Rolling her eyes, Carolyn batted at his chest. “We need no such thing. Now, do you suppose you could manage the guests while I slip out?”
His mouth fell open in exaggerated shock. “Why, Your Grace, I can’t believe you would even suggest such a scandalous thing.”
“After these months with Diana, I’ve realized finding a moment to be alone with one’s husband is near impossible, so I will take any opportunity that arises.”
He nodded. “That being the case, go. I’ll deal with this rowdy lot.”
She thanked him then hurried to her mare to find the horse already saddled and waiting for her. Within minutes, she experienced the freedom of feeling the wind whipping across her face. It was a rare joy nowadays. She hadn’t visited the gardens in far too long, and she could only imagine the state of disrepair it remained in. The thought dimmed a bit of her happiness.
Anticipation followed her as she tied her mare off, as she’d done so many times before. Pushing through the ivy, she sucked in her breath to see the plants and flowers happily growing. Well-tended with not even one weed in sight.
Seeing the familiar male form sitting on the bench, his foot beside him with his arm resting over his knee, she was transported back to over a year ago. Just like it had then, his presence brought no feelings of danger. This time, however, love for the shadowed man overtook her body.
“You know what the penalty is for trespassing.”
His words sent a tremor through her. “Nothing. After all, I’ve heard the duke is a kind man.”
He stood and moved toward her. “Did you know you saved me that day? My life had been a mess, and I hadn’t even known it.”
She smiled, then ran her hands up his chest. “I would say the same about mine. Did you do all this by yourself?”
“I learned from a master. Besides, I couldn’t very well give you a gift that was in such a horrid state.”
“Gift?” She pulled back and looked into his eyes.
“My grandfather had this secret garden built for my grandmother. It had been intended for her to have a place for herself where she could have privacy and the ability to express her true passion.”
Glancing around at the beloved garden, happiness filled her breast. “I can see the love he put into it. That you put into this place.”
“Every second was for you. This place belongs to you now.”
Tears filled her eyes. “Thank you, Edmund. This is the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. I promise to take great care of these grounds.”
He grinned. “I know you will. And, you will have my help, if you desire it.”
Tapping a finger on her chin, she pretended to think about that. “Wait, if this belongs to me now, that means you are the trespasser here.”
“True, and I’ll have you know I’m terrible at following rules.”
She nodded, fully aware of how he viewed rules. “Well, there are consequences for violations here, and I’m afraid I will have to enforce them.”
His eyes sparkled. “I’m completely at your mercy.”
“That’s exactly how I like you.”
Not wasting another word, she pulled on the lapels of his jacket until he came down for a kiss. He held her close as he devoured her mouth with a desire that matched hers.
Touched by the fire of his passion, she clung to her husband, knowing that her life couldn’t possibly be more perfect than it was in that moment.
Also by Soul Mate Publishing and Jenn Langston:
THE PERFECT SERIES
by Jenn Langston
HIS PERFECT BRIDE
Richard Carrack received the title of Marquis of Stonemede upon his father’s death six months ago. Knowing of the duties associated with the title, he decides to marry and spend the remainder of his days tending to the estate. His requirements for his bride are simple; he wishes her to be obedient and calm-spirited. When circumstances place him in the path of Lady Brianna Denton, whose wild ways make her an unsuitable candidate, he lies about his identity to discourage her from pursuing him for his title.
Brianna Denton knows what she wants out of life. She wishes to marry an untitled lord and live the remainder of her days in the country with no obligations. Only then can she spend her free time painting. When she meets Mr. Richard, she decides he would make the perfect husband. Little does she know, her boldness puts her in a position where she must decide between what she always thought she wanted and what her heart is telling her.
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/q94bx5b
HIS PERFECT GAME
Greyson Thorpe, Viscount Merrick, wants respectability above all else. Knowing the fastest way to achieve that state comes through marriage, he challenges Hammond Everett, the Duke of Donetic, to a card game. After winning the match, the duke agrees to exchange his daughter’s hand in marriage for the forgiveness of his debts.
Willimena Abigail Everett had no desire to marry after experiencing the violent nature of men at her father’s hand. When Viscount Merrick arrives, she has no choice other than to obey her father and marry him. Will she be able to set aside her previous beliefs about men and judge her husband by his own merits?
After obtaining good social standing, Greyson sends his bride to the country; however, he finds himself missing her. Following her to the estate, he discovers she had been living a double life. Will he discover her secrets and control his burning desire for her at the same time?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/oqeam9p
HIS PERFECT LADY
Notorious rake Jonathan Alastair, Viscount Linwood, has spent six years proving he has moved on after being cast off by the only woman he ever cared for. When their paths cross again, his desire for her re-ignites. Intending to pursue her for one night of pleasure, he discovers he wants more from the one woman who got away. But can he overlook her previous rejection in order to forge a new relationship?
Mrs. Catherine Gates is cursed as evident by the swift deaths of two husbands, both on their wedding nights. Brought to London at the insistence of her uncle to remarry, seeing Jonathan again makes her body ache, however she must maintain her distance to save him from the curse. Unable to fight her building passion, can Catherine find a way to break the curse that threatens his life and her everlasting happiness?
Available on Amazon http://tinyurl.com/ktes6vq
CATCHING THE BARON
Kenneth Rawson, Baron Berwick, needs to marry an heiress, but when he discovers his new stable boy, Sam, is actually a woman, he finds himself intrigued. Knowing his choice of a bride must be based on more than blinding passion, he makes his stance on not marrying her very clear.
