Wayward One

by Lorelie Brown

His mouth curved into a smile against her skin. “Will you share them with me?”

  Of course she would. She’d share everything she had, everything she was. Everything she ever would be. Because he’d always keep her cherished.

  She slid her arms around his waist to grasp him near. Her mouth opened under his, and she stroked her tongue along the inside of his bottom lip—another thing she’d never dared.

  Because there were no rules between them. Whether he liked her experimentations or not, he’d always be there to catch her when she fell. Forever.

  Epilogue

  Sera’s first formal event as hostess in her own home, the dinner honoring the Earl and Countess of Linsley, was a rousing success. Though the original intent of solidifying relations between Fletcher and Lord Linsley had become a matter of decorum, the event was serving a secondary purpose. Sera had been officially announced as Lord Linsley’s niece by his dearly departed brother and welcomed into the family fold. The rooms of their home were filled with biddies gossiping behind their fans as they hoped for some hint as to salacious details, but they didn’t receive much.

  Even now, Sera sat next to Lady Linsley, listening to an amusing tale involving a tea party, unexpected rainy weather and a duck. The ladies had retired to the parlors while the men still sat around the dinner table, swilling port and puffing on expensive cigars. Everyone in their places and a place for everyone.

  Hareton entered, then leaned low over the back of Sera’s chair. “Ma’am, it is half past the hour, as you requested a reminder of,” he whispered.

  Perfect. The scheduled soprano would begin her songs on the hour. If Sera had arranged it right, she had just enough time to enact her plan. At this very moment, Fletcher should be receiving word that Sera desperately needed to discuss something with him in the morning room.

  “Thank you, Hareton,” she said, putting an appropriately concerned look on her face. “I’ll see to it immediately.”

  Good man that he was, no hint of confusion muddled his features as he nodded and backed away.

  “Trouble, my dear?” asked Lady Linsley.

  Sera stood. “A minor issue, I believe, but one which Mr. Thomas and I must both attend to. We shall certainly be back by the time the entertainment is to begin.”

  A knowing glimmer lurked deep within Lady Linsley’s dark eyes. Sera was coming to like the older woman significantly. “By all means,” said the countess with a wave. “Do as you must. I’ll see to things here if matters take a…moment or two longer than you think.”

  Amusement and excitement warred within Sera as she made her way to the morning room. Her heartbeat pulsed frantically through her veins, even as her body flushed heavy and full. Wetness soaked her quim.

  She and Fletcher had loosed the rules of their relationship. Lovemaking was no longer constrained to her bed, nor to the dark of night.

  Sneaking away in the middle of an event for which she was the hostess? This was a new level of depravity.

  She was thrilled with herself for her daring.

  Fletcher entered the small room moments after her. Concern drew together his brows and pressed his lush mouth into a flat line. They didn’t have time for her to feel those lips between her legs, but there’d be plenty of time for that later. They had a whole life together, after all.

  “What’s wrong, darling?”

  She slipped behind him to turn the key in the door, then hooked her fingers into his lapels. She backed up until her hips pressed against the support of a chaise lounge. “I have a terrible problem,” she said. How strange that her voice had gone so low and husky, merely from the anticipation of his touch.

  “Is that right?” He’d tipped to the lack of gravity of the situation. Hot fire banked in his eyes. He circled her hips with a firm grip.

  She nodded. Her tongue slid across her bottom lip. She rose to breathe her answer in his ear. “I need you inside me. Right now, if at all possible.”

  He kissed her so long and so deep that she began to shake with her need. Her love for this man grew every day, and she’d never regret reaching forth to grasp it with both hands.

  When he drew away, his mouth was damp with evidence of their passion and he was lit from within with love for her. “Your wish is, of course, my command. Always.”

  About the Author

  After a semi-nomadic childhood throughout California, Lorelie Brown spent high school in Orange County before joining the US Army. After traveling the world from South Korea to Italy, she’s returned home to California. But not the cool area. She can’t afford that yet.

