“Be a good chap and help me up, will you?”
He leaned over automatically, extending his hand, swallowing as he saw how the wet trousers clung to his wife’s incomparable legs—
Her hand gripped his firmly, and too late he knew he’d been had. The next instant, he was pitching forward into the trough. His bride’s merry laughter accompanied the giant splash.
Scowling, he pushed wet hair out of his eyes. “Think you’re funny, do you?”
“Hilarious,” she got out between chuckles.
Her joy was so infectious, so damned delicious, that he leaned over and kissed her.
One thing led to another, and she gasped, “Richard, not here. We’re going to drown!”
Good point. Water sluiced off of him as he rose, taking Violet with him. He made for the nearest point of privacy. The scent of fresh hay, leather, and horses greeted them as he strode purposefully down the aisle of stalls, the half-dozen occupants twitching their ears curiously as he passed. He entered the empty stall at the end, kicked the door closed behind him, and deposited Vi on the bed of clean straw.
He tugged off his sopping boots and made short work of the rest of his clothes. Already, he was fully aroused, his erection bobbing heavily as he stalked toward his wayward spouse.
“You’re still dressed,” he observed mildly.
She was biting her lip, fighting laughter. “Really, Richard, this is beyond outrageous. You don’t have to prove anything. I’ll be the first to vouch that you’re no stick-in-the—oohhh…”
Exactly. Yes.
Within minutes, he had her naked (a not to be overlooked benefit of allowing one’s wife to dress in trousers) and panting beneath him. He licked his way over every inch of her. She returned the favor, driving him half out of his mind.
When he judged her ready, he flipped her onto her hands and knees. Clamping his hands on her slim hips, he entered her in a swift thrust that had them both moaning. They’d discovered that this was one of her favorite positions—yet another way in which she was perfect for him. Through a haze of lust, he watched her pussy spread around the thick, veined meat of his cock, taking him to the balls. Enveloped by her snug, wet heat, he knew he wasn’t for long.
Sliding one hand under her, he found her little nubbin. He rubbed it, pressing it against the plunging steel of his rod. Panting, she arched her back, grinding her bottom into his thrusts. He gritted his teeth as his bollocks slapped her dewy lips, harder and harder, pleasure reverberating down his spine.
When he felt the first rippling clench of her release, he hauled her up by the hips, lifting her knees off the ground. He held her aloft, slamming his cock into her spasming sheath in rhythm to her breathless cries. Fire sizzled up his shaft, and he threw back his head, shouting out as he ejaculated. As he poured the hot load of his essence into his wife’s generous keeping.
With a satisfied groan, he flopped onto his back, pulling her atop him. He tucked her head against his chest. Time slipped by unheeded as their heartbeats slowed in languid unison.
Finally, he said with reluctance, “We’d better get dressed before anyone sees us.”
“In a moment.” She lifted her head to look at him. “There’s something I have to tell you first.”
For a man who’d never been able to read women, it never ceased to amaze him how clear her thoughts were to him. From the shy yet eager expression in her eyes, he knew what she was about to say. His heartbeat began to race again.
His throat tight, he said, “Are you… we…?”
She smiled. “There’ll be a new Murray sometime next spring.”
Unable to find words, he kissed her instead. Emotion brimmed between them. When they parted, they were both breathless.
“Are you feeling well? Is there anything I can do—by Jove.” The realization made him jerk upright. “I just dumped my pregnant wife into a trough… made love to her in a stable.”
“I know. Wasn’t it tip-top?”
He had no resistance against her flirtatious grin. Against the love and devotion in her eyes, a mirror of his own feelings. Cupping her precious face in his palms, he demanded, “Do you know how much I adore you?”
“I have a pretty good idea, but you can show me again if you want.” Her glowing smile lit his world. “There’s always the new gazebo to break in.”
He laughed. Because life with Violet was an adventure… and always would be.
The End
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining me in the world of Heart of Enquiry! I hope you enjoyed your visit with the Kent family and ask that you consider leaving a review. The next installment of the series, Never Say Never to an Earl (Polly’s story), will be out in Fall 2016. More info on that book and others can be found on my website: www.gracecallaway.com.
I also love to hear from my readers, so feel free to drop me a line at [email protected]. For updates on my books, prizes, and giveaways, please click on the link below to sign up for my newsletter.
Cheers and happy reading!
XOXO Grace
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THE HEART OF ENQUIRY SERIES
Grace’s latest series features the adventures of the Kent family. Each of the unconventional siblings finds laughter, steamy passion, and true love while unraveling mysteries and secrets in late Regency England. Join them in their rollicking and sizzling escapades…
To purchase The Duke Who Knew Too Much (Heart of Enquiry #1), please click here.
When Miss Emma Kent witnesses a depraved encounter involving the wicked Duke of Strathaven, her honor compels her to do the right thing. But steamy desire challenges her quest for justice, and she and Strathaven must work together to unravel a dangerous mystery ... before it’s too late.
~~~
To purchase M is for Marquess (Heart of Enquiry #2), please click here.
With her frail constitution improving, Miss Dorothea Kent yearns to live a full and passionate life. Desire blooms between her and Gabriel Ridgley, the Marquess of Tremont, an enigmatic widower with a disabled son. But the road to love proves treacherous as Gabriel’s past as a spy emerges to threaten them both… and they must defeat a dangerous enemy lying in wait.
