Her breathing grew labored and ragged as the inner excitement in her took hold and she forced herself to look up at Sebastian’s dark eyes. They were heated, so much so that if they got any more heated, he’d combust. And so would she.
And then she did.
With one powerful stroke, he hit something deep inside her and it was as if a dam broke, flooding her body with waves of hot and cold as her muscles tightened and released and her mind went completely blank. Gasping for breath, she met Sebastian’s eyes again, just in time to see him squeeze them shut and to feel his muscles tense beneath her hands as a savage growl rent the air and he slowed to a stop.
The following seconds stretched out between them to what felt like minutes until Sebastian lowered himself to lie on top of her with his upper body supported by his forearms that were planted on either side of her.
“What are you thinking, Belle?” he asked.
She blushed. Had she been so obvious? “Nothing, just a little woolgathering.”
“Woolgathering?” he burst out, blinking.
She nodded and traced the edge of his clenched jaw with her index finger. “I was just thinking that while I enjoyed your attentions last week, and likely would have enjoyed this particular activity then, too, I think it was all far more enjoyable this week—knowing you’re my husband.” She closed her eyes; she wasn’t explaining this right. “I know you were my husband then, but—”
He kissed her lips, silencing her. “I know what you meant.” He kissed her again. “And I quite agree,” he said between kisses. “I knew I was quite taken with you that night, but—” he kissed her once more— “it wasn’t until I left your room that I realized that I loved you. I think that’s the part that made it that much better tonight.”
She couldn’t help but smile at his words. “Indeed. Oh, but Sebastian, just because I agreed to become your wife in truth without all the courting, doesn’t mean that I won’t still expect you to lavish me with attention.”
Sebastian moved his hands up to cup her face. “I’ll shower it on you like a rain in June,” he murmured between kisses. Then proceeded to show her once again just how much he loved her now and always would.
Epilogue
The Next Morning
Isabelle’s eyes snapped open. There was a hand cupping her breast. A big hand. Her husband’s hand. A smile pulled at her lips and she turned to face him.
Sebastian lay as naked as she with his left elbow digging into his pillow, propping his head up while he lay on his side and ran his right hand over her bare body.
“You’re just as beautiful today as you were last night.”
She choked on a giggle. “Did you expect me to look different?”
“No.” He feathered kisses on her shoulder. “No regrets?”
“None.” She swallowed. “You?”
“Never.” Then as if to prove his point, he showed her once again what she meant to him without uttering a single word.
An hour later, a soft scratch at the door woke them both from their sated slumber.
Isabelle froze as a slight sense of panic swept her. “Do you think your man has informed your father that I’m here?”
Sebastian’s brows knit. “Does it matter?”
“He doesn’t like me,” Isabelle pointed out. “He won’t be happy about this.”
“I suppose that makes us even since your father doesn’t like me, either,” Sebastian countered, grinning. He reached over and wound a tendril of her auburn hair around his finger. “But I don’t give a hang about either of them and who they like. I love you and that’s all that matters to me.”
Isabelle opened her mouth to ask another question, but closed it when the unmistakeable sound of paper sliding against a hardwood floor drew her attention.
Isabelle and Sebastian exchanged looks, then he climbed out of bed and retrieved the unsealed missive that had just been pushed under his door.
He read it to himself, a small smile curving his lips.
“We should respond post haste,” Sebastian murmured, handing the note to her.
Isabelle took it from his fingers and paid him no mind as he went over to the crude desk in the corner.
Dear Lord Belgrave,
I am assuming due to her lack of return that my dearest companion Isabelle Gentry, Lady Belgrave has either been abducted—in which case you must inform the authorities (and me) immediately, or she’s now been made your wife in every way—in which case you’d do well to come collect her clothes and bring her by this afternoon to bid me farewell.
Yrs,
Suellen Finch
Isabelle shook her head. It was notes like these that made it most clear that Edmund and Mrs. Finch were of a close relation. She set the note down and padded over to where Sebastian sat naked at his desk and peeked over his shoulder.
Dear Mrs. Finch,
I’m pleased to inform you that Lady Belgrave is safely with me and if last night was any indication, she should be entering her confinement shortly—
Isabelle squeaked. “You can’t write that.”
“Yes, I can,” Sebastian said, turning his head just enough to brush a kiss on her cheek.
However, as you likely already know, her increasing state will not take effect immediately and she shall need some clothes. If you’d be so kind as to have Belle’s—
Isabelle blinked as an odd memory of a conversation with Edmund over how Sebastian might spell his nickname for her came to mind. “You spell it B-E-L-L-E,” she murmured without thinking.
