One Wicked Kiss

by Brower, Dawn

  Natalia rolled her eyes. Why did she put up with the sniveling twit? “I couldn’t possibly say.” And she really couldn’t. She’d stopped listening to Lady Anne droll on moments after meeting her. Whoever the poor sap she’d set her sights on was, Natalia felt sorry for him. No one deserved to marry Lady Anne.

  “You’re absolutely no help at all.” If it had been possible Lady Anne would have stomped her foot. Hell, maybe she had, but Natalia couldn’t tell. They had been in the carriage for days now. All right that wasn’t the exact truth. Lady Anne couldn’t tolerate being in a carriage for more than a few hours at a time. So they stopped. Often. So frequently, a trip that should have taken no more than a day had turned into a week. She must not need to marry as fast as she claimed… Natalia sent up a prayer for patience and reminded herself why she tolerated the insipid lady.

  Her cousin Callista was missing. She wasn’t sure where she’d disappeared to and could find no trace of her. It was almost as if she were no longer alive, and perhaps that was the case. She had been doing some rather risky endeavors for the crown during the war, and even several years beyond that. Her cousin had been a spy with one true goal—discovering who had murdered her beloved Edward.

  Up until the past few months, Natalia had been in France trying to uncover what had happened to Callista. No one really knew, but they had all come to one consensus—either the Marquess or Marchioness of Seabrook would be able to answer her inquiry—perhaps even both could. It was ironic in a way that she’d have to come to them for help. Lady Seabrook was Edward’s sister. Natalia hadn’t wanted to trouble the Kendall family for anything. It was bad enough that they’d lost someone dear to them. They didn’t need to concern themselves over the loss of the only family Natalia cared about.

  Though there was one other person Natalia loved, but she stayed away from him. It was for his own good. She had loved him from the first moment she’d met him. The night he’d saved her from a carriage crash during one of the worst snowstorms she’d ever experienced. He was handsome, charming, and had a good heart. He didn’t deserve the troubles she could bring his way. He was probably married by now with a couple of kids in tow. It was best to forget he’d ever crossed her path.

  “Are you even listening to me?”

  Well, no, she wasn’t. When would Lady Anne realize that no one paid attention to her. Why should they? She doted on herself enough for hundreds of people. Natalia sighed. “I’m sorry I was lost in thought. What do you need?” Hopefully it was just another absurd answer that would satisfy her self-important needs.

  “We’re almost to Weston Manor.” Lady Anne sat up in her seat preening like a bird trying to attract a mate. She clapped her hands in an excited manner. “I can’t wait to see him again. I know, he’s been doing his best to avoid matrimony, but he can’t evade the parson’s trap forever. The word around the gossip mill is his father is demanding he choose a bride. I figure why not me. After all I’d make a perfect duchess.”

  “Sure would,” she agreed noncommittedly Lady Anne was the last person who should ever be a duchess. It would give her a reason to act even more selfish than she already did. Lord save the ton if that day ever came… Lady Anne didn’t need any more attention from Natalia after that. It was a good thing too because she was at a loss for words. She stared out the window of the carriage and she’d swear her heart leaped out of her chest. It couldn’t be… Three men were galloping their horses through a nearby field, and one of them, struck her as eerily familiar. Lucas…? No… She knew it was a risk coming to Weston Manor. He had been friends with Edward, but still, she’d hoped he stayed in London. Far away so she didn’t have to risk temptation. There was no helping it now. She’d have to do her best to stay out of sight and maybe hide amongst the staff. Being a paid companion would make that part a little easier. Perhaps he’d leave soon. The rest of the house party was supposed to have departed already. Drat. Why was he there….

  Lady Anne chattered on as Natalia’s world fell apart. When the carriage stopped she stepped out as if sleepwalking. Blindly following Lady Anne’s instructions until she was free to hide. Her luck was running out at some point she’d end up facing Lucas, and there was no explanation good enough to save her from his disappointment.

  Natalia prayed she’d been wrong, and Lucas hadn’t been one of the men riding in the field, but she didn’t really believe it. He’d haunted her dreams for years and she’d never forget his handsome face. He was there, and soon, there would be a reckoning. One Natalia had been avoiding and would be her ultimate trouble. Because he would demand answers and she couldn’t give him any he’d accept. Fate had caught up to her, and she wasn’t nearly ready to deal with it…

  Chapter 2

  Natalia followed behind Lady Anne as they were shown to the room she’d been given for her use at Weston Manor. As luck would have it some guests had departed early or there may not have been any accommodations for them. Well, they wouldn’t have been turned away; however, they may have been forced to share a room. It wasn’t unheard of, but Lady Anne would have been even more difficult. She didn’t do well sharing anything and Natalia would have been miserable.