  Lorelie has three active sons and a tiny shih-tzu who thinks he’s son number three—not four, he’s too important to be the baby. Writing romance helps her escape a house full of testosterone.

  In her immense free time (hah!) Lorelie co-writes contemporary erotic romance under the name Katie Porter. You can find out more about the “Vegas Top Guns” and “Club Devant” series at www.KatiePorterBooks.com or at @MsKatiePorter. You can also contact Lorelie either at her website www.LorelieBrown.com, or on Twitter @LorelieBrown.

  Look for these titles by Lorelie Brown

  Now Available:

  Jazz Baby

  Coming Soon:

  An Indiscreet Debutante

  Of all the juice joints he had to bust, this one had to be hers…

  Jazz Baby

  © 2010 Lorelie Brown

  In the world of illegal speakeasies, Kate Kirkland has her life running smoother than a Model T. Maybe moving the family bar into the basement wasn’t the best choice for her alcoholic brother, but Kate’s making them a living—until a local gangster tries to expand his territory. Right into her bar.

  Luckily Micah Trent, her handsome and too-suave bootlegger, is ready and willing to offer her a helping hand. If Kate can bring herself to accept it. Since sharing one sensual dance to seal their deal, she can’t ignore the delectably wicked way he makes her feel.

  Micah is keeping secrets of his own. He’s a Prohibition Agent, sworn to shut down the gin mills and distilleries that keep illegal booze flowing. Kate’s speakeasy is next on his list—right after he uses her as bait to catch the gangster hunting her.

  But even if Micah and Kate can maneuver their way through the gangsters’ dangerous underworld, will their love survive the trial by fire?

  Warning: This title contains steamy hot sex, big fancy guns that result in just a little bit of brains on the floor, and enough booze to float an armada.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Jazz Baby:

  A curious rush of relief swept through Micah. He and Kate were business. He’d had a series of similar meetings over the past week, all initiated by Saul Rubio. This had been the only one at which he felt a shiver of worry about the outcome. Granted, this was also the one and only of the speakeasies run by a woman. A gorgeous, sexy woman with a mind like a whipsaw.

  She’d played him, and he’d fallen for it hook, line and sinker. When she’d aimed those bright baby blues at him, her lush, red-painted mouth ever so slightly open, his mind had gone instantly to sex. To visions of the two of them twined together, to tasting the elegant curve of her neck as he palmed her ass.

  She looked like she was built for endurance too. Average height, but with long legs that would wrap around a man’s waist and hold on tight. She had a heart-shaped face, with bobbed black hair that angled down to an almost too sharp chin. Straight dark brows winged over eyes that looked right through a man and picked apart his darkest, most erotic thoughts.

  Down, boy. Kate Kirkland was a means to an end. Nothing more, nothing less. Johnny Vittorelli was in the process of setting himself up to be bootlegger to all of lower Manhattan. Thanks to a luckily timed bust of Saul, Micah and Jake would be sitting pretty before Vittorelli even got his operation going.

  When it was all over, the Prohibition Bureau would wipe through every club involved in the sting.

  Not quite the way a man thanked a woman for a lovely romp in bed, and that wasn’t
even touching on how he’d have to lie about himself every moment they were together. It’d be in his best interests to get his brain out of his pants. Pronto.

  “It’s a deal, Miss Kirkland,” he finally replied.

  “You got a bathroom in this joint?” Jake piped up for the first time since they’d sat down.

  “Of course, Mr. Sterling.” She angled her body to get out of the booth, which left her facing Micah. “Mr. Trent, if you’d please let me out.”

  For a split second, he was tempted to force her to push him out. But he slid out of the way rapidly. He needed to keep in her good graces, not piss her off enough to send her shopping for a new bootlegger.

  Kate let them through the small club to a shadowed hallway. Micah stayed to the rear of the procession, the better to watch her hips sway. Her dress was open nearly to the small of her back, black silk framing creamy, porcelain skin. The soft sweep of her spine curved, hinting at what was further below.

