Pauline’s response made Emilie’s heart flutter. There was a very special man somewhere in the Comtesse’s home, one who wasn’t part of that incident a decade ago.
Vincent d’Alumbert.
He’d mentioned in his letter that he, too, would be in attendance at the masquerade. She’d only ever seen him once, from afar, a long, long time ago. She was so eager to see him up close and in person. More than she could ever admit. Probably more than she should.
But she couldn’t help having tender feelings for him. He and his letters were a source of joy. She felt so very close to him, having forged a connection with him she’d never had with anyone else. There was nothing she couldn’t ask him. Or tell him. And she’d divulged plenty.
Given what she was attempting to do—indulge in debauchery—it settled her nerves just knowing he’d be present. On hand to offer advice if she needed it.
Pauline donned her silver-colored demi-mask with white plumes, then approached, placed her hands on Emilie’s shoulders, and looked her firmly in the eye. “Are you absolutely certain you want to do this?” she asked.
Emilie tamped down her fears and self-doubt and steeled her courage. “Yes.” Just once she wanted to be desired. For the next few days, she was going to step into the world of make-believe. With the aid of her masks, be transformed into someone else. For the first time ever, she wasn’t going to be looked at as a misfit. Or damaged. She wouldn’t be Emilie Embers. Singed Emilie de Sarron. Or equally as detestable, The Ugly Little Duckling—cruel names she’d endured all her life.
She deserved to be wanted. Kissed. Touched. Held. Every woman did, no matter her plight.
“Very well. Then let us begin.” Pauline took Emilie’s demi-mask of gold and red from her hand and tied it in place. “There’s no time like the present.” Looping her arm with Emilie’s once again, she led her to the door. “You don’t have to worry about approaching the men. They’ll no doubt approach you.”
Fiery Tales Series
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Novellas
SLEEPING BEAU
LITTLE RED WRITING
BEWITCHING IN BOOTS
THE MARQUIS’S NEW CLOTHES
THE LOVELY DUCKLING
THE PRINCESS AND THE DIAMONDS
Anthologies
AWAKENED BY A KISS
THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED
Full-length novels
A MIDNIGHT DANCE
UNDONE
THREE RECKLESS WISHES
Holiday Novella
THE DUKE’S MATCH GIRL
Lila DiPasqua is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical romance with heat. She lives with her husband, three children and two rescued dogs and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads!
The Marquis's New Clothes (Fiery Tales Book 7) Page 12