  “Thank Goodness that awful Lady Samantha Cain left with her equally appalling friend Lady Marian Lindsay.” Lady Anne sat down at the vanity in the room and primped in front of the mirror. She pinched her cheeks and pursed her lips. Natalia didn’t quite understand the point of it all, but at least she wasn’t bothering her at the moment. She had enough of her own problems to mull over and she didn’t need Lady Anne adding to them. “My plan should work, and with them gone I’ll be able to trap the rogue without difficulty.”

  “I’m sure he’ll appreciate the attention you bestow upon him.” Natalia barely held back the urge to roll her eyes. “He sounds…wonderful.” Truthfully, she didn’t know anything about the man Lady Anne intended to snare in her well laid trap. She did feel sorry for the poor sap. It would be horrible to have to spend the rest of his days with Lady Anne as his wife.

  “Oh, he is. He’s handsome, charming, and well connected.” Lady Anne’s lips curled into a shrewd smile. “And one day he’ll inherit the dukedom and I’ll be a duchess.” She tilted her head to the side. “I wonder how long it will be before his father dies…”

  Natalia wouldn’t put it past her to help the current duke along to his demise. “Only the lord is privy to those sorts of details.” She had to escape Lady Anne’s company and find Lord Seabrook and his wife. Once she was able to speak to them and discover Callista’s whereabouts then she could sneak away from Weston Manor. If she was lucky enough she’d be able to avoid Lucas. She dreaded even the very idea of them crossing paths. He must hate her. Natalia desperately wanted to run to him and beg for him to forgive her. But she wasn’t out of danger, and she refused to let him take on her troubles. Her father was still searching for her. He’d nearly found her several times since she returned to England. Natalia had to disappear once and for all. That meant there was only one place she could go where he would be unlikely to find her—America. “Perhaps you should say a few words and see if you can gain God’s ear. He might answer you when you least expect it.” Not that he’d listened to anything Natalia had to say over the years and she fully expected any higher being would ignore the greedy wishes of Lady Anne.

  “I don’t believe in God,” Lady Anne announced. “But if he does exist I’m sure he’d want me to have everything I desire. I do deserve it.”

  What did she ever do to deserve horrible people always controlling aspects of her life? She did have a few wonderful years without having to serve a horrid person, but then her employer passed away and left her alone in the world once again. Natalia needed Callista more than ever. Her cousin had arranged for her to serve as Constance De Rossi’s companion. She was an English woman who traveled the continent. While in her service she had been able to see a lot of the world she’d otherwise not been able to experience. She’d found Italy especially lovely. Signor De Rossi, Con
stance’s deceased husband, owned an extravagant villa near Naples. Natalia had spent a lot of time there during the signora’s last days. She longed for the warmth of the Italian seashore and days free from anxiety. Now she had to placate the likes of Lady Anne. “I’m sure you’re right.” She took a deep breath. “Will you be requiring me any further? I’d like to see my own chambers and settle in if possible.” She wasn’t a servant exactly so she’d been given a room as well.

  “No,” Lady Anne said and wiggled her hand at her dismissively. “Go and do whatever it is you do when I don’t need you. I’m going to rest for a while. I look wretched and I need some beauty sleep before I see my intended later.”

  “Thank you,” Natalia said and curtsied. Lady Anne expected to be treated as if she were royalty. There were no exceptions and if she failed to bend to her demands she’d throw a hissy fit. “I’ll check on you later.” She didn’t need her being difficult or it would make her escape harder.

  Lady Anne didn’t bother to acknowledge that Natalia spoke. She was all right with that. She slipped out of the room before Lady Anne thought of some task she wanted her to do. Undoubtedly, she would have a lot for her to accomplish later. She would probably want her to aid in trapping the gentleman she’d decided she wanted as her husband too. Natalia didn’t relish the idea of assisting in that particular duty. So far Lady Anne hadn’t mentioned the poor gentleman by name and Natalia found that odd. She couldn’t help wondering why she’d kept that particular detail a secret. Did she think Natalia would judge her? No, it couldn’t be that. Lady Anne didn’t consider her opinion worth noting. There was some other reason for her silence, but Natalia couldn’t concern herself with that. She had to find the Marquess and Marchioness of Seabrook.

  They were important in her search for Callista. Without their aid she was at a loss on how to find her cousin, and once she spoke to them she could leave. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about whatever Lady Anne had planned. She’d be far away from the vain girl and wouldn’t have to think about her ever again…

  * * *

  Lucas gestured his horse to follow Seabrook and Weston as they galloped ahead. Riding had invigorated him, but hadn’t given him any insight. He still had no idea what he wanted to do or what direction he should take. Perhaps it was time to return to London and prepare to find a lady willing to become his bride. Lady Samantha would have been a good choice, but she was no longer an option. If Lucas wanted any kind of peace from his father’s constant rampages he’d have to marry—the sooner the better.

