He wanted to say more, but his own pleasure overtook him. His stones pulsed and released their roiling load. With a shout, he ejaculated, his mind and vision emptying as he gave his beloved all that he was.
He didn't know how much time had passed before he lifted his head from the crook of Bella's neck. Her eyelashes fluttered up, and he saw steadfast love and desire in those stunning violet eyes. His wife's eyes. Once again, wonder suffused him; the actions of one foolish night had somehow led him to this woman, his mate and future.
"No regrets?" he said, stroking her cheek.
"None." She paused, bit her lip. "Other than one, that is."
He frowned. "What is it, lass?" Whatever lingering doubts she had, he would dispel them forthwith.
"Well, I was wondering—on formal correspondence and the like," she said, wide-eyed, "must I be known as Mrs. Peregrine McLeod?"
She burst into giggles as he growled and tickled her in revenge. Soon their playing led to other things. Laughter mixed with other sounds of pleasure as the lovers carried on their private celebration into the wee hours of the morning.
*****
Three months later, Will surfaced from marital bliss long enough to see about a job.
He'd heard that Harding had recently been found floating in the Thames. Todd, unsurprisingly, had already moved on: he was engaged in a territorial skirmish with another ruffian of the underworld. None of that involved Will. He'd learned his lesson and severed all ties with cutthroats.
Thus, he needed a new line of work. Strathaven had voiced haughty disapproval at the notion of his heir earning a living, but Will had no intention of sacrificing his independence for anyone—especially his brother. Nothing had changed between him and Alaric: the same cool distance had settled between them. Although Annabel encouraged him to try to mend fences with his brother, Will believed that, once broken, certain things could not be fixed.
Instead, Will chose to invest his energy into work. When Hunt told him of friends looking for a new partner to join their business, Will knew the opportunity was too good to pass up.
He arrived at the address that Hunt had given him. The small brick building was located near Soho Square, on a busy thoroughfare crammed with storefronts. Will's destination sat shoulder to shoulder with a pianoforte maker's and a bakeshop, and it was one of the few addresses on the street that didn't boast a sign declaring the nature of the tenant's business.
Will went inside. Though the floorboards and walls of the front room looked a bit worn and the boxes stacked along one wall announced that the occupants were newly arrived, the few items of furniture spread throughout the room were luxurious and tasteful. A muted burgundy and maize carpet welcomed visitors as did the matching upholstered chairs. Rich drapery framed the bow window, and an elegant floral arrangement bloomed on a side table.
A bespectacled clerk poked his head out from behind a pile of boxes. "Good morning, sir!" the young man said with rather alarming enthusiasm. "Welcome to the new office of Kent and Associates. How may I assist you?"
"I'm McLeod. Mr. Kent is expecting me," Will said.
"Mr. McLeod! 'Tis a true pleasure. Hobson at your service, sir," the clerk chirped. "If you'll have a seat in the waiting area, I'll fetch you some tea and let Mr. Kent know—"
Will heard a door open, masculine voices coming from the hallway past Hobson's desk. Two gentlemen appeared. The first was an African with closely cropped hair and a brawny build to match Will's own. He silently returned Will's assessment, his expression carved from ebony. The second, a tall, lanky fellow with dark hair and alert amber eyes came forward.
"Mr. McLeod, I'm Ambrose Kent," he said.
Will returned the other's handshake. It was a firm grip, one that inspired trust. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said.
"This is my partner, Mr. Lugo," Kent said.
Will and the African exchanged nods.
"You'll have to pardon the dust—we're settling into the new office," Kent said.
Will glanced at the furnishings. "Looks like you have a fine start."
"That's Mrs. Kent's handiwork. According to my wife, first impressions are critical when it comes to our fashionable clientele." A hint of a smile softened Kent's somber demeanor. "I've learned to defer to her in matters of fashion."
"Only in matters of fashion?" Lugo said in a wry baritone.
"Like any worthwhile endeavor, marriage requires compromise," Kent said mildly.
Will hid a grin at the good-natured exchange. He himself was learning the wisdom of give and take in marriage. As he and Annabel were both stubborn by nature, they had the occasional butting of heads. But he didn't mind—not when the patching up between them involved the butting of other body parts.
By God, marriage was sweet.
