by Dawn Brower
She did make a solid argument, but he had one better. “The pleasure will be worth it.” He winked. “I promise.”
He was finding it more and more difficult to keep his hands off of her. Once he started to touch her he’d become addicted. Brandon didn’t recognize the person he’d turned into.
Her lips tilted upward. “I’m sure it would be, but I’m afraid I must decline your enticing offer.”
Brandon studied her and made a snap decision. He reached across the carriage and pulled her over to him, then lifted her up so her skirts fell over his lap and she sat over him. Images of her riding him filled his mind. He wanted that again. That shouldn’t mess up her dress too much...
“Darling,” she said. “This is rather wicked of you.”
“But you like it,” he replied. “Admit it.”
“I do,” she conceded, then nibbled on her bottom lip.
He stared at her enthralled with every aspect of her. He brought his lips to hers and captured them in a searing kiss. Brandon slid his tongue inside her mouth and deepened the kiss. Their tongues danced together in a tangle of need. Perhaps she’d been right to try to dissuade him from doing this. He didn’t want to settle for a quick tumble in the carriage. What he really wanted was to undress her and lay her across his bed so he could savor her for hours.
The carriage came to a halt suddenly, making Serenity tumble backward. He caught her before she fell off his lap and held her in place.
“What the bloody hell...”
He pulled the curtain back on the window of the carriage and peeked outside. How had he not known they were so close to Branterberry? It was a good thing he hadn’t removed any of Serenity’s clothing. They’d been caught in flagrante delico...
“It appears we’re home,” Serenity said. “I think perhaps you should release me so we can go inside.”
He hated the idea of letting her go, but realized she was right. There would be time later for him to make love to her. It would be much better where he could take his time. Besides, he hated the idea of anyone, even the servants, being a witness to their passion. Brandon didn’t want to share that part of their relationship with anyone.
“If you insist,” he said. “Let’s go give everyone the good news.”
Brandon stepped out of the carriage and reached inside to help her out. He’d made sure she had a new dress for their wedding. This one fit her properly and she didn’t trip over the skirts. The sapphire blue matched her eyes and made them sparkle like the jewel the color represented. Silver embroidered roses swirled at the edge of the sleeves, hem, and bodice. Her mahogany red hair was twisted in an elaborate coiffeur with tiny seed pearls pinned like a crown at the top of her head. She was breathtaking and all his...
“Your Grace,” Brandon said. “Are you ready?”
She brought her hands up to her lap and fidgeted. “I’m not sure I can do this? What will they think of me?”
He laughed. Brandon couldn’t help it. Since when did she worry about what others thought of her? This wasn’t the woman he married. The Serenity Drake he’d fallen in love with was bold, daring, and unafraid of anything the world threw at her. Now that she was the Duchess of Branterberry, she had the power to back that up. What had her running scared?
“My darling,” he said softly. “They loved you before, so why would they hate you now?”
That was true. His staff had adored her from the moment he’d brought her to Branterberry from his London townhouse. No one would be disappointed she was now mistress of the house. They would probably all sigh in relief that he’d finally married again. Sebastian needed a mother, and there was no one better suited to the position than Serenity.
“I was a governess before,” she said. All the color drained from her face. “What if they think I trapped you or something. Duke’s don’t marry beneath them.”
He blew out a breath. How had he not anticipated this? Serenity was the strongest female he knew. Brandon would never have believed she’d care for something he deemed trivial, but he’d do his best to ease her concerns.
“A duke does what he damn well pleases,” he stated. “I love you and I’m not going to apologize for that. If anyone has a problem with my choice I’ll gladly give them a letter of recommendation and send them on their way.”
It angered him anyone would dare to question him. He wouldn’t stand it from a servant, and he’d not do it with her either. She’d married him and there was no backing out of that now. They had to move forward and do their best to live their out their lives. He certainly hoped most of their days would be full of happiness, but wasn’t stupid. There would be some moments of sadness from time to time.