Sebastian looked up at her with an expression that might suggest she was cracked. “How did you think I spelled it? B-E-L-L?”
She flushed, making him chuckle.
He shifted in his chair and pulled her to his lap. “I won’t lie to you—”
“That’s good, because it didn’t turn out very good the last time you did,” Isabelle interjected.
Sebastian grinned. “Not at first, but it did in the end.” He gave her an affectionate squeeze to emphasize his meaning. “I can’t remember when I first came up with the nickname for you, but I have no doubt it was when we were playing some such game and I thought you were being annoying—like a bell. Which might have made it an appropriate name to my eleven year-old mind, but to my twenty-five year-old mind, I think B-E-L-L-E, like the most desirable woman in the room suits you far better.” He tucked a tendril of her red hair behind her ear and kissed her neck. “There is no denying it, my love, you are my Belle.”
If you enjoyed Secrets of a Viscount, I would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy this book, too.
Lend it. This e-book is lending-enabled, so please, share it with a friend.
Recommend it. Please help other readers find this book by recommending it to friends, readers’ groups and discussion boards.
Review it. Please tell other readers why you liked this book by reviewing it at one of the following websites: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Goodreads.
Coming Soon!
Gentlemen of Honor Series
Regency set series that is coming in 2014!
Secrets of a Viscount—One summer night, Sebastian Gentry, Lord Belgrave hauled the wrong young lady to Gretna Green. When her identity is exposed, the only obvious solution is to get an annulment. Only, just like his elopement plans, things didn’t go as planned and while she has reason to believe they are no longer married, he knows better. Wanting to make things right for her, he offers to help her find a husband—what neither counts on is it just might be the one she’s still secretly married to.
Desires of a Baron—Giles Goddard, Lord Norcourt is odd. Odder still, he has suddenly taken a fancy to his brother’s love interest, the fallen Lucy Whitaker. Lucy was once thrown over by a lord and she has little desire to let it happen again, but she’s about to learn that his desires just might be enough for the both of them.
Passions of a Gentleman—Having been thrown over twice already, Simon Appleton has given up his pursuit for a wife—especia
lly if his only choice is the elusive Miss Henrietta Hughes. But when he discovers a secret about her, he’s not above helping to protect her…
If you’d like to stay current on Rose’s releases, then sign up for her new release newsletter!
Other Books by Rose Gordon
Fort Gibson Officers Series
American-set historical romance series that takes place in Indian Territory in the mid-1840s.
The Officer and the Bostoner—While on her way to meet her intended, Allison Pearson was abandoned by her traveling party at a desolate Army fort in the middle of Indian Territory. It’s a good thing there is a handsome, smooth talking officer named Captain Wes Tucker will to temporarily marry her until her intended can reclaim her.
The Officer and the Southerner—Lieutenant Jack Walker sent off for a mail-order bride. Ella Davis answered the ad. Jack forgot to mention a few living details, and Ella’s about to let him know it!
The Officer and the Traveler—Captain Grayson Montgomery’s mouth has landed him in trouble again! And this time it’s not something a cleverly worded sentence and a handsome smile can fix. Having been informed he’ll either have to marry or be demoted and sentenced to hard labor for the remainder of his tour, he proposes, only to discover those years of hard labor may have been the easier choice for his heart.
Scandalous Sisters Series
Three American sisters have arrived in England for a brief visit, but they’re about to all find something they never bargained for: love.
Intentions of the Earl—Faced with never-ending poverty, a gentleman is offered a handsome sum if he’ll ruin a certain young lady’s future—only she has other plans, and it might entail her ruining his.
Liberty for Paul—There’s only one thing Liberty Banks hates worse than impropriety: one Mr. Paul Grimes, and unfortunately for her, it’s her own impropriety that just got her married to him!
To Win His Wayward Wife—Not to be outdone by her sisters’ scandalous marriages, Madison Banks is about to have her own marriage-producing scandal to a man who, unbeknownst to her has loved her all along.
Groom Series
Four decided bachelors are about to have their freedom ripped right from their clutches with nothing to show for it but love.
Her Sudden Groom—When informed he must marry within the month or be forced to marry the worst harpy ever to set foot on English shores, the overly scientific, always logical Alex Banks decides to conduct his courtship like a science experiment!