Samantha Jenkins disguises herself as a boy after the tragic loss of her parents in order to escape a landlord who claimed she owed a debt. After spending time with Baron Berwick, she finds herself falling in love. However, a telling conversation with him makes her realize he only meant to remain with her until he weds.
Will Kenneth realize he is lost without her and beg for forgiveness? Will Samantha forgive him?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/pcsvtfa
WINNING THE DUKE
Grace Denton’s first Season solidifies her decision to never marry. How can she? The London gentlemen are boorish and unappealing. When reunited with the handsome, yet brooding Braiden Everett, his hidden charm captivates her. If she marries him, she could obtain her dream of having a child of her own and a husband she can stand to be around. Despite his contentions to a union, she is confident their connection will help him as well. She has already seen how her proximity begins to heal his pain. Faced with his indifference, will she be able to control her building passion for him?
Discovering women’s heartless nature, Braiden Everett, Duke of Donetic, has sworn off the foolish idea of love. Upon r
eentering his life, the sweet and spirited Grace illuminates the only light left in his dark world. He agrees her marriage of convenience proposal has some merit. But is it wise? He’s intrigued by her mind and tempted by her body. However, he refuses to lose his heart again. Besides, she deserves more than he can give. After all, he’s forgotten how to love, hasn’t he?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/pc6c2zu
REDEEMING THE EARL
Rebecca Doutree has a secret. A big secret. She is the author of the famous Unscandal Sheet. The anonymity provides her a unique position to discover the legitimacy behind local gossip and to aid the wrongly accused in her publication. When she meets the Earl of Dunmore, the facts hidden underneath the rumors surrounding him beckon her to unveil them. However, as she spends time with him to secretly uncover the truth, she discovers concentrating on her mission to be much harder than she anticipated. What is it about him that affects her so?
Charles Edwards, the Earl of Dunmore, only wants one thing: an heir. Yet, as a four-time widower, he is surrounded by scandal. Knowing of his duty to the earldom, he ventures to London to clear his name and obtain wife number five. Coming across the husky-voiced Miss Doutree, he turns his attention to her. To his surprise, he finds himself tempted by her like never before. The new feeling is discomforting, and he isn’t sure he likes it. Can he marry her and still remain the same man? Or, more importantly, will she survive the endeavor?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/jolhf92
TOUCHED BY FIRE SERIES
By Jenn Langston
EMBRACING THE KNIGHT
Miss Claire Ashford knows exactly what she wants out of life — to marry for love. When she finds herself alone in the woods with none other than notorious rake Ian Michael Caldwell, Viscount Knightly, her chances of a proper match are ruined. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of her reputation, but she is determined not to marry anyone out of obligation.
For years, Ian has wanted nothing more than to, one day, marry Miss Claire Ashford. When fate forces them into a compromising situation, he vows to do just that. In spite of every effort, she refuses his suit. Not one to easily give up, Ian drafts assistance from an unlikely source.
As her first season continues, Claire finds it increasingly difficult to keep her distance from Ian. His charm, and ability to stir feelings inside of her she didn’t know existed, makes it hard to remember why she refused him in the first place. With his relentless pursuit and her weakening resolve, she desperately wants to give in to him. However, after seeing he hasn’t changed his rakish ways, how can she trust him not to break her heart, again?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/kr768sf
ENSLAVING THE DAY
One night’s mistake finds Lady Annalise Hera in a very compromising situation. Pregnant, unmarried, and on her way to Gretna Green. Although Baron Dailey put her in this position, she belatedly realizes she can’t marry him and will do anything to get him to release her. Even lie. After all, life would be better as a disgraced, unwed mother than the wife of a cocky, irritating man she can barely tolerate.
Gordon Ashford, Baron Dailey, never thought much about his friend’s younger sister. That was, until she grew into a beautiful woman. Now, after one drunken night when he took her innocence, he can’t seem to get her out of his head. With her constant refusal of him, and perpetual need to argue, he should give her up. But he can’t, even though she’s told him she’s not carrying his child.
Convincing her to accept him proves to be near impossible, but he’s not one to easily give up.
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/ycmhjyss
ENSNARING LORD STARSEN
Tethered to a restrictive life on her half-brother’s estate, Lady Isabella Rossland tries her best to find her own happiness. With the dreary gentlemen nearby not appealing to her restless spirit, she’s left with few escape options. Then, a man she’s known for years catches her attention, and she’s intrigued. What could make a man so aloof act so unexpectedly? It seems there is more to Lord Starsen than the person he presents to society.
Marcus Hera, Earl of Starsen, vows to lead a calm existence, due to a fiery tragedy during his reckless youth where he suffered permanent injuries. As such, he wants a dutiful wife to complement his life. When his path crosses unexpectedly with the impetuous Lady Isabella, he’s shocked to find himself drawn to her. He resists his undeniable attraction to her, choosing duty over the confusing emotions she’s wrought in him.
Realizing Marcus has a spirit that matches her own, Isabella makes her intentions known, only to discover he has made a promise to another. Not one to easily give up, Isabella must convince him she is the right woman for him. With his impending betrothal approaching, time is running out. Has she pierced his barriers and won his heart, or is she too late?
Available on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/yc3nmcta
Enchanting the Duke of Demoon (Touched by Fire Book 4) Page 22