by Diana Quincy
Hart smiled and dropped a kiss at the nape of Willa’s neck, the sensual warmth of his lips causing her to shudder with pleasure. “Of course I believe that. Everyone knows you are beautiful, Willa.” His hand rested on her shoulder. “Everyone but you apparently.”
Willa put her hand over Hart’s where it rested on her shoulder. “How is it possible to be beautiful and not be aware of it?”
Hart gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Bellingham made certain gentlemen stayed away from you. You weren’t courted as you should have been given that you are a diamond of the first water.”
She felt a pang of anger. “A piece of my self-regard. Another thing he stole from me.” Her eyes caught Hart’s in the mirror. “Speaking of Augustus, I hear he has gone abroad. Do you know anything about that?” Hart shrugged, allowing his hand to drift from Willa’s shoulder deep into her décolletage.
She closed her eyes, heat chasing through her. Standing, she turned around to face Hart with a luminous smile. “I suppose I should thank him. Augustus Manning brought me the greatest gift of all.”
Hart furrowed his brow, his blue-black eyes darkening. “And what exactly might that be?”
She reached up to kiss him. “You, of course, foolish man. If he hadn’t interfered with my life, I might have married some boring viscount long before you decided to come back from India. That would have been a true tragedy.”
“Speaking of India.” He took her into his arms. “I must undertake a voyage there in the near future to attend to business.”
Her heart dropped. “How long will you be gone?”
“About three months. Do you think that will be enough time for me to show you India?”
She blinked. “Truly?”
“You said you wanted to see the world.” His dark eyes sparkled. “We’ll begin with the Taj Mahal. Perhaps we shall explore Greece next year.”
She made an exclamation of surprise and threw her arms around him, sprinkling his face with kisses. “You are the finest husband any woman could ask for.”
“It is admittedly a bit selfish on my part.” His arms closed around her. “I cannot be without my duchess. And I am quite fond of the manner in which you choose to show your gratitude.” He brought his lips down on hers with a fullness and urgency that startled Willa and began walking her backwards towards the bed.
“Hart,” she laughed, breathless, trying to break free. “What are you doing? We are already dressed for Mother’s ball.”
He didn’t seem to hear her. Hart swooped down, picking Willa up and tumbling onto the bed with her. His kisses were hungry and demanding. He tore away his cravat then reached to pull up the skirt of her silvery white dress.
Willa’s body burned for him and she cried out when her husband’s determined fingers reached the spot he’d been searching for. She tugged at Hart’s shirt, trying to pull it off. “What are we doing? This is madness,” she panted just before his mouth closed over hers again. He began to pull off her dress.
“Since you are in your wedding gown, I think it only appropriate that we replay our wedding night.” Hart undid Willa’s stays and slipped off her chemise, leaving his wife clad only in her stockings. “It did not end as satisfactorily as it should have.”
His tongue began a tantalizing journey down her body. “And this time, dear wife, I promise to satisfy your every desire, since you have already delivered so thoroughly on all of mine.”
Acknowledgments
As an author who benefits greatly from the expertise of her editors, I am fortunate to work with the outstanding team at Entangled Publishing. My sincere thanks go to Kate Fall, Alethea Spiridon Hopson, and Gwen Hayes, who gave me the best editing comment ever. And also to Rima Jean, who I was remiss in not thanking for her guidance on Tempting Bella.
My deepest gratitude goes to my fellow femmes, at The Violet Femmes blog, for always having my back, and to Faith Lapidus, for her unerring eye in helping spot errors before my books reach readers.
Speaking of readers, I want to thank everyone who has embraced my books. Hearing from you is one of the great pleasures of being an author!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Diana Quincy is an award-winning former television journalist who decided she’d rather make up stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed.
Her books revolve around the Regency world of dashing dukes, irresistible rogues, and the headstrong women who capture their hearts. New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes called Diana’s debut novel, Seducing Charlotte, “Sweet, steamy, and thoroughly enjoyable.”
Growing up as a foreign-service brat, Diana lived in many countries and is now settled in Virginia with her husband and two sons. When not bent over her laptop or trying to keep up with laundry, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family, and dreams of traveling much more than her current schedule (and budget) allows.
Diana loves to hear from readers. You can keep up with her on Twitter, Facebook, and by visiting her website.