  That whole keeping his mind out of his pants idea wasn’t going so well.

  “There you go, Mr. Sterling. Second door on the right.”

  Jake nodded briefly and left. Kate turned to Micah and propped a hand on her hip.

  “Were you going with him? Maybe he needs help to shake?”

  “You are a spitfire, aren’t you?” He leaned against the turquoise and silver wall.

  “Most of us modern girls are.”

  “To answer your question, no. Jake’s a big boy. He’s been toilet trained for a good three year now.”

  “Then why did you feel obliged to follow?” A smile quirked her cupid’s-bow mouth. “I’d think you’d be enjoying your drink with Saul. Our business is finished for now.”

  “We didn’t seal the deal.” He’d followed to ensure Jake would have a private moment to snoop around, but it wouldn’t serve to say so. In his line of work, the truth was seldom the best choice. He and Jake specialized in undercover work. In quickly, get the information, or make the bust and slide out again. No muss, no fuss. Already this was shaping up to be one of the longest operations they’d orchestrated.

  “We agreed. That’s enough for me.”

  “Not me.” He caught her hand in his, loosely holding her fingertips. Every cell in his body popped to life, the same as when they’d shaken hands before. “Dance with me.”

  “Is dancing often a part of forming new business relations for you?”

  “Nope.”

  “Then why the exception for me?”

  “It’s rare I get to do business with such a beautiful woman.” He tugged her fingers, aiming her at the postage-stamped dance floor. She took a small step in that direction. Her mouth said all the right things, but she was weakening. “Dance with me.”

  “I have work to do. This isn’t necessary.”

  “Of course not. That’s why it’ll be fun. Come on, it’s a fast one. We’ll swing around the floor a time or two and I’ll let you get back to work.”

  With a short nod, she acquiesced. He lost no time in hauling her out to the floor. The instant they set foot on the parquet, the piano player segued into a slow, smoky number. He couldn’t have planned it better if he’d slipped the man five bucks.

  She considered backing out. He could see it in the rigidity of her shoulders and the brief frown that wrinkled her pale brow. Then she took a deep breath that lifted her small but perfectly formed breasts and raised her arms into waltz position. Micah scooped her into his arms and swept her out into the dance before she could have second thoughts.

  And then he nearly lost track of the steps in a raging sweep of lust.

  Bare skin. The hand on her back rested on bare skin. As smooth as silk, with sleek muscles moving beneath.

  Sure, he’d seen her dress. Logically he’d known he’d be touching her skin if they danced. He just hadn’t had a clue what effect it would have on him. Apparently that effect was to stop all semblance of mental processes.

  She moved beautifully in his arms. If he even thought about a turn, she was right there with him. She avoided his gaze at first, until he spun them into a swooping series of turns, stopping only when her bright gaze lifted to his, a giddy smile curling her lips.

  Involuntarily, his arms tightened, drawing her nearer. The beaded fringe around her skirt brushed his shins and their chests were one deep breath apart. The dance stretched on into the type of extended moment that approached eternity.

  But nothing lasted forever, and the piano player finished with a showy flourish.

  Jake stood at the hallway entry, arms crossed over his broad chest as he went nose to nose with a stacked blonde. If Jake had managed to queer the deal already, Micah would be forced to beat him bloody.

  He was at their side in a moment, interrupting the little tête-à-tête, Kate right behind him.

  “Susie, I see you’ve already met Jacob Sterling. This is Micah Trent. They’re The Kirk’s new suppliers. Mr. Trent, Mr. Sterling, this is Susie Nichols. Our resident blues singer.”

  “A blues singer.” Jake’s voice rang with disapproval as he gave the blonde a once over. She was a pretty, curvy thing with doe-brown eyes and round cheeks. Jake had never oozed charm but it wasn’t like him to be instantly hostile to a woman he’d just met. “You cussed me like a sailor. I might’ve guessed.”

  “Like you’re mister high and mighty.” Susie fisted her hands on her hips. “Sneaking around the joint like a second-storey man!”

