“Bully to that,” he murmured. “We first met in a gentleman’s club.”
Her strawberry-flaxen locks burned a darker shade of red in the low light—as did her pinkening cheeks. “Yes, well, our first ‘official’ meeting was in a ballroom like this one.”
“You’d already seen me naked by then.”
The heat in her gaze slowly simmered. “I had, hadn’t I?”
“Wench.”
Her smile broadened. She had once detested that word, but since marrying him, she’d grown rather fond of it, and her tenderness toward the epithet demonstrated just how much their relationship had strengthened.
Quincy hadn’t realized he’d been strapped for breath until a whoosh of air escaped his cramped lungs. His blood reeled as a precious memory overwhelmed him: the first time he’d set eyes upon Holly.
It had been a year ago, on Christmas Eve. She’d stumbled into his room at the bawdy house, mistaking him for her model. As the notorious Lord H, Holly had painted nudes to support herself. And when his bare arse had appeared in the underground artworld, Quincy had been convinced she’d ruined his life. Worse, he’d been forced to marry the wench in order to prevent a scandal and protect their reputations.
It was hard to imagine, but he’d once thought he’d never be happy with Holly, with any woman, really. He’d been obsessed with opium for ages, plagued by nightmares and saddled with guilt over past sins . . . luckily, his wily wife had seduced him, healed him, offered him hope.
Disarmed by the unruly emotions teeming inside him, Quincy captured her soft mouth in a tight and sizzling kiss. She stumbled once, twice before regaining her footing, then lilted with him in harmony around the dance floor, their lips still locked in a passionate buss.
As his blood burned—too hot—he broke away from the kiss, rasping, “Happy Christmas, Holly.”
Her voice fluttered. “Happy Christmas.”
He needed to take his mind off the raw urges stirring within him, and offered, “Congratulations on the smashing success of your first exhibit.”
Since retiring the pseudonym Lord H, Holly had taken up the more enigmatic initials H. H for Holly Hawkins. She had recently presented a collection of art incognito, unleased a new form of expression, in truth: a sort of nonrepresentational work instead of the usual objective art.
She snorted. “Half the critics despised my efforts.”
“It doesn’t matter if they love you or hate you, my dear, so long as it’s one extreme or the other, so long as you’re the subject of discussion, gossip, even.”
She cocked her head, thoughtful. “I suppose.”
“You are now an acclaimed artist. And your work will be in ever higher demand—just don’t tell anyone you’re a woman.”
“I wouldn’t dare.” She made a moue. “I’d be declared an abomination. Any critic who’d respected my work would have to hide face for supporting a woman artist, while my detractors would revel in pompous approval, vindicated that my work was not art because of my sex.”
At the rising pitch in her voice, he nuzzled her brow in comfort. “I’m afraid H.H will remain a mystery to posterity . . . but your brilliant work will last forever.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “And how goes your medical practice, Doctor Hawkins?”
“The suites are furnished and I have two official patients.”
A slender brow arched. “Impressive.”
He wasn’t bothered by her teasing. A new “quacksalver” set up shop every day in Town. It would take time to earn the public’s trust. And Quincy had time. Since boyhood, he’d possessed a fascination with the healing arts. He’d even trained as a surgeon aboard one of his brother’s ships. But it wasn’t until a few months ago, when he’d received his accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians, that he’d opened his own practice on Harley Street.
“In truth,” he said, “I prefer working at the Royal Hospital for Incurables and the Royal Free Hospital in Hatton Gardens.”
“Why?”
“The physicians there are little more than blacksmiths and barbers. The patients are desperate for help. And I intend to make changes in sanitation, nursing. I will still keep my private practice like any respectable doctor, but my work at the hospitals are far more meaningful.”
“Because you have talented hands, my love.”
Was that a double entendre?
As his blood smoldered again, he caressed her lithe fingers. “Would you trust me with your painter’s hands?”
“I would trust you with every part of my body, including my heart.”
His own heart pounded ever quicker, and their dance slowed to an idle undulation. “If you’d like me to perform a thorough examination, my love?”
She gasped. “We’ll be late for dinner.”
“Dinner be damned.”
She paused, scraping her teeth over her plump bottom lip—then pulled him in for a heady kiss.
CHAPTER 5
William
Captain William Hawkins strolled through the castle, arm in arm with his wife. It was her first visit to the ancient fortress, and she’d been enchanted by its grotesque exterior and modern, illuminated interior. He’d showed her all the principal rooms. And now, there was just one hall left to tour.
“Last,” he said with majestic flair, “is the library.”
William opened the heavy oak door, revealing a vaulted ceiling with three stories of priceless tomes, and a giant globe in the middle of the room.
Madeline rushed toward it. “How marvelous!”
He had saved the library as the last stop on their jaunt, knowing it would bring her the greatest pleasure. And as she grazed her fingers over the circular map in wonder, and her emerald eyes sparkled with awe, his chest tightened.
Lady Madeline’s Winters had entered his life several months ago, during his darkest hour. She was his miracle. She was also five months pregnant, possessed a wicked temper and always found a way to put him in a damnable position—but he still thanked heaven for her every day.
