by Jerri Hines
The room looked as though she lived within it, littered with female garments. A dress hung over the back of a hardback chair. Slippers sat on the underside of the bed. Running his hand through his hair, his gaze fell back upon her. He studied her while he felt the bump on her head, a large bump.
With his touch, she began to mutter unintelligible words. At least he hadn't killed the poor thing. He hadn't known what to expect when he entered the stable and saw the horse. The house in the darkness had given no indication of someone lived in his house, no light, no noise. Seeing the horse put him on immediate alert.
He heard crackling of leaves and trigs when he dismounted. He eased off and waited. He attacked with the same force he would have a man. He hadn’t intended to harm a young woman, especially one as beautiful as she. Or was it the moonlight that had shone down upon her?
He watched her breathing. His eyes inspected her from her lovely face sweeping down her body to her bare feet. He hadn't looked upon a woman in this manner for a long time. The fabric of the white nightgown hung from her shoulders, leaving her arms bare and revealed the swell of her breasts, falling loose around her petite body. Her hair as dark as midnight hung, unbound, over her shoulders and down her back. He wondered what color her eyes were, but her features were fine.
Uncomfortable, she squirmed. One of her dainty hands folded into a fist and hit against the mattress, twisting and turning. Of course she was! He had knocked her out, but Lord, he must be in a bad state, for he couldn't take his eyes off of her. Questions raked his mind. Who was she? Why became clear as he thought. She was running, hiding. She had to be or she wouldn't be in such an isolated homestead. Was she running from her father, an abusive husband? In that he didn't know.
A few things he could discern about her while he watched her. She didn't frighten easily. She knew how to fight. And by God, she was beautiful.
SEDUCTIVE SECRETS by Colleen Connally
Book One, Secret Lives Series
Someone wants Alyce Hythe dead…
Shunned from London society for being the daughter of England’s most notorious spy, Alyce Hythe desires only to clear her father’s name. For years, she has been hidden away from all prying eyes, given a new identity and told to forget who she was. But strange things have been happening causing old rumors to once more be whispered. Long has Lord Julian Casvelyn lived with guilt brought on when his brother was murdered by England’s most infamous traitor. But one eventful night has changed everything Lord Julian believed about his brother’s death. Never did he suspect the woman he has just saved from certain harm is the daughter of that man. Now Julian is caught in midst of a conspiracy and desire for that woman. Thrown together by fate, the two search for answers long denied them and along the way discover a love that can free them both.
EXCERPT
Julian woke abruptly. He couldn’t get to his pocket watch to see the time with her in his arms. Light was breaking through the curtained windows. Morning had dawned. How long the night had been. He looked down upon the woman in his arms. She slept soundly against him. Strangely, he took comfort in the thought.
It was not often he held a woman such as this in his arms. To most women Lord Julian Casvelyn was considered a rake. Although every season, one mother or another set their cap for him as a catch for their young daughter. Every year he disappointed those poor Mommas. He had no intention of pursuing on an innocent. In due time, he would do what was proper, marry and produce an heir, but that time had not come.
Alyce stirred in his arms. He looked down upon her and she snuggled closer to him. She was an innocent. Of that he had no doubt. She hadn’t a clue to the danger of being in his arms at this moment...of how his desires had been roused. He should have said no to her when she asked for him to hold her, but he had long since lost control of the situation.
She had brought out in him a protectiveness he had not felt in years...if ever. He thought it dead inside him. Looking down at her sleeping peacefully, the image of her standing by the fire emerged. Her figure illuminated beneath her gown from the firelight. Images of the possibilities with this beautiful woman in his arms in the early morning light stirred within him.
She was not adverse to him. Where women were concerned, his instincts never failed him. No, she would never have slept so soundly in his arms. She trusted him. God Gawd! With a sudden remembrance he had told her to.