"Our mutual friend Hunt recommends you highly, Mr. McLeod," Kent went on. "The timing is perfect as our private enquiry business has picked up pace, and Lugo here and I can no longer manage the number of investigations between the two of us. Shall we withdraw to my office and discuss business further?"
Looking around the fledging office, Will felt a surge of anticipation. A gut sense that he was glimpsing a part of his future. 'Twas not unlike what he felt when he gazed upon his beloved, whose lovely form was blossoming day by day with the miracle that they had made together.
In fact, he and Annabel were growing so attuned to one another that, at times, it seemed as if they could read one another's thoughts and feelings. He wondered if she could sense his present intuition: that another adventure was about to begin for them.
He inclined his head at the two investigators.
"Lead the way, gentlemen," he said.
THE END
Dear Reader,
Thank you for spending time with one of my books--I hope you had a lovely visit! As an indie author, I rely on reader word of mouth, so I would appreciate it greatly if you'd consider leaving a review where you the purchased the book. I’d also love to connect with you, so feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. For updates on my books, prizes, and giveaways (including gift card raffles), please click on the link below to sign up for my newsletter.
Hugs and happy reading,
Grace
Sign up for my newsletter: http://www.gracecallaway.com
Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GraceCallawayBooks
COMING SOON: BOOK 1 IN THE HEART OF ENQUIRY SERIES
The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Coming December 2014)
A Stranger to Love
Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the Devil Duke for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin—who accuses him of a crime he didn’t commit. Is she his worst nightmare ... or his salvation?
A Novice to Desire
Emma Kent is an independent country miss cast adrift in the ton. When a depraved encounter with an arrogant rake lands her in intrigue, Emma’s honor compels her to do the right thing. But desire challenges her quest for justice, and she must decide: can she trust her heart to discover the truth?
Bound by Passion and Peril
Alaric and Emma engage in a battle of wits and will. As their attraction flares, the true enemy stalks their every move. With danger looming, will they solve the mystery and find true love— before it’s too late?
BOOKS IN THE MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR SERIES
Her Husband’s Harlot (Book 1)
Not Quite a Wife
After a disastrous wedding night, proper Lady Helena Harteford fears for the fate of her new marriage. Disguised as a doxy, she tracks her husband down at a bawdy house to reason with him ... and instead discovers the thrill of forbidden passion. An innocent ruse turns into a risky deception; how far will this once-wallflower go to win her husband's love?
Unfit to be a Husband
Orphaned at an early age, Nicholas Morgan escapes his violent beginnings to become a successful merchant—onl
y to discover that he is the legitimate heir of the Marquess of Harteford. His transition to the ton is rocky and made rockier when he marries above him. Torn between guilt and lust, he tries to protect his sweet, innocent wife from the demons of his past. But can he safeguard her from his own raging desires?
Caught between Past and Present
When a dangerous nemesis rises from Nicholas' past, husband and wife must work together in order to survive. From the drawing rooms to the stews of Regency London, they find themselves caught in a game of passion and seduction. Will true love prevail? Or is Helena destined to remain ... Her Husband's Harlot?
Her Wanton Wager (Book 2)
A Wager She Can't Afford to Lose
When her brother falls into the clutches of gamester Gavin Hunt, feisty heiress Persephone Fines will do whatever it takes to save him. Hunt offers her an outrageous proposition: he will release her brother … if she can resist six nights of seduction. Can she withstand the scoundrel's wicked charm—and the shocking desire he rouses with each touch?
A Bet He's Determined to Win
A product of London's violent stews, Gavin Hunt has clawed his way to success and power. Now he will stop at nothing to achieve his life-long goal: revenge upon the man who betrayed him. He plans to seduce his enemy's sister … but doesn't count on losing his heart. Will he give up his need for vengeance—or risk forsaking the only woman he's ever loved?
From Six Nights ... to Forever
As the battle of the sexes rages on and seduction flares into uncontrollable passion, Gavin and Percy must also fight a hidden enemy. Only by trusting one another can they defeat the threats of past and present. In this high-stakes game of love versus sin, what will be the outcome of … Her Wanton Wager?
Her Protector’s Pleasure (Book 3)
She Breaks Society's Rules
Wealthy widow Lady Marianne Draven is as notorious for her behavior as she is for her beauty. Unbeknownst to the ton, however, her scandalous image obscures a desperate quest: to find her kidnapped daughter. Clever and daring, Marianne will stop at nothing to get her little girl back ... and the last thing that she expects is for her heart to get in the way.
