by Dawn Brower
He stared down at the empty glass in his hand and contemplated refilling it. If he had to deal with Serenity, he’d require the fortification. Without giving it a second thought, he grabbed the decanter of brandy and filled his glass again. He turned toward Serenity and sipped the amber liquid.
“Your investigative skills are simply amazing,” he drawled. “Perhaps I should hire you as one of England’s spymasters.”
“You couldn’t afford me,” she deadpanned. “Though I admit you’d be a fool to let me go. I may not be able to blend into any surrounding, but I could uncover information better than anyone you could recruit.” She waved a hand dismissively. “Too bad I already have a job, and you won’t be the beneficiary of my special skills.”
Brandon swallowed another large gulp of brandy. Her statement held an ounce of truth; after all, her gift made her a walking, talking lie detector. She’d be a gem to have in an interrogation room. He wasn’t about to admit that to her though. Serenity had enough self confidence to level a room if she chose to. She didn’t need him to reinforce her belief in herself.
“Perhaps I have something of more value to entice you with,” he replied.
Serenity licked her lips. With one swipe of her tongue he instantly hardened. She seemed to play games with him as often one would draw a breath. He was convinced she was aware of exactly how she affected him. He hadn’t quite figured out what her end goal was though. She might be able to read him, but he couldn’t claim the same concerning her.
“I might be willing to listen to your offer.” Serenity stepped closer and lifted the glass from his hand, taking a sip. “Nice,” she said giving it back to him. “Perhaps I’ll pour myself a glass since you didn’t offer.”
She sashayed past him allowing her skirts to brush his leg. He clenched the glass tightly in his hand and prayed for patience. As much as he wanted to, he was not going to lift her and have his way with her on his desk. Although, the more he let himself imagine it, the better it sounded. Why wasn’t it a good idea? For the life of him, he couldn’t think of a single reason why he should abstain.
Serenity brushed past him with her own glass of brandy in hand. Any other lady of his acquaintance would be scandalized at her freely drinking strong spirits. Brandy was a man’s drink. A lady could have sherry or wine, but anything else was out of the question.
“Now, where were we?” she said. “Oh, yes.” Serenity snapped her fingers. “An offer I can’t refuse.”
Hell. What had he managed to entangle himself in this time? He’d have to find something to give her or she’d bury him with his good intentions. When he’d made that statement, he’d been well in the throes of growing lust. He almost snorted at that imagery. His desire for her was always there. The only thing growing was his cock. One glance from her and he was ready and willing.
“There is no offer,” he replied. “I’m going away for a few days. Something has been brought to my attention, and I have to investigate.”
“Oh?” She raised a brow. “Has Napoleon escaped St. Helena?”
Brandon froze and asked as evenly as possible. “What do you know?” Could that evil bastard have actually escaped? Why hadn’t she said so? He could have prevented it… With her knowledge, she could stop a great many things. He couldn’t fathom why she didn’t.
“About Napoleon? A lot actually—even the date of his death. Maybe one day I’ll tell you.” Serenity laughed. “It doesn’t take much to get a rise out of you. One mention of the former emperor, and I have your full attention. I should do so more often and maybe I’d keep you focused on me.”
He wanted to shake her. Napoleon wasn’t anything to joke about. Didn’t she realize the havoc that man had brought? He alone was capable of erupting chaos on the world. His maniacal plans could destroy lives. “You don’t need to mention Napoleon to accomplish that goal.” He gritted his teeth. She’d been toying with him as usual. Nothing was happening with Napoleon—though he would perhaps find a way to make her spill the date of his death. That information might ease his concern a bit.
“Ah,” she said. “He finally admits it.”
Damn. What had she pushed him to? “It’s hardly news,” Brandon said dryly. “You act as if the world revolves around you. Far be it from me to deny you that reality.”
A soft chuckle filled the room. “I’ll let that