He reasoned in all probability his grandfather had fulfilled an obligation to a solider under his former commander. There was no other logical explanation. She said she was prepared to accept her inheritance which would push her well passed the age for a Season if she had been high born. Surly, his grandfather would not have ignored a need for a Season for the girl. Although, his grandfather had hired two soundly disreputable people to see to her welfare all these years.
An ache within him grew and with it the urge to have her. Scattered thoughts rambled through his mind. What harm would come if he seduced her? He could set her up in London. Take from his grandfather any worry about her welfare. He would protect her.
Good lord! He reprimanded himself. What had grabbed hold of him! Desire. Passion. Lust. He answered himself.
He needed to leave, ignore the war between body and mind. He had only to ease off the bed and regain his composure. This girl added too many complications to his life already.
Julian moved slightly, taking her hand off his chest. Then her head rose upward. Her long thick disheveled hair flattered her oval face. Her soft eyes focused upon him. For a moment he gazed into the lovely warm brown eyes. Then slowly without smiling at her, without a word, his head angled downward. His lips brushed hers.
It happened so quickly that his actions astonished him. This was not how it was suppose to be. His reaction. He had never been impulsive...never. Yet her face was barely an inch away from him. He pulled her to him. Giving her no time to contemplate his intent, he brushed his lips against hers again. He inhaled her scent and grew aware of the feel of her body. He pressed another kiss. For an instant he thought she would recoil. Instead of resisting, her hands gripped tight to his shirt in acceptance of what he had to offer.
The voice of caution ignored, he ravished her mouth, pushing her back against the mattress. He slanted his mouth across hers, pushing it open, using his tongue, turning seductive, beguiling, touching her tongue with his gently. His good arm pulled her closer into his encompassing embrace. Her body tensed to the intimacy he offered, then slowly eased, submitting freely to his desires. Her body instinctually arched toward him. A cry escaped her lips which delighted him.
He moved his lips to the side of her mouth, then brushed them against her eyelids, her cheekbones, the soft curve of her neck. He closed his mouth on her neck’s pulse. He became bolder, not resisting his urge toward satisfaction. He could give no reason for his actions, only he wanted her badly, lost in the delirium. He slid his hand up until he reached her breast.
Her body shuddered. No doubt she would have protested, but he clamped his mouth over hers. Slowly, slowly, he warned himself. He was moving too fast. His fingers fumbled for the ribbon to her gown while his lips kissed her again, demanding, aggressive in his pursuit.
Freeing the ties that bound, he slipped his hand beneath the fabric. He watched her eyes widened when he smoothen his palm over her breast, teasing her nipple with his thumb. He heard only gasps of pleasure while his hand worked to free the garment from her lovely skin.
Pushing back the material, his hand caught upon something. A gold chain. Pulling it up to his vision, he saw a medallion attached. His eye caught the gleam in the morning light. Suddenly, he pulled back up with the necklace in hand. He stared in disbelief. He couldn’t take his eyes off the medallion.
At first he took no notice of Alyce recoiling back from him, but she reached up and jerked her necklace from his hand. Pulling her gown back over her shoulders, she stared wide-eyed at him.
"It is mine!”
He would have none of that. He knew th
at necklace. His hand gripped her arm tightly, demanding loudly. “Where the hell did you get that medallion?”
“It is mine,” she repeated in a small voice. Her fingers clutched fervently to the chain.
He could well see she was shaking from fear of him he wasn’t certain. He backed away off the bed to the fireside. The fire had dwindled down to embers. The whole of his intent would not be served if he could not collect himself. Regaining a semblance of control, he turned back to her.
To his dismay, she had left the bed and huddled in the corner. Her hands trembling so that she couldn’t tie her ribbon back of the gown. Good Gawd! What had he almost done! Running his fingers through his hair, he bent over to her, stilling the scream on her lips.
“I’m not going to harm you, Alyce. It is only the medallion.” He grimaced. He moved too fast and the wound pained him. “It was my brother’s. I know well the medallion. It has our coat of arms. Where did you get it? I have to know.”
She tried to turn away from him, but his hand reached under her chin lifting it upward. Suddenly she seemed impervious to his closeness and met his eyes.
