by Lucy Leroux
Was this poor and pretty girl dead? Moira guessed that she was, or Nigel would be married to her now. He was that kind of man. That was as clear to her as daylight. She could feel his goodness with every fiber of her being.
Why hadn't she had this kind of insight about Duncan? She could have spared herself so much heartache simply by staying away. Shutting her eyes, she pushed away the painful regret. It hurt too much to dwell upon what might have been. This was her new reality.
She was going to be Nigel's wife. Even if he was simply doing it to get back at his cousin, or if she was to be a replacement for the woman he had lost, this was her best option. Perhaps in time, she could repay him for his kindness.
"I don't want to disappear,” she said. “I would prefer to marry you, if you're certain that's what you want."
He didn't look pleased exactly. It was more like satisfaction, but there was only a brief flash of emotion and then he sobered.
"I should warn you it will not be easy. We won't have many comforts. The living down south is rather small. And there is another thing to consider—you won't be able to contact your family. Not ever. My uncle Boyd is a vindictive man. If your family knew you were alive, he would hurt them to find you."
Oh Lord, he was right, she realized with a sickening pang. She could not endanger her loved ones in that way. Not on top of the shame her actions had already caused them. As it was, they might not want to speak to her again, anyway.
The carriage hit a bump, and she braced herself against the wall before answering. "I understand," she said hoarsely and then tried to decide what else to say. How did one thank a man for saving your life?
"I will try to be a good wife."
A corner of Nigel's mouth quirked before he stepped across the carriage to seat himself next to her. He held out his hand. Tentatively she reached out and touched his palm with her fingers. His hand closed around hers.
"I believe you," he said quietly.
Chapter 3
Moira hung the clean sheets on the line, savoring the sun on her face. Though she missed Scotland, this little hamlet near Eastbourne was like some sort of dream. The weather was so much warmer in southern England, and the sun shone so often they could hang the wet linens outside this late in the year.
Though it was out of necessity, Moira didn’t mind doing the washing herself. They only had a cook and a part time maidservant, but she enjoyed contributing to the housework. Working hard kept her mind occupied. It helped alleviate some of the guilt she felt in letting her family believe she was dead. Someday she hoped to be able to contact them and let them know she was still alive.
Truthfully, she also felt a considerable amount of satisfaction in her domestic accomplishments. Her new life was nothing like she'd imagined.
When she'd decided to marry Nigel, she pictured a life of quiet solitude, one where she had to be vigilant of discovery every second of every day. That had been the case for the first few months. However, over time she had relaxed. And now, in addition to a small but comfortable home, she had a role of prominence in the community and, surprisingly, a few friends.
She also had Nigel.
Heat flooded her cheeks as she thought of her husband. Her marriage was different from others she knew. Though their lives were simple, Moira was happy. More than she had any right to expect.
There was only one thing missing, a secret longing she buried down deep and only acknowledged late at night—once her husband was asleep lying next to her.
She wished Nigel loved her.
No, I don’t need that. She already had more than she deserved. Nigel did everything he could to make her feel cared for and protected. And she wasn’t some substitute or tool for revenge. Now that she knew him better, it was obvious to her. Nigel had saved her because he was a decent and brave man. He couldn’t stand by and watch as others suffered. It was what made him such a skilled minister and an even better husband…although there were many reasons for the latter.
In addition to the thousands of small kindnesses and courtesies he extended to her as his bride, theirs was also passionate union. For a man of the cloth, Nigel was surprisingly carnal—and a generous lover. She had come to enjoy the marriage bed.
Although, enjoy seems too weak a word for it, she thought, her body tightening in anticipation when her husband's light step alerted her to his presence.
Nigel's arms came around her, embracing her from behind.
"Hello, wife," he murmured, pressing a hot kiss to her neck, just below her ear.
Reaching up, he fingered a lock of her black hair.
It was one of the safety measures she and Nigel had decided on when they married. He called her Mary in company, and she had darkened her hair with a dye solution of her own creation. More importantly, under her husband's tutelage, she worked at disguising her accent. Since most people this far south had never heard a Scot, she muddled along by staying quiet until she was certain how to pronounce the words she had difficulty with.
"Hello," she whispered huskily when he continued to press kisses down her neck.
She wasn't capable of further speech. He had learned very quickly how to derail her train of thought. But right now they were outside, in full view of anyone that might walk by.
"Um, darling, if you don't want to shock your parishioners, perhaps we should go inside."
Nigel lifted his head. "I'm disappointed you were capable of such a long sentence. You can't usually think when I do that."
She blushed and glanced around, searching for imaginary observers. "It is difficult, I assure you. But I don't want you to scandalize your flock and possibly lose your living."
He laughed with a wicked little gleam in his eyes. "Then by all means, let’s go inside."
"But the washing—"
Her words were cut off as she was swung bodily up into his arms. Suppressing her naturally loud laughter with a hand over her mouth, she closed her eyes and prayed no one had seen them.