Her hand soon rested over a streak of isles in the Bahamas. “I don’t see our island here.”
Their “island” was one of many uncharted landmasses in the Caribbean: just a small outcrop of boulders, beach and jungle with no human habitation—and thus the perfect shelter for a band of pirates.
William’s mood darkened as he remembered the buccaneers who’d kidnapped his wife, threatened her harm . . . and the pirate leader who’d stabbed him in the belly. The bloody island shouldn’t hold any fond memories for him, but it’s there they’d found a pool of healing water, water that had mended his lethal wounds and offered him a lifetime with Madeline.
Aye, it was “their” island: a secret, magical place.
William shut the door and approached his wife. “There are many lands left to find and explore, luv . . . but I’m afraid no one will ever see ‘our’ island on any map.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s gone, Maddie.”
Madeline blinked, bemused. “Gone? How can an island disappear?”
As a privateer in the Royal Navy’s African Squadron, William was privy to reports from the Admiralty. He had recently learned that an island in the Bahamas—their island—had vanished.
While the pirate crew had been imprisoned by the authorities, their captain, a nameless devil, had eluded capture, and so the Royal Navy had routinely circled the island in search of the castaway captain, confidant deprivation would force him out of hiding—until one day they found the island missing.
“A few days ago, I came across a naval report, recounting yet another survey of the island in search of the elusive pirate captain.”
“The fiend,” she said in a tart voice.
William cupped her shoulders. “You don’t have to worry about him anymore, Maddie. The island sank in the sea: an earthquake according to the report. And the pirate leader drowned with the island.”
For a moment, she remained still. Soon, her g
inger brown curls bobbed as she tapped her foot. “That coward!”
William arched a bow. “I beg your pardon?”
“He scuttled the island rather than face trial, rather than face us for his crimes.”
“Maddie, I don’t think an island—”
“Can sink? On purpose? Of course, it can, Will. Remember the healing waters?”
William strained his memory. He had so few images in his mind, mostly sentiments like pain, dizziness, and then the sensation of warmth and comfort. “I don’t understand, Maddie.”
“After we removed you from the pool, your brother Quincy tried to bottle the healing water but was warned the island would tremble.”
“Like an earthquake,” he said, a vivid picture coming into his head.
“Aye.” She sniffed. “That fiend disturbed the pool, sending the island to the bottom of the sea—and evading justice, of course.”
“Perhaps you’re right, Maddie.”
“I know I’m right,” she huffed. “I looked straight into his eyes, Will. I confronted a Coward.”
As her features turned an even greater shade of red, he worried about her health and that of the babe’s, drawing her into his arms and lulling her with an encompassing embrace.
“It’s over, Maddie.”
She sighed. “I wanted to watch him hang.”
He groaned at her bloodthirsty response. “You’re a dangerous woman to cross.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m not sure that was a compliment.”
“I accept it as a compliment.”
As her smile returned, he chuckled. “Are you hungry?”
“Famished.”
He steered her toward the door, a protective arm around the small of her back. “I’m sure dinner is about to be served.”
The couple sauntered through the corridors, making their way toward the dining hall. Inside, most of the family had already gathered around the large table. The duke and duchess ogled each other from across the heads of the table. James looked rather petulant, though Sophia rubbed his arm in assurance. Edmund and Amy were both quiet, but content. And moments later, Quincy and Holly rushed into the room, disheveled and blushing.
As William and Madeline took their seats, footmen served platters of freshly cooked fare and poured red wine into chalices.
William scooped his chalice and lifted to his feet. “I propose a toast.”
The gesture unexpected, the family stared at him. After all, he was the most unspontaneous of the clan. At least, he used to be before he met his wife.
As soon as everyone had a cup in hand, he went on with, “To happily-ever-after. Though sometimes late, ’tis better than never.”
“Here! Here!”
And amid the roar of celebrators, the ringing of chalices echoed throughout the castle.
CHAPTER 6
Drake . . . Junior
As Captain Drake Hawkins stood outside the castle window, watching his half siblings toast with disgusting cheerfulness, his innards churned ever greater.
His horse snorted and sidestepped, sensing his growing rage, and he swallowed the bile back down his throat before the animal panicked.
“Wretched curs,” he snarled.
They had stolen everything from him: his pirate crew, his ship, his island—and his father, for Drake Senior had loved his legitimate children far more than his bastard son.
At the pain in his chest, he girded his muscles. It was fucking unfair! They had betrayed their father, turning into nobs, joining the royal navy—becoming everything their father had despised. And he, the loyal son was the outcast?
His eyes still pegged on his loathsome kin, Drake twisted the reins of his horse around his hands so tight, welts formed across his palms.
“I will destroy you all,” he vowed, blood pooling in his hands. “I will make you pay for what you’ve done to me . . . and to the memory of our father.”
And with that final oath, Drake pulled on the reins, kicked his horse’s flanks and galloped into the wintry darkness . . .
WELCOME!