  Seabrook and Weston came to a stop. They were roaming over to the edge of the cliffs that were on the Weston estate. Lucas had never particularly liked walking along them and he didn’t see the appeal of sitting astride a horse as it traipsed along the edge. “No, thank you,” he muttered under his breath. He’d much rather turn around and head back to the stables. Lucas pulled on the reins and slowed his horse.

  Once the horse was completely stopped he waited for Seabrook and Weston. They’d circle back toward him at some point. He debated dismounting and nixed the idea immediately. It would be much easier to stay as he was or go back. He’d like to return to the manor and relax with another drink or several glasses of brandy.

  After several minutes of him staying in place, Seabrook and Weston finally started back toward him. He waited for them to join him and fortunately it didn’t take long. “I forgot you’re not much for heights,” Weston said once he reached Lucas. “Are you ready to go back?”

  “I am,” he answered. “and no, I’ve never really liked high places.”

  Seabrook chuckled. “It can be disconcerting.” Then he pressed his knee into his mount’s side. The horse took off on a gallop with a flick of the reins.

  Weston shook his head. “Seems he wants a race. Let’s see if we can beat him.” Soon the duke was racing after the marquess.

  Lucas sighed. A race may be a bit too much work, but at least he’d get back sooner. He gestured for the horse to follow after them and soon the wind whipped around him. The breeze soothed his ravaged mind and made him, even for a brief moment, feel as if anything was possible. He needed that moment of peace more than he realized. Perhaps he should thank Seabrook and Weston for encouraging him to ride.

  They rounded the corner, Lucas trailing behind the duke and marquess. In the distance a carriage rolled down the drive toward the manor. He didn’t think that anyone else was supposed to arrive. Many of the guests had left the house party several days ago. Who could possibly be paying a call on the manor? The carriage came to a stop in front of the house. Lucas was interested, but he had to take his horse back to the stable. He motioned for the horse to go in that direction and didn’t glance back. When he went back to the house he could appease his curiosity.

  When he reached the stable he pulled on the reins. When the horse came to a stop he dismounted and let a groomer take him inside. Weston and Seabrook did the same. They handed their horses off and came to stand beside Lucas. “We have more guests,” Weston said. “I didn’t realize anyone else was expected.”

  “Are you sure your wife didn’t invite anyone else?” Seabrook asked. He nodded toward the carriage. “Because someone is definitely here.”

  A woman with dark hair stepped out of the carriage first. Lucas couldn’t make out her features. Her back was to him most of the time. She move over so another lady could exit. This lady had blonde hair that, from a distance seemed almost white. “Do you recognize them?” Lucas asked.

  Weston shook his head. “I can’t say that I do. Maybe Alys knows them it’s hard to say.”

  “Should we greet them?” Seabrook asked.

  A part of Lucas wanted to do just that. Something inside of him was drawn to them and he couldn’t explain what it was. On the bright side two females were now in attendance at the manor. It gave him a couple more possibilities in choosing a bride. That would mean he could stay at Weston Manor a little longer. Maybe one of them would end up his wife. It gave him a reason to remain and that was all that mattered. If his father inquired he could say in good faith he was courting…

  “I’m not so sure I want to get drawn into a conversation. If Alys invited them she’ll be there to greet him.” The duke motioned toward the back of the house. “Let’s enter through the garden.”

  Lucas had no problem with that. He could meet the two ladies later when they were at dinner or even before if he was lucky enough. His life was full of upheaval and he wanted to find some semblance of peace. He glance back at the two ladies and froze. The dark haired woman seemed familiar. The way she moved and the color of her hair… He shook the thought away because he couldn’t possibly know her. She kept her head down and didn’t look up once. That indicated someone who often served others. It was unlikely she was an actual lady and more likely the maid.

  No, that couldn’t be right either. She was dressed far better than a maid would be. She had on a bright yellow day dress probably made out of the finest fabric. Perhaps she was timid and that was why she didn’t look up. Weston and Seabrook were already half way to the garden and Lucas remained rooted in place. The dark haired lady finally looked up and he froze. There was a really good reason why he thought she seemed familiar. No ordinary lady could make his heart beat heavily inside his chest. Only one woman affected him so much—Lia. She’d finally entered back into his life and he had no idea what he should do about it.

  Afterword

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read

  One Wicked Kiss

  Your opinion matters!

  Please take a moment to review this book on your favorite review site and share your opinion with fellow readers.

  About The Author

  USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

  Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. Sh
e is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  Snowflake Kisses

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  Enduring Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Charming Her Rogue

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  Earl of Harrington

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  Earl In Trouble

  All the Ladies Love Coventry

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  Tempting An American Princess

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Temptation

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Seduction of My Rake