When he carried her into his library, she protested. "Nigel, the maid!"
"I sent her to the village to buy some ink," he said, busy undoing her bodice as he kicked the door closed behind him.
"And the cook?"
"Will stay in the kitchen if she knows what's good for her."
Moira giggled and then sighed as he kissed her. Deciding to help her husband undress, she reached for the placket of his breeches. Her hands were too slow, however, so he tore them open himself before spinning her across the room. Sitting, he urged her down on top of him on the little sofa where he liked to sit and read.
His hands ran up the smooth skin of her legs, moving aside layers of cloth with deft fingers. Teasing and probing, he coaxed her into readiness to receive him. She stared deep into Nigel's eyes as his thick member began to penetrate her slowly from underneath. He had to do it cautiously because, as he teased, the powers that be had been overly generous with his endowments.
She loved watching him possess her. His normally pale cheeks flushed red, and his eyes gleamed like molten silver. Sighing as he slid home, she wrapped her arms around his head as he began to thrust and grind with rough motions that eroded her self-control.
Instinctively she tightened on him, trying to hold on to the tight center of pleasure hidden deep inside her, the one only her husband seemed able to find. He groaned in response, moving his hands to her back. Urged forward with gentle pressure, she closed her eyes in ecstasy when his mouth closed over the swollen tip of her exposed breast.
Heat built on heat and soon she was overcome, weakly holding onto his shoulders as they rocked together in a rhythm older than time. One of his hands moved up to tighten on her waist, and she threw her head back as he laved her nipple in time to his measured thrusts. A few heartbeats later, and she was in paradise.
The helpless flutter of her inner muscles drew Nigel into his own climax. Inside of her, his cock swelled and jerked, spilling his hot seed in powerful bursts that she could feel. The weight and friction of hi
m extended her orgasm, drawing it out until she was drained.
Collapsing against him, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Definitely the most wicked clergyman I know."
"Well, I certainly hope so," Nigel teased breathlessly before his playful demeanor fell away.
His hand moved up to trace the soft curve of her cheek. Running an index finger over her full lower lip, he fixed his eyes on hers.
"I love you," he whispered.
Moira gasped, and raised her head to stare down at him, mouth open in shock. Was he serious?
Apparently she was quiet too long because his expression closed up. "It's all right. I don't expect an answer in kind. Perhaps you can let me up. I think I should get back to work on Sunday's service."
She burst into tears.
His brows drew down. "Moira, sweetheart, don't cry," he said, stroking her shoulders.
Covering her hands with her hands, she hastily wiped her tears away.
"I love you, too," she said with a little hiccup.
Amusement crinkled the corners of his lips. "Then why are you crying?"
"Because, I don't deserve you."
Underneath her, he relaxed. "Moira, you deserve the world. I just wish I could give you more—be more for you."
Bending forward, she pressed her forehead to his. "You're everything I need you to be."
* * *
The End
Afterword
If you enjoyed this short story, read more about the Spellbound Regency world in Cursed by Lucy Leroux, a Readers’ Favorite 5 star read.
Michelle Mollohan for Readers' Favorite wrote:
Cursed: A Spellbound Regency Novel by Lucy Leroux is a historical romance chock full of magic, curses and drama. Cursed is the second novel I have read by this author. I enjoy her characters, who differ from the typical dynamic of the damsel in distress scenarios found in most romances. She writes vivid lovemaking scenes that fit well into the pace of the story. The added twist of curses and magic made Cursed fun to read from start to finish.
Cursed
A Spellbound Regency Novel, Available Now
Isobel Sterling is a governess with a lot of secrets—including an uncanny ability she's been hiding her whole life. Until the day arrives when she has to use it to save herself from a madman. But first she has to master it. Fast.
Governess Isobel Sterling feels fortunate to have found a safe haven in the Montgomery household. The children are kind and The Lord and Lady of the house leave her alone. Her life is as good as it can get, until the day mysterious visitors arrive from abroad.
At first Isobel is flattered by the single-minded attention she receives from their handsome young guest, Matteo Garibaldi. At least she is until girls in the village begin to disappear. Isobel has a terrible suspicion that the disappearances are linked to the darkness she can see growing behind Matteo's eyes. Filled with dread she does everything possible to avoid his company—until she is locked in with him for the night.
Free on Kindle Unlimited
http://getBook.at/Cursed
Black Widow
A Spellbound Regency Novel, Book Two, Coming September 2017
He wants to bring her to justice, but the secrets she holds may be the end of him.
Shattered by the death of his cousin, Gideon Wells, the Earl of Flint, is determined to prove that his widow is the one responsible. When Amelia Montgomery finally returns to town on the arm of her new lover, Gideon vows to bring her to justice. But getting close to her sparks a hunger that he can’t ignore. As he begins to uncover the truth about Amelia, he encounters an evil more sinister than he ever imagined. Can he destroy the threat or will he suffer the same fate as his cousin?
