Angel's Devil

by Suzanne Enoch

  Angelique stared at her. It was actually quite a simple solution, if she had the courage to do it. "Where is he?"

  The viscountess's smile broadened. "In the library, hiding." She squeezed Angelique's hand. "And you didn't hear that from me."

  Angelique smiled and stood.

  "Where are you going, Angel?" her mother queried.

  "I asked her to fetch me a shawl," Lady Elizabeth supplied, and motioned Angel out the door.

  Angel nearly stopped in her tracks when her father gave her a small nod and a wink. He knew, but then he'd always had a better understanding of her than her mother had. "I'll be right back," she said with a grin.

  The library door was closed, but with a deep breath she opened it and barged in. James was throwing pieces of parchment one by one into the fireplace. He jumped as she entered, then smiled. "Angelique." He picked up the remaining pile of papers and tossed them onto the flames.

  "Letters?" she queried.

  He nodded. "To and from Desiree. It seemed well past time to get rid of the damned things."

  "After what she did to you, I can think of something I'd like to send her," she snarled. "Something poisonous."

  "Steady, Galahad," James grinned, crossing his arms over his chest. "There's no more rescuing to be done today." He grimaced. "And I rather botched last night, as well. I should have realized. If I know anything, it's that you're no fool."

  Angel shut the door behind her and took another breath. It had to be now, or she'd never get up the nerve again. "Do you like children, James?"

  He frowned and tilted his head at her, his gaze alone making her feel weak-kneed. "Children? If they're like your brother and sister, yes, I like them. Very much. Why?"

  She nodded, pursing her lips, and torn between amusement and terror. "How about the theater? Do you like theater?"

  This time he raised an eyebrow. "I'm not overly fond of Johnson," he said, "but I rather like the opera."

  Again Angel nodded. "As do I. And horses?"

  "I'm quite fond of horses." James's emerald eyes were dancing, and she thought he was catching on. "I also like strawberries, and am developing a decided fondness for a certain large brown mastiff."

  He wasn't trying to escape, anyway. Angel clasped her hands behind her and rocked back on her heels. "Well, in that case, my lord, I think—"

  Shaking his head and frowning, James stepped forward and put his hand over her mouth. "No, you don't, Angelique. Sit down."

  "But—"

  "Down."

  "I don't want—"

  James grabbed her arm, dragged her over to the couch, and sat her down on it. "After everything you and I have been through," he said, "I'll take care of this, if you don't mind."

  He sank down onto one knee in front of her and took her hands. His own were shaking. It was then she knew everything would be all right. He looked up into her eyes for a long time, then briefly lowered his head.

  "Angelique," he said, looking up at her again, "I have been accused of many things, most of which I have done. I am quite willing to try my hand at respectability, but cannot guarantee my success." He smiled at her. "I have a new list of requirements, and I've built it around you. You are the most enchanting, bright, beautiful, outrageous woman I have ever met. I am desperate to spend the rest of my life with you, but if you do not wish to risk your reputation by being with me, I will understand. Angelique, I love you with all my heart. Will you be my wife?"

  It was the most heartfelt, touching thing she could ever have hoped to hear, and again tears filled her eyes. "I love you, James. And I have virtually no reputation to risk. Yes, I will be your wife."

  Chuckling, James stood and pulled her up against him. She stood on her tiptoes, and he captured her lips with his own. She thought the kisses he had given her before had been passionate, but as he enfolded her in his arms and transferred his kisses to her hair, cheeks, and throat, she had a glimpse of what married life with him was likely to be. The thought delighted her.

  "Hurray!"

  James jumped, and they turned to see Henry skip into the room. He wore a grin so wide, Angel wondered that his cheeks didn't split. "Henry," she admonished breathlessly, James's arms still close around her.

  "You are finally getting married?" Henry demanded.

  James nodded and quickly kissed Angel again. "Yes, we are."

  "So you're my brother?"

  "As soon as we are husband and wife, I will be," James answered, grinning. "And I'm not waiting till next September, either."

  "No?" she whispered, for she and Simon had never thought of attempting to set their own date.

  "No. How do you feel about being a winter bride?"

  "Yes." She chuckled.

  "And I can come to Abbonley as often as I wish?" Henry pursued, charging about the room.

  "Henry, get out," James said, and kissed Angelique again.

  "But can I?" Henry tugged at James's sleeve.

  Angel giggled.

  “Good God,'' the marquis muttered, “are all children like this?"

  "I hope so," Angel answered gleefully.

  "I say, aren't you going to answer me? You ain't married yet, Angel."

  James let Angelique go and intercepted Henry as he circled happily around them. He lifted the laughing boy up into his arms, carried him over to the window, and while Angelique laughed so hard tears ran down her cheeks, put him outside and pulled the glass shut.

  "Now, my love," James said, striding back over to her and sweeping her around in a breathless circle before he bent his head to kiss her again. "Where were we?"

  Discover Suzanne Enoch

  Traditional Regencies

  The Black Duke’s Prize

  Angel’s Devil

  Regency Historicals

  Lady Rogue

  Stolen Kisses

  The Bancroft Brothers

  By Love Undone

  Taming Rafe

  With This Ring

  Reforming a Rake

  Meet Me at Midnight

  A Matter of Scandal

  Lessons in Love

  The Rake

  London’s Perfect Scoundrel

  England’s Perfect Hero

  Shorts

  Good Earl Hunting

  The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown

  Lady Whistledown Strikes Back

  The Griffin Family

  Sin and Sensibility

  An Invitation to Sin

  Something Sinful

  Sins of a Duke

  Contemporary Romantic Suspense

  Flirting with Danger

  Don’t Look Down (formerly Playing with Fire)

  Billionaires Prefer Blondes

  Twice the Temptation

  A Touch of Minx

  The Notorious Gentlemen

  After the Kiss

  Before the Scandal

  Always a Scoundrel

  The Adventurers’ Club

  The Care and Taming of a Rogue

  A Lady’s Guide to Improper Behavior

  Rules of an Engagement

  The Scandalous Brides

  A Beginner’s Guide to Rakes

  Taming an Impossible Rogue

  About the Author

  A lifelong lover of books, Suzanne Enoch has been writing them since she learned to read. She is the author of two well-received Avon Regencies, The Black Duke's Prize and Angel's Devil, and five Avon Romances: Lady Rogue, Stolen Kisses, By Love Undone, Taming Rafe and Reforming a Rake. Born and raised in Southern California, Suzanne lives a few scant miles from Disneyland with her collection of Star Wars action figures and a Cairn terrier named Katie (after the heroine of her first Regency). She's still looking for her own hero, and hopes he will be handsome, titled, and just a little wicked. Meanwhile, she's currently at work inventing him in her next historical romance.

  To learn more, please visit Suzanne Enoch's Website.

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