~~~
To purchase The Lady Who Came in from the Cold (Heart of Enquiry #3), please click here.
Former spy Pandora Hudson gave up espionage for love. Twelve years later, her dark secret rises to threaten her blissful marriage to Marcus, Marquess of Blackwood, and she must face her most challenging mission yet: winning back the heart of the only man she’s ever loved.
~~~
The Viscount Always Knocks Twice (Heart of Enquiry #4)
Sparks fly when feisty hoyden Violet Kent and proper gentleman Richard Murray, Viscount Carlisle, meet at a house party. Yet their forbidden passion and blossoming romance are not the only adventures afoot. For a guest is soon discovered dead—and Violet and Richard must join forces to solve the mystery and protect their loved ones… before the murderer strikes again.
~~~
To purchase The Widow Vanishes (Heart of Enquiry, Prequel Novella), please click here.
Fate throws beautiful widow Annabel Foster into the arms of William McLeod, her enemy’s most ruthless soldier. When an unexpected and explosive night of passion ensues, she must decide: should she run for her life—or stay for her heart?
~~~
THE MAYHEM IN MAYFAIR SERIES
Welcome to Mayfair, where passion and intrigue go hand-in-hand. This steamy romance series brings to life a Regency London of refinement–and depravity. From bawdy houses to Vauxhall, rakish heroes and plucky heroines discover that the path to true love can take some exciting and decidedly naughty turns…
To purchase Her Husband’s Harlot (Mayhem in Mayfair #1), please click here.
How far will a wallflower go to win her husband's love? When her disguise as a courtesan bac
kfires, Lady Helena finds herself entangled in a game of deception and desire with her husband Nicholas, the Marquess of Harteford ... and discovers that he has dark secrets of his own.
~~~
To purchase Her Wanton Wager (Mayhem in Mayfair #2), please click here.
To what lengths will a feisty miss go to save her family from ruin? Miss Persephone Fines takes on a wager of seduction with notorious gaming hell owner Gavin Hunt and discovers that love is the most dangerous risk of all.
~~~
To purchase Her Protector's Pleasure (Mayhem in Mayfair #3), please click here.
Wealthy widow Lady Marianne Draven will stop at nothing to find her kidnapped daughter. Having suffered betrayal in the past, she trusts no man—and especially not Thames River Policeman Ambrose Kent, who has a few secrets of his own. Yet fiery passion ignites between the unlikely pair as they battle a shadowy foe. Can they work together to save Marianne's daughter? And will nights of pleasure turn into a love for all time?
~~~
To purchase Her Prodigal Passion (Mayhem in Mayfair #4), please click here.
Sensible Miss Charity Sparkler has been in love with Paul Fines, her best friend’s brother, for years. When he accidentally compromises her, they find themselves wed in haste. Can an ugly duckling recognize her own beauty and a reformed rake his own value? As secrets of the past lead to present dangers, will this marriage of convenience transform into one of love?
~~~
CHRONICLES OF ABIGAIL JONES
To purchase Abigail Jones (Chronicles of Abigail Jones #1), please click here.
When destiny brings shy Victorian maid Abigail Jones into the home of the brooding and enigmatic Earl of Huxton, she discovers forbidden passion … and a dangerous world of supernatural forces.
About the Author
Grace Callaway's debut novel, Her Husband's Harlot, was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and went on to become a National #1 Bestselling Regency Romance. Since then, the books in her Mayhem in Mayfair and Heart of Enquiry series have landed on multiple national and international bestselling lists. She's received top-starred reviews from Love Romance Passion, Bitten by Paranormal Romance, and Nightowl Reviews, amongst others.
Grace grew up on the Canadian prairies battling mosquitoes and freezing temperatures. She made her way south to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Michigan. She thought writing a dissertation was difficult until she started writing a book; she thought writing a book was challenging until she became a mom. She’s learned that the greater the effort, the sweeter the rewards. Currently, she and her family live in California, where their adventures include remodeling a ramshackle house, exploring the great outdoors, and sampling local artisanal goodies.
Grace loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at [email protected].
Other ways to connect:
Newsletter: www.bitly.com/CallawayNews
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Website: www.gracecallaway.com
Acknowledgements
For my readers who asked for Violet’s story… this one’s for you. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I had channeling my inner hoyden!
For my writing tribe who keeps me sane: Tina, you’re the best partner-in-crime a gal could ask for. Diane, thanks for all your brilliant editorial feedback. Sandy, hugs for answering my panicked messages and sharing your expertise on all things equine. Jess, you’re a wonderful cheerleader and friend.
For the creative geniuses behind my brand: Seductive Musings Design, Period Images, and Atomic Cherry Design, thank you for making my books and website so absolutely gorgeous.
For my family who burned the midnight oil with me on this one. For Candace, best beta reader and sister. For Brian, whose edits made me laugh and go, “Damn, that’s good.” You’re the best, baby. And for Brendan, our little hero.
Copyright
The Viscount Always Knocks Twice © Grace Callaway, 2016.
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.
~~~
Cover Design: Seductive Musings Designs
Cover Image: Period Images
~~~
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.
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