Free on Kindle Unlimited
http://myBook.to/BlackWidow_PB
About the Author
Lucy Leroux chose love.
USA Today Bestselling author Lucy Leroux moved to France for a one-year research contract. Six months later she was living with a handsome Frenchman and six years later is happily married to him…and still in France.
When her last employment contract ended Lucy turned to writing. Frustrated by the lack of quality romance erotica she enjoyed reading she set out to create her own. Her stories feature heroines who are smart, brave, and resourceful. She enjoys writing men who are thoughtful and slightly obsessive alpha males.
Her ‘A Singular Obsession’ series is a combination of romance erotica and suspense that feature intertwining characters in their own stand-alone novels. Four are completed and additional three books are planned. Follow her on Facebook or twitter for news and updates.
www.authorlucyleroux.com
Other Books by Lucy Leroux
Making Her His
A Singular Obsession Novel, Book One #1 Amazon Erotic Suspense Bestseller Feb 2016 & A Readers' Favorite Finalist SIZZLE CATEGORY
For almost five years, Alex has had one obsession. Her name is Elynn.
Alex Hanas couldn't believe that after so many years as a widower, his father was getting remarried. To make matters worse, the American gold digger had a kid—a daughter named Elynn. After months of avoiding it, Alex goes to brunch with every intention of giving his father's new family the deep freeze. But he can't pull it off with Elynn's anxious green-grey eyes locked on him.
That was the day his life changed.
Four years later, Alex is as close to Elynn as a stepbrother can be. But that's not enough for him. He wants more...and he's done waiting.
Free on Kindle Unlimited
http://getBook.at/MakingHerHIs
Confiscating Charlie
A Singular Obsession Novelette, Book 1.5, Available Now
Noah Masters is looking for his future. He never expected it to find it in her.
After After crashing and burning his racing career Noah Masters has to figure out what to do with his life. His cousin Alex suggests he find a way to channel his creative energy in a way that doesn’t involve him putting his life in danger.
Then Noah meets his step-mother’s teenage sister Charlie, and he finds he doesn’t have to risk his life to find his future—he just has to risk his heart.
Free Everywhere
http://getBook.at/ConfiscatingCharlie
Calen’s Captive
A Singular Obsession, Book Two, Available Now
Calen is a good man from a bad family, but when the girl of his dreams falls in his lap can he do the right thing and let her go?
Calen is the son of an Irish mobster, but he’s rejected his legacy and has made a name for himself as a club owner. After years of hard work, he has the life he’s always wanted. Almost.
Then his father asks him to take a meeting with a rival crew. It’s too important to say no. Reluctantly, he drives out to the middle of nowhere to meet them. There to negotiate for reparations, he sees an innocent girl being held against her will—someone who looks very familiar.
Unwilling to leave the girl to a fate worse than death, he demands she be included as part of the deal. Maia is forced to stay with Calen for her safety, but she soon finds out he has ulterior motives for protecting her.
Free on Kindle Unlimited
http://getBook.at/CalensCaptive
Stolen Angel
A Singular Obsession, Book Three, Available Now
Sergei Damov is in love with someone who isn’t interested in him, but he’s determined to change that.
Sergei has pined for months, waiting for his assistant to turn around and see he’s the perfect man for her. But Ada only sees him as her boss. Until one night when they both have to work late and the office is deserted…
It doesn’t happen right away, but soon Sergei has Ada right where he wants her—in his bed. Then demons from his past resurface, and he brutally pushes her away before the darkness inside him can consume them both.
But Ada isn’t about to let herself be used. Soon she turns the tables on him and disappears, leaving a mystery in her wake. Why was Ada working under an assumed name? Not j
ust with him, but at every job she ever held?
Using every resource at his disposal, Sergei desperately searches for her, before the danger she’s running from catches up with her…and to try and heal the heart he shattered.
Free on Kindle Unlimited
http://getBook.at/StolenAngel
The Roman’s Woman
A Singular Obsession, Book Four, Available Now
When Gio Morgese meets Sophia, he realizes the "nice guys finish last" adage might be true...and he's done coming in last.
A well-ordered life and quiet existence is not working out in Gio’s favor. Less aggressive than his alpha male friends, he's led a circumspect life and married early to gain the domestic bliss he's always craved. But marriage to the wrong woman has ensured all of his plans blew up in his face.
Perplexed and a little jealous, he watches from the sidelines as his closest friends succumb to love, giving up their playboy lifestyles for the family life he’s always wanted for himself. Aware that something has to change before he ends up bitter and alone, he resolves to let down some of the walls that went up after his divorce.
Then he meets Sophia, a full-figured goddess completely unlike anyone he’s ever known. Against a backdrop of jealousy and deceit, Gio soon realizes that finding love is one thing. Holding onto to it is something else.