  “Do we have a problem here?” Kate asked.

  “I caught him poking his head in your office.”

  “Door was open,” Jake grunted. “I was shutting it.”

  “A likely story!”

  “Susie, I’ll take care of this.” Kate set a hand on the other woman’s shoulder. “You go on up and sing.”

  Her nose in the air, Susie flounced off.

  Kate pounced. Crossing her arms over her chest, she glared at Micah and Jake. “Do we have a problem already?”

  Forbidden love is the sweetest temptation…

  Wyoming Solace

  © 2012 Alanna Coca

  Elise Vickerson waited a long time to gather the courage to flee her abusive marriage. To stay beyond his reach permanently, though, will take money. Getting it will take months of backbreaking labor to resurrect then sell her inherited Wyoming ranch.

  With her future hanging in the balance, and her bruises still fresh, Elise will never again play doormat for any man. Except a cowboy from the neighboring spread has a way of firing her imagination—and her temper.

  The news of Elise’s arrival sends Cody Campbell tearing through his files for the proof that the Vickerson ranch belongs to him. He’ll have to cool his boot heels until his father returns with the papers, but at least the view is fine—the beautiful, prickly Elise ignites a desire that’s hard to resist.

  Elise tries her best to ignore her handsome neighbor, but his kisses, his arms make her feel something she hasn’t felt in a long time. Safe. As long as the spectre of her past lurks in every shadow, though, security—and any hope for a future with Cody—can never be hers.

  Warning: This book contains a feisty woman on the run, a tough-as-nails cowboy who wants to wrangle her, and a villain who won’t give up.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Wyoming Solace:

  The man who stood with his back to the window was much taller than Elise’s husband. The hair beneath his tan, wide-brimmed hat was dark, not stark blond. While waiting for the door to be answered, the man turned on his heel and placed strong hands onto slim hips, facing the entrance to the ranch, then quickly turned back to knock on the door again. It wasn’t Jonathan, but she couldn’t relax until she saw his face. She took a steadying breath and, after an encouraging nod from Daniel, straightened her shoulders and opened the door.

  The first thing she noticed was the broad chest, with a crisp shirt stretched over the wide expanse. Her gaze traveled up the row of buttons to the strong brown neck to a jaw set in determination. Her breath caught as she made eye
contact.

  They were a golden brown, like cinnamon swirled into rich coffee. Captivating and exhilarating.

  “Good morning.” His rich baritone added yet another facet to his attractiveness.

  “Good morning.” At the tremble in her voice, she mentally hiked up her chin.

  He scrutinized her, his attention lingering on the quivering collar of her dress. She held her breath until she gathered the courage to speak.

  “Can I help you?”

  His traveling gaze worked from the hands clasped at her waist up to her face, until his eyes narrowed. With that small gesture, panic seized her. She hoped he couldn’t tell that behind her confident façade, she shook like a leaf.

  “Mary?”

  She nodded, then bit her tongue. She wasn’t Mary anymore.

  “Cody Campbell. I don’t know if you remember me.” He removed his hat and moved forward a step. She backed away and clenched the doorknob in her fist. A tiny muscle twitched in the corner of his mouth. “Your neighbor. Our parents have known each other for years.”

  She swallowed, the cool flush of fear on her skin slowly warming. Cody was a few years older than she and rarely had had time for the little neighbor girl. He’d certainly changed. No longer the skinny teen of her youth, the Cody Campbell before her was all man.

  “Yes, I remember.” She moved aside to allow him in. “Please come in.”

  Cody ducked beneath the doorjamb, blinking against the dim lighting.

  She studied her neighbor while he looked around the room. His dark hair brushed the nape of his neck, drawing her attention, hinting at the strength of the shoulders beneath his collared navy-blue shirt. His strong back tapered to narrow hips gloved in dark blue denim. His thighs were muscular; she could see that even beneath his jeans. From the breadth of his shoulders, she could tell he was a powerful man, and not just physically but by the aura of strength that surrounded him.