Enter the sensual and swashbuckling world of The Hawkins Brothers: four dark and dangerous pirates who retire their wicked ways after their sister becomes a duchess. But can the rugged rogues enter high society in Regency England, masquerading as gentlemen? Or will their true identities be revealed?
Learn all about the sexy brigands by turning the page, but beware! The Hawkins Brothers just might steal your heart and never give it back.
MY HERO!
Take the following personality quiz and find out which Hawkins brother is best suited to steam up your night!
1. On a warm and sunny day, I’d be outside:
A.On a nature walk
B.Gardening
C.Hosting a BBQ
D.Playing sports
2. At a dinner party, I’m most likely to drink:
A.Wine
B.Ginger Ale
C.Beer
D.Anything!
3. My favorite holiday is:
A.Valentine’s Day
B.Christmas
C.Thanksgiving
D.Halloween
4. If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d visit:
A.Jamaica
B.Africa
C.Las Vegas
D.Ibiza, Spain
5. My idea of the perfect date is:
A.A late night picnic on the beach
B.An intimate dinner at a restaurant
C.Going to a football game
D.An evening of dancing
ANSWERS: MY HERO
Mostly As: James Hawkins
Captain James Hawkins, the infamous pirate leader Black Hawk, is the oldest of the Hawkins brood and wields the greatest brute strength. As the head of the family, he is saddled with responsibility and can prove stubborn at times as he struggles to keep his kin together and away from the gallows. He prizes loyalty above all other qualities and possesses a lusty appetite for life’s simple pleasures. A true alpha male, he can communicate an order to a tar (or a desire to a woman) with just one piercing look. However, he also has a tender side, achingly soft at times, but well concealed. It is only in moments of great peace that he drops his iron front and lets the tenderness show.
See James Hawkins meet his match in Mistress of Paradise and The Infamous Rogue.
Mostly Bs: William Hawkins
William Hawkins is the second eldest and the most levelheaded of the Hawkins brood. Intelligent and even tempered, he can see both sides of a story clearly. He has a knack for settling a conflict before it gets out of hand, earning him the status of peace-maker in the tempestuous family. But William’s sensibility leads to emotional indifference, making him a stranger to romantic love. Will the responsible William open his heart at last, and let the wild and stormy ways of love take root?
Find out in How to Steal a Pirate’s Heart.
Mostly Cs: Edmund Hawkins
Hot-tempered Edmund Hawkins is the middle brother. He enjoys a big meal and a good round of fisticuffs. Secretive, he tends to keep to himself, talking only if he has something worthwhile to impart. He is content to let his older brothers rule the roost, while he searches for amusement elsewhere . . . in London’s underworld. Will the brooding Edmund find a woman who will bring out the champion in him?
Look for his emotional story in The Notorious Scoundrel.
Mostly Ds: Quincy Hawkins
The pup, Quincy Hawkins, is the youngest of the Hawkins brood and the most likely to get into scrapes. Charming and flirtatious, he makes the ladies swoon. He’s always ready for fun or adventure—even if it lands him in the gaol. He’s honest (too honest) and will always tell you what’s on his mind. But the fun-loving rake possesses another, darker side. Personal demons lead him astray. Will he find a deep and enduring love to help him reconcile with his tortured past?
Don’t miss his tale in How to Seduce a Pirate.
THE HAWKINS BROTHERS SERIES
MISTRESS OF PARADISE
(prequel)
A dark and troubled soul, Captain James Hawkins seeks freedom from his tortured past as the infamous pirate, Black Hawk. But when he meets a seductive beauty on the island of Jamaica, he finds a passion greater than any foray at sea.
Sassy, fierce and independent, Sophia Dawson knows her heart's desire—and it's the sexy brigand who tempts her with promises of pleasure. In his arms, she finds erotic delight and respite from duty as her mad father's caretaker.
But a storm lurks on the horizon as the couple's heated affair attracts scorn from the islanders. Will James and Sophia weather the brutal tempest . . . or will there be trouble in paradise?
AVAILABLE NOW!
THE INFAMOUS ROGUE
(book one)
The daughter of a wealthy bandit, Sophia Dawson once lost herself in the arms of Black Hawk, the most infamous pirate ever to command the high seas. But now, determined to put her sinful past behind her, she prepares to enter society as the bride of a well-born nobleman who knows nothing of her scandalous youth. All goes according to plan until her ex-lover—now a respectable sea captain but just as handsome and dangerous as ever—appears and once again tempts her with desire.
From the moment he sees Sophia again, James Hawkins wants only one thing: revenge. He'll see to it that the reckless beauty pays for abandoning their heated affair. And so begins a battle of wills that can end only in utter ruin . . . or wicked surrender . . .
AVAILABLE NOW!
THE NOTORIOUS SCOUNDREL
(book two)
Like an irresistible siren, the veiled dancer with the bewitching green eyes lures dukes and earls down into London's underworld to see her dance—and succumb to her spell. Some say she's a princess, but only one man knows her darkest secret . . .
How to Steal a Pirate's Heart (The Hawkins Brothers Series) Page 14