A Duke in the Night

by Kelly Bowen

  Eli froze at the voice. He turned his head slightly, only to feel the tip of a knife prick the skin at his neck.

  “I asked you not to move.”

  Eli clenched his teeth. It was a feminine voice, he thought. Or perhaps that of a very young boy, though the authority it carried suggested the former. A maid, then. Perhaps she had been up, or perhaps he had woken her. He supposed that this was what he deserved for sneaking into a house unannounced and unexpected. It was, in truth, his house now, but nevertheless, the last thing he needed was for her to start shrieking for help and summon the entire household. He wasn’t ready to face that just yet.

  “I’m not going to hurt you,” he said clearly.

  “Not on your knees with my knife at your neck, I agree.” The knife tip twisted, though it didn’t break the skin.

  “There is a reasonable explanation.” He fought back frustration. Dammit, but he just wanted to be left alone.

  “I’m sure. But the silverware is downstairs,” the voice almost sneered. “In case you missed it.”

  “I’m not a thief.” He felt his brow crease slightly. Something about the voice from just above him was oddly familiar.

  “Ah.” The response was measured, though there was a slight waver to it. “I’ll scream this bloody house down before I allow you to touch me or any of the girls.”

  “I’m not touching anyone,” he snapped with far more force than was necessary, before he abruptly stopped. Any of the girls? What the hell did that mean?

  The knife tip pressed down a little harder, and Eli winced. He could hear rapid breathing, and a new scent reached him, one unmistakably feminine. Soap, he realized, the fragrance exotic and rich. Something that one wouldn’t expect from a maid.

  “Who are you?” she demanded.

  “I might ask the same.”

  “Criminals don’t have that privilege.”

  Eli bit back another curse. This was ridiculous. His knees were getting sore, and he was chilled to the bone, exhausted from travel, and in his own damn house. If he had to endure England, it would not be like this. In a fluid motion he dropped flat against the floor and rolled immediately to the side, sweeping his arm up to knock that of his attacker’s. He heard her utter a strangled gasp as the knife fell to the floor and she stumbled forward, caught off balance.

  Eli was on his knees instantly, his hands catching hers as they flailed at him. He pinned her wrists, twisting her body so she was now on her back on the floor, Eli hovering over her. He heard her suck in a deep breath, and he yanked a hand away to cover her mouth, stopping her scream before it ever escaped.

  “Again,” he said between clenched teeth, “I am not going to hurt you.” Beneath his hand her head jerked from side to side. She had fine features, he realized. In fact, all of her felt tiny, from the bones in her wrists to the small frame struggling beneath him. It made him feel suddenly protective. As if he held something infinitely fragile that was his to care for.

  Though a woman who brandished a knife in such a manner couldn’t be that fragile. He tightened his hold and cleared his throat. “If you recall, it was you who had me at a disadvantage with a knife at my neck. I will not make any apologies for removing myself from that position. Nor will I make any apologies for my presence at Avondale. I have every right to be here.”

  Her struggles stilled.

  Eli tried to make out her features in the darkness, but it was impossible. “If I take my hand away, will you scream?”

  He felt her shake her head.

  “Promise?”

  She made a furious noise in the back of her throat in response.

  Very slowly Eli removed his hand. She blew out a breath but kept her word and didn’t scream. He released her wrists and pushed himself back on his heels. He heard the rustle of fabric, and the air stirred as she pushed herself away. Her warm, exotic scent swirled around him before fading.

  “You’re not a maid,” he said.

  “What?” Her confusion was clear. “No.”

  “Then who are you?” he demanded. “And why are you in my rooms?”

  “Your rooms?” Now there was disbelief. “I don’t know who you think you are or where you think you are, but I can assure you that these are not your rooms.”

  Eli swallowed, a sudden thought making his stomach sink unpleasantly. Had Avondale been sold? Had he broken into a house that, in truth, he no longer owned? It wasn’t impossible. It might even be probable. He had been away a long time.

  “Is it my brother you are looking for? Is someone hurt?”

  The question caught him off guard. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Do you need a doctor?”

  Eli found himself scowling fiercely, completely at a loss. Nothing since he had pushed open that door had made any sort of sense. “Who owns Avondale?”

  “What?” Now it was her turn to sound stymied.

  “This house—was it sold? Do you own it?”

  “No. We’ve leased Avondale from the Earl of Rivers for years. From his estate now, I suppose, until they decide what to do with it.” She paused, and he could hear suspicion seeping from every syllable. “Did you know him? The old earl?”

  Eli opened his mouth before closing it. He finally settled on, “Yes.”

  “Then you’re what? A friend of the family? Relative?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Which one?”

  Eli drew in a deep breath that wasn’t wholly steady. He tried to work his tongue around the words that would forever commit him to this place. That would effectively sever any retreat.

  He cleared his throat. “I am the Earl of Rivers.”

  Kelly Bowen grew up in Manitoba, Canada. She attended the University of Manitoba and earned a master of science degree in veterinary physiology and endocrinology. But it was Kelly’s infatuation with history and a weakness for a good love story that led her down the path of historical romance. When she is not writing, she seizes every opportunity to explore ruins and battlefields.

  Currently Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two boys, all of whom are wonderfully patient with the writing process. Except, that is, when they need a goalie for street hockey.

  Learn more at:

  http://www.kellybowen.net

  @kellybowen09

  http://facebook.com

  Also by Kelly Bowen

  A Season for Scandal

  Duke of My Heart

  A Duke to Remember

  Between the Devil and the Duke

  The Lords of Worth

  I’ve Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm

  A Good Rogue Is Hard to Find

  A Lady’s Guide to Skirting Scandal (short story)

  You’re the Earl That I Want

  ACCLAIM FOR KELLY BOWEN

  BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DUKE

  “[T]he fun, intrigue, and romance crescendo in a whopping plot twist. Bowen’s Regency romances are always delightful, and this is one of her best yet.”