“No,” she said. “Everyone will stay.” Serenity stood straight and lifted her chin. “You’re right. It was a momentarily bit of foolishness. Let’s go inside.”
He wanted to sigh in relief but held it in. This was the woman he’d married, and he wouldn’t let her realize he’d been questioning her sanity. Brandon held out his hand to her and escorted her inside. The butler opened the door and bowed.
“Welcome home, Your Graces,” he said formally.
Brandon had sent word home that he’d married Serenity and ordered the duchess’s chambers prepared for her. The entire staff waited inside to greet them. Each one had a huge smile on their face. The men bowed and the women curtsied as they walked past. At the end of the long line, Sebastian waited by the staircase. He sat on the end step with his elbows resting on his knees. When they reached him, he glanced up and stared at Serenity.
“Is it true?” he asked.
“What, poppet?” Serenity replied, concern hitching through her voice.
“Are you my mother now?” His bottom lip wobbled a little bit as if he was fighting tears. He lost the battle and a small droplet fell down his cheek.
Serenity kneeled down to his level and wiped the tear away. “Do you want me to be?”
He nodded. “More than anything in the world.”
“Sometimes wishes come true,” Serenity said. “If you close your eyes and think hard and long enough it happens. The trick is to never give up.” She pulled Sebastian into her arms and held him against her. “My wish has always been to have a family, and now I have one.” She stroked the top of his head. “I promise I’ll do my best to be a good mother to you.”
“I love you,” Sebastian said. “Don’t ever leave.”
Brandon’s heart clenched at the sight. He hadn’t fully realized how much his son had needed a mother until that moment. Sure, he’d wanted to marry so he’d have one, but it hadn’t been a priority. Serenity would be good for both of them. Brandon loved her more than anything, and apparently so did his son.
“I’m not going anywhere,” she said firmly. “This is my home now. You can count on it, but we’ll have to find you a new governess. I don’t think its proper for me to continue in that role.”
“I’m already ahead of you in that regard,” Brandon said. “Mrs. Simms should have a list of potential governesses for me to look over. When the time is right you can help me choose one.”
Serenity smiled. “Only the best for you,” she said to Sebastian, then glanced up at Brandon. “I’m going to be quite picky.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Brandon said in agreement.
She tickled Sebastian and he laughed. “Does that meet with your approval?” she asked the boy.
He nodded happily. “Yes, mama.” Brandon’s heart warmed hearing his son refer to Serenity as his mother. He’d made the right choice for both him and his son by marrying her.
Serenity kissed the top of Sebastian’s head. “Now do me a favor and go with Mrs. Simms. Your father and I had a long day and need some time to rest. I’ll come see you later.”
“Promise?” Sebastian asked.
“Of course,” she said with a laugh. “Go play.”
Sebastian ran to the housekeeper and held his hand out to her. His son skipped beside Mrs. Simms as they headed d
own the hall to the back of the estate. Brandon helped Serenity to her feet and pulled her into his arms. He lifted a brow. “Rest?”
She smiled wickedly. “You promised me pleasure, Your Grace. I’m holding you to it.”
Brandon laughed and followed her up to their room. He always kept his promises, and he wouldn’t balk at this particular one. Could life possibly get any better? Happiness had eluded him for too long. He planned on enjoying every moment of his life and wouldn’t take anything for granted again. Loving Serenity was what he’d been born for, and he’d make sure he loved her well...
About the Author
Dawn Brower holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Literature, History, and Sociology. She works as a substitute teacher and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to concentrate on her other endeavors.
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby. While she loves all genres she focuses most of her writing on 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.
For more information visit her website at: http://www.authordawnbrower.com/
Books by Dawn Brower
Broken Pearl
Deadly Benevolence
There You’ll Be
Don’t Happen Twice
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss
Forever My Earl
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
Surrendering to My Spy
Spellbound by My Charmer
Stolen by My Knave
Separated from My Love
Scandalized by My Prince
Heart’s Intent
One Heart to Give
Unveiled Hearts
Heart of the Moment
Broken Curses
The Enchanted Princess