“Lieutenant Roland gave it to me so his grandfather would know he had sent me. When he delivered me to Colonel Tolworthy, the Colonel wasn’t at Evermonde. The Lieutenant had no time to wait. He said he had to take care of a situation. He had promised my father he would make sure of my safety.”
“I don’t understand, Alyce. Your father, your safety?”
Tears streamed down her face. “Lieutenant Roland woke me in the middle of the night saying my father needed me to leave immediately. He took me to Evermonde then. I never saw my father again.”
“Lieutenant Roland? Lieutenant Roland Casvelyn you mean. You knew my brother, Alyce,” his voice trailed off. Comprehension dawned. “Alyce, who was your father?”
She shook her head and pushed away his hand on her chin while she scrambled back against the wall. Her eyes alit when a slight knock upon the door disturbed their conversation. Not waiting for an answer, the door swung open. Alyce rushed by him and into the arms of the newcomer.
“Charles!” she cried.
Julian recognized the man immediately. Dressed in a yellow-striped waistcoat with a row of huge silver buttons and a hunter green coat, the man appeared to have taken time to preen to look as he did at this moment. Julian’s first thought was of a peacock with his tail feathers all plumed out. The man stood as tall as Julian, but slender, far slighter in frame, far less intimidating.
“What could be so bad, moppet? I’m here now.”
Julian watched as Alyce’s face warmed to the endearment. She buried her face in his shoulder. The man looked up from their embrace.
“Lord Casvelyn. I understand thanks are in order for protecting my girl. I had only received the message late last night. Of course, I came as soon as I could.”
Message? Of course, the message he had sent from Alyce to her friend. She must have conveyed to this man, Lord Charles Tregilgas, Marquess of Rotheward, heir to the Duke of Arungdon.
“Lord Tregilgas,” Julian replied. “Obviously it has been a long night. It is good to see Alyce has a friend, but I’m afraid we are waiting for the magistrate to relay our tale about last night’s adventure. Then I’m escorting Miss Rufford to my grandfather, Colonel Tolworthy.”
“Obviously,” Lord Tregilgas smiled a broad, knowing smile. He tilted his head a tad. “I believe there may be a slight adjustment. I will take Alyce back with me to London. I’m sure you will understand it is for the best.”
“From what I understand Grandfather is her guardian…”
“I take it you do not know all, Lord Casvelyn,” he pointed up his finger to a man behind him. “Leopold, pray take Alyce down to the room where we found dear sweet Aunt Emma who seemed so distressed at having lost Alyce in the night.”
“Oh, Charles, I don’t want to leave you. It has been truly awful these last few weeks. The cottage…tonight…,” she glanced over at Julian. Her face flamed red. “In truth, I owe Lord Casvelyn. He saved me. Charles, did you know…”
“I’m certain I can ascertain what his actions were,” Charles bent down and kissed the top of her head. “Now, do be good if you want to go with me. I have brought you a couple of travel gowns that are exquisite. Change and I will be down. I have all set to leave.”
“Lord Tregilgas, I must object!” Julian interjected. His patience had worn thin by night's adventure and the scene in front of him.
“Go and be a good girl, Alyce,” Lord Tregilgas said, pushing her out the door. He held up his hand as if to give pause to Julian. Watching her leave with reluctance, Lord Tregilgas closed the door and turned to Julian. “I do not want you to think that I’m not deeply appreciative of your efforts to protect Alyce, but I want you to be aware of the circumstances. It is evident to me that you may not have been informed.”
“Then quickly explain yourself.”
“Lord Casvelyn, the fact that you need to be aware of is Alyce’s heritage. Her name isn’t Rufford, but Hythe. Her name is Mary Alyce Hythe, George Hythe’s daughter. Now do you understand?” Lord Tregilgas stepped back toward the door. With his hand on the door knob, he said, “I assume you will not have any issue with me taking her into London now.”
Seductive Secrets is a free ebook!
