She clung to his hand as she waited for her brothers to speak.
‘Do you know,’ said Dominic, rubbing his chin. ‘If I recall, our original intention was to go after that damned rascal Nettleton and prevent him from marrying Sal. Seems to me we have done that.’
A gleam of genuine amusement crept into Ben’s eyes. Beside him, he had the impression that Sally was holding her breath. Dominic raised his brows as he looked at his brother. ‘Well, Jas, what do you say? We can go back to Markham and tell Pa there was no sign of our little sister.’
Jasper’s eyes were fixed on Ben, who said quietly, ‘You need not worry about your sister, Coale. I’d give my life for her.’
‘Yes,’ Jasper nodded. ‘I think you would. Very well, you may proceed, but on one condition. Our sister is not travelling to the border in a curricle!’
* * *
An hour later the little group stood in the yard. Sally turned to her brothers, hugging each one in turn.
‘Be careful when you go back to Markham,’ she begged them. ‘Do not let Papa be too angry with you.’
‘No need to worry about that,’ grinned Dominic, kissing her cheek. ‘It’s Nettleton who will bear the brunt of his wrath this time. Nevertheless, Pa has had his own way for too long. We knew he was getting eccentric, but this time he has gone too far. It’s about time Jas and I took a stand. I have to rejoin my regiment at the end of the week, but we will take care he doesn’t have the means to come after you, and Jas will be there if you need him.’ He turned to Ben. ‘Good luck, Hensley. Take care of our little sister.’
Ben ushered Sally into the waiting postchaise, the steps were put up and they rattled out of the yard. Sally leaned out of the window and waved until her brothers were out of sight, then she sank back into her seat with a sigh. Ben reached for her hand.
‘Happy?’
She leaned against him.
‘Happier than I ever dreamed I could be.’ She turned her face up and he obliged her with a long, lingering kiss that sent shivers through her, right down to her toes. ‘I am sorry that you had to give up your holiday,’ she murmured at last, snuggling up against him.
‘There will be others. In fact, it’s time I gave up the work altogether.’ Ben pulled her onto his lap and began to unbutton her jacket. ‘Besides, I think life with you may be one long holiday.’
‘You do?’
‘Yes.’ The jacket undone, he proceeded to open her shirt.
Sally shivered, but with delight. He nibbled at her neck and with a shudder of anticipation she turned her face towards him, her lips parting, waiting for his kiss. He obliged and even the rocking of the coach could not prevent a sudden urgency overcoming them.
‘Ben,’ she gasped as he released her mouth, only to drive her wild as he trailed kisses across her breasts. ‘Ben, surely we should not...surely it is not possible in a coach?’
He paused, raising his head to look down at her, his blue eyes glinting so wickedly that her heart turned over.
‘It is a very long way to Gretna,’ he murmured, shifting her more comfortably onto his lap, ‘we have plenty of time to find out.’
* * * * *
Read more about the Coales in Sarah Mallory’s
The Notorious Coale Brothers duo
from Harlequin Historical
They are the talk of the Ton!
Twin brothers Dominic and Jasper Coale set Society’s tongues wagging with their disreputable behavior. Get to know the real men behind the scandalous reputations in this deliciously wicked duet from Sarah Mallory!
Major Dominic Coale
He’s locked away in his castle in the woods, with only his tormenting memories for company, until governess Zelah Pentewan crosses the threshold…
BENEATH THE MAJOR’S SCARS
(December 2012)
Jasper Coale, Viscount Markham
Used to having his own way where women are concerned, Jasper would bet his fortune on being able to seduce beautiful Susannah Prentess—but she proves stubbornly resistant to his charms!
BEHIND THE RAKE’S WICKED WAGER
(January 2013)
Enjoy more passion through the ages with the sensual Harlequin Historical UNDONE titles on sale now:
Maid Until Midnight by Joanne Rock
Some Like It Scandalous by Carole Mortimer
To Undo a Lady by Christine Merrill
The Pirate’s Reckless Touch by Linda Skye
His Wicked Christmas Wager by Annie Burrows
An Invitation to Pleasure by Marguerite Kaye
A Lady’s Lesson in Seduction by Barbara Monajem
What a Cowboy Wants by Lauri Robinson
An Illicit Temptation by Jeannie Lin
Craving something a little longer? Find more historical romantic adventure from Harlequin Historical at
http://www.Harlequin.com or your local bookstore.
Interested in writing for Harlequin Historical UNDONE? Send your submission to [email protected].
* * *
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ISBN: 978-14603-0019-0
The Tantalizing Miss Coale
Copyright © 2012 by Sarah Mallory
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The Tantalizing Miss Coale (The Notorious Coale Brothers) Page 6
