require?”
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