Her Reluctant Groom—Emma Green has loved Marcus, Lord Sinclair for as long as she can remember, so when he slips up and says he loves her, too, it should all be so simple. But it’s never that simple when the man in question was once been engaged to and jilted by Emma’s older sister.
Her Secondhand Groom—What Patrick Ramsey, Lord Drakely AKA Lord Presumptuous wanted was an ordinary village girl to be a “motherness” to his daughters and stay out of his bedroom; what he’s about to get is something so much more.
Her Imperfect Groom— Sir Wallace Benedict is a thrice-jilted baronet who is about to finally have his happily-ever-after, if only the family of his one-true-love, would stop being so darn meddlesome!
Banks Brothers’ Brides
The first two are prequels to the previous series and the second two are follow ups.
His Contract Bride—Since just a lad, Edward Banks, Lord Watson knew Regina Harris would one day be his bride, he’d seen the paper to prove it many times; only someone forgot to inform Regina…
His Yankee Bride—John Banks wants nothing to do with the scandalous, sweet talking, ever-present, American beauty named Carolina, or so that’s what he keeps saying…
His Jilted Bride—Amelia Brice has a secret…and so does Elijah Banks. Hers is big…but his is bigger!
His Brother’s Bride—Presented with a marriage contract his twin brother has signed but cannot fulfill, Henry Banks has to form a plan to save the Banks name, even if it means pretending he’s his brother, or worse yet, marrying a lady who holds a grudge against his family.
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling and Award Winning Author Rose Gordon writes unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after. When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of her boys picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
She can be found somewhere in cyberspace at:
http://www.rosegordon.net
or blogging about something inappropriate at:
http://rosesromanceramblings.wordpress.com
Rose would love to hear from her readers and you can e-mail her at [email protected]
You can also find her on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
If you never want to miss a new release, click here to subscribe to her New Release list or visit her website to subscribe and you’ll be notified each time a new book becomes available.
The Daughters of the Aristocracy
The Kiss of a Viscount
The Grace of a Duke
The Seduction of an Earl
Linda Rae Sande
This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.
The Daughters of the Aristocracy
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2015 Linda Rae Sande
V1.4
Cover photographs © RomanceNovelCovers.com and Cover art by KGee Designs.
All rights reserved - used with permission.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an online retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
ISBN: 978-0-9915075-9-7
The Kiss of a Viscount
Linda Rae Sande
This is a work of fiction. The events and characters described herein are imaginary and are not intended to refer to specific places or living persons. The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal right to publish all the materials in this book.
The Kiss of a Viscount
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2013 Linda Rae Sande
V3.3
Cover photograph © RomanceNovelCovers.com and Cover art by KGee Designs. All rights reserved - used with permission.
http://www.lindaraesande.com
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to an online retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
ISBN: 9780578119908
Library of Congress Control Number: 2013902954
To Mom
Regency Romances by Linda Rae Sande
The Daughters of the Aristocracy
The Kiss of a Viscount The Grace of a Duke The Seduction of an Earl
The Sons of the Aristocracy
Tuesday Nights The Widowed Countess My Fair Groom
The Sisters of the Aristocracy
The Story of a Baron The Passion of a Marquess The Desire of a Lady
The Brothers of the Aristocracy
The Love of a Rake The Caress of a Commander The Epiphany of an Explorer
The Cousins of the Aristocracy
The Promise of a Gentleman
Chapter 1
An Earl Takes a Tumble
December 1814
Gabriel Wellingham, Earl of Trenton, pulled on his blue satin breeches as he regarded his reflection in a mirror. Despite having just tumbled the tavern’s bar maid, his blond curls were still presentable, although a bit tousled from the wench having run her fingers through them. He glanced at the reflection of the young woman who had been the object of his attention for the past hour. She was watching him from the room’s only bed, where she lay on her stomach, one leg bent so her foot circled in the air. Propped up on her elbows so her breasts mounded a bit where they touched the mattress, she gave him a look that suggested he should return to the bed.
“I am tempted, Sarah,” Gabriel admitted to the reflection, “But I really must take my leave.” He pulled his linen shirt over his head, taking care to straighten it as his valet would do before shoving the tails into his breeches.
The bar maid cocked her head to one side. “Must you?” she countered, giving him her very best come-hither look. She didn’t really want him to stay—he was terrible at kissing and seemed to enjoy licking too much, and not in the right places—but the man was handsome. And he had given her a sovereign for her time and attention, far more than she could get for the same services from any of the other patrons of the Spread Eagle given its rural location in Staffordshire.
Love Regency Style Page 195