BROKEN LEGACY by Colleen Connally
Book Two, Secret Lives Series
Lord Gerard Lenister needed the lady…after their meeting, he wanted her.
For seventeen years Lady Eloise Granville lived in France thinking herself a bastard. Not until her life was threatened did her father cross the English Channel to reclaim her as his legitimate daughter. Now four years later a revolution roars its ugly head in France. Rumors abound of Lady Eloise’s life before her emergence in England…rumors that link her to the notorious leaders of the French Revolution.
Lord Gerard Lenister knows well the whispered connections Lady Eloise has across the Channel and the disdain that Society holds for the lady. It matters little to him. He could have cared less if she was the incarnation of a she-devil. He would marry Jezebel herself if she helped him on his mission. He is that desperate…but soon he discovers that Lady Eloise is not what she seems.
Excerpt
Despite her misgivings, Eloise enjoyed herself immensely. The opportunity didn't present itself often for her to dance, nor would she likely admit she enjoyed the activity. As the music died, his hand lay on hers to escort her off the floor and the whole of her body tingled. To her dismay, she felt her face flush with a sudden warmth.
“Let us retire to the drawing room. I will attend to your refreshment if you promise not to disappear on me. I would hate to scourge the house such as this one for you.” He smiled. The shape of his mouth caught her attention. A slight smile formed on his lips, an arrogant smile much as if he realized the effect he had upon her. Then he added, “But I would.”
Once more, she felt herself at a distinct disadvantage. She eyed him cautiously and then dismissed her apprehension. It would matter little in the morning, she told herself. What harm could come from an innocent flirtation with a handsome man? In all likelihood, she would never see him again.
She nodded politely and allowed him to lead her to a seat near the large vaulted window, which gave her a full view of the crowded room of unfamiliar faces. She gave little thought to the guests. Without question, Lord Lenister held her interest. She watched him walk out the door. She wondered for the moment why was he dispensing attention upon her. She quickly dismissed flattery…that his attraction to her lay with her appearance.
She had long ago comprehended her birth presented a large obstacle to overcome in the eyes of the ton, even with the title of Lady Eloise D’Arcy Granville, the daughter of the late His Grace, the fifth Duke of Rotheward. She glanced around the large room while she waited. Then suddenly a strange feeling surged through her as if someone were watching her.
She turned her head abruptly and meet the avid eyes of
a man standing in the far doorway. He was a short middle-aged man, dowdy, in fact, with red pudgy cheeks, but without question he eyed her intently. He had a familiar look. Then to her horror, his face brightened and gave her a weak smile.
Panic welled within her with the comprehension of why he seemed familiar. Calm. Stay calm. Surely he would not acknowledge me. Eloise maintained her composure as she sat rigid without a hint of emotion, while desperately trying to assess the situation. Her gaze held firm upon the man. Then he made a step forward toward her, halting only when Lord Lenister entered back into the room.
The stranger nodded to the earl. Eloise straightaway recognized a look between acquaintances. Although for the life of her she didn’t understand the stranger’s presence, she understood the need to withdraw…and quickly.
She rose and gathered up her skirt. With great effort, she exited in a dignified manner out the open side door to the veranda. The warm night gave pause to more than a few guests cluttering the terrace. Ignoring the beauty of the decorative scene, she scurried down the steps into the garden. She escaped only to the far entrance where she collapsed upon a bench.
“Why are you running?”
Her head lowered. She chose not to answer. What good would an explanation do when the words would go unheeded? And what did she owe this man…this stranger?
Lord Lenister stalked up to her and pulled her to her feet. “I asked you a question, Lady Eloise.”
“I needed fresh air, my lord. Nothing more. Pray, release me. You are hurting my arm. I wish nothing more than to retire.”
“And run again? There is to be no more running. I suspected such before my appearance here tonight. Confirmed by the vicomte’s identification. Did you not think that you might be recognized eventually, my dear?”
“I have only a few months more to contend with these functions and then…”