  —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  “Bowen again delivers the goods with this exquisitely written historical romance, whose richly nuanced characters, unexpected flashes of dry wit, and superbly sensual love story will have readers sighing happily in satisfaction.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “Bowen delivers another winner with scandalous heroines and roguish heroes in her A Season for Scandal series. Combining intelligent and somewhat unconventional characters with a clever plot and a bit of suspense, Bowen captures readers’ interest from the intriguing beginning to the expected HEA.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  A DUKE TO REMEMBER

  “This isn’t a Regency comedy of manners. It’s way better. This bright, surprising romance sets aside the intricate social rules and focuses on forging trust and love even when it seems like the whole world is against you.”

  —Best Romance of August selection,

  the Amazon Book Review

  “Top Pick! 4½ Stars! The p
owerful emotions, action, adventure and passion are what readers desire, and Bowen delivers, and brings readers her most memorable characters yet. Many will cherish this beautifully rendered tale.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “A Duke to Remember has everything you want in a romance…a truly satisfying happily ever after that will leave you misty-eyed.”

  —BookPage.com

  DUKE OF MY HEART

  “Bowen’s irresistible Regency is like the most popular debutante at the ball: pretty, witty, mysterious, and full of coquettish allure. From the first line to the happy dénouement, Bowen builds enough romantic heat to melt midwinter snow.”

  —A Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2016 selection

  “In her latest, Kelly Bowen offers up a vibrant, clever heroine in Ivory Moore—think Olivia Pope in a corset. The romance here is deeply satisfying, and Bowen excels in writing secondary characters and scenes. What’s more, the nooks and crannies of this book are delightful, much like those in our real world, perfect to be discovered alongside true love.”

  —The Washington Post

  “Top Pick! 4½ Stars! Bowen begins her Season for Scandal series with a nonstop murder mystery that sizzles with tension. This suspenseful tale unfolds quickly, and readers will be captivated by the well-drawn characters who move Bowen’s inventive plot forward. Readers will savor this unconventional romance.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  YOU’RE THE EARL THAT I WANT

  “This story has it all: romance, suspense, wit, and Bowen’s trademark smart and slightly quirky characters. Bowen’s thrilling plot, spot-on pacing, and savvy characterization will delight her current fans and seduce new ones.”

  —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  “You’re the Earl That I Want delivers with intrigue, chemistry, and humor.”

  —HeroesandHeartbreakers.com

  “4 stars! Humor shines throughout Bowen’s final Lords of Worth novel. Her atypical characters’ adventures quickly move the story forward, enchanting readers with their escapades and captivating them with their sexual tension. Bowen is at the top of her game, and all readers could desire is more.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  A GOOD ROGUE IS HARD TO FIND

  “Where have you been all my life, Kelly Bowen? If Julia Quinn, Sarah MacLean, and Lisa Kleypas were to extract their writing DNA, mix it in a blender, and have a love child, Kelly Bowen would be it.”

  —HeroesandHeartbreakers.com

  “Bowen’s impish sense of humor is expressed by lively, entertaining characters in this wickedly witty Regency. This is pure romantic fun.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “4½ stars! This is a shining example of Bowen’s ability to make readers both laugh (at the wry and witty dialogue) and cry (at the poignancy within the romance). With wonderful characters, a quick pace, and heated sensuality, Bowen has a winner.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  I’VE GOT MY DUKE TO KEEP ME WARM

  “With this unforgettable debut, Bowen proves she is a writer to watch as she spins a multilayered plot skillfully seasoned with danger and deception and involving wonderfully complex protagonists and a memorable cast of supporting characters…a truly remarkable romance well worth savoring.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “4 stars! In this delightful, poignant debut that sets Bowen on the path to become a beloved author, the innovative plotline and ending are only superseded by the likable, multidimensional characters: a strong-willed heroine and a heart-stealing hero. Get set to relish Bowen’s foray into the genre.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Fans of romance with a touch of suspense will enjoy the work of this new author.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  Fall in Love with Forever Romance

  DRIFTWOOD COVE

  By Debbie Mason

  FBI agent Michael Gallagher never dreamed that his latest investigation would bring him back to his hometown of Harmony Harbor. Or that one of his best leads would be the woman he once loved. Shay Angel is tougher than anyone he knows, but she still needs his help. Even if it means facing the past they can’t forgive…or a love they can’t forget.

  A DUKE IN THE NIGHT

  By Kelly Bowen

  Headmistress Clara Hayward is a master of deception. She’s fooled the ton into thinking she’s simply running a prestigious finishing school. In reality, she offers an education far superior to what society deems proper for young ladies. If only her skills could save her family’s import business. She has a plan that might succeed, as long as a certain duke doesn’t get in the way…

  ONE AND ONLY

  By Jenny Holiday

  In this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday proves that when opposites attract, sparks fly. Bridesmaid Jane Denning will do anything to escape her bridezilla friend—even if it means babysitting the groom’s troublemaker brother before the wedding. Cameron MacKinnon is ready to let loose, but first he’ll have to sweet-talk responsible Jane into taking a walk on the wild side. Turns out, riling her up is the best time he’s had in years. But will fun and games turn into something real?

  SECOND CHANCE COWBOY

  By A. J. Pine

  Once a cowboy, always a cowboy in A.J. Pine’s first Crossroads Ranch novel! After ten years away, Jack Everett is finally back home. The ranch he can handle—Jack might be a lawyer, but he still remembers how to work with his hands. But turning around the failing vineyard he’s also inherited? That requires working with the one woman he never expected to see again.

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