He Stands for Justice and Order
A man of honor, Thames River Policeman Ambrose Kent has devoted his life to duty and doing what is right. When his father faces financial ruin, Kent takes on a risky yet lucrative assignment to save his family. Fate has him investigating a mysterious and unscrupulous beauty, a lady he has no right to desire ... and no power to resist.
When Two Opposing Forces Collide
Passion ignites between the unlikely lovers. As secrets unravel, can Marianne and Kent trust one another and work together to rescue her child from a dangerous foe? Can their love survive betrayal ... and will Marianne surrender to Her Protector’s Pleasure?
Her Prodigal Passion (Book 4)
A Diamond in the Rough
Merchant's daughter Charity Sparkler is a sensible miss who harbors one secret folly: she's in love with her best friend's brother. She knows that the worldly rake will never return a wallflower's affections, yet when destiny throws them together, she discovers that passion can be the greatest of equalizers … and love can be more than a dream.
A Hero in the Making
Gentleman turned prizefighter Paul Fines battles his demons through boxing, drink, and women. When an act of disgrace nearly destroys him, he begins the road to redemption—only to accidentally compromise his sister's spinster friend. Honor bound to a marriage of convenience, he is stunned to discover that lust can heat a bridal boudoir ... and love can mend a jaded heart.
A Marriage About to Become Inconvenient
As an ugly duckling and a reformed rake fight for love, secrets unfold that could threaten their future. Can she forgive a past betrayal and recognize her own beauty? Can he find redemption in the boxing ring? Will steamy nights of Her Prodigal Passion turn into happily forever after?
OTHER BOOKS BY GRACE CALLAWAY
Abigail Jones (Book 1)
A Maid with a Secret
Shy housemaid Abigail Jones hides a terrible affliction: visions of depravity haunt her. In desperate need of a refuge, Abby seeks a position at Hope End, a gothic English estate. Instead of solace, however, she discovers pieces of a mystery: a portrait of a malevolent beauty, a housekeeper who knows too much, and a powerful man torn between revenge and desire …
A Lord with a Past
Enigma swirls around Earl Huxton, a rich and rakish widower. Yet beneath Hux's devil-may-care façade lies hidden torment—and a secret crusade to destroy evil. Nothing compromises his quest for vengeance until he meets Abby, whose innocent eyes seem to see into the dark corners of his soul and whose touch entices him to relinquish the past for an infinitely sweeter obsession ...
A Love for All Time
Together, Hux and Abby hunt a deadly supernatural foe through the gothic countryside and the erotic underworld of Victorian London. As passion flares between master and maid, dangerous secrets begin to unravel. With the battle against evil looming, a stunning link between Hux's past and Abby's secret comes to light. Will their demons destroy their future ... or will their love vanquish the darkness once and for all?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grace Callaway pens steamy historical romances set in the Regency and Victorian eras. Her debut manuscript, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller and International Bestseller.
Outside of writing, she holds a doctorate from the University of Michigan and practices clinical psychology. When she isn't busy juggling the chaos of family, work, and writing, she loves to escape outdoors. Her other favorite obsessions include coffee, orchids, and all things BBC.
For more about Grace:
http://www.facebook.com/GraceCallawayBooks
http://www.gracecallaway.com
Twitter: @Grace_Callaway
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This book is dedicated to all my readers: thank you for all the kind emails and words of encouragement. Writing can be a roller-coaster ride, and you keep me on track.
To my writing community: Tina, thank you for being the best of friends and writing partners. I love our weekly hangouts. Sara, you are the Pinky to my Brain (or vice versa) and a total genius with titles—kisses! Gals of the Montauk Writing retreat: Bella, Barbara, Barbara, Christie, Anne, Tina, & Sara—I hope we do this every year (minus the serial killer). Diane and Brian, gratitude for pushing me to make my work better.
To my family: none of this would be possible without you. Love you forever.
COPYRIGHT
© 2014 Grace Callaway
Cover Art: Seductive Musing Designs
Images: © Novel Expressions, Inc. and © Depositphotos.com/ Vitalii Melnyk
* * * * *
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.
License Notes
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.
* * * * *
The Widow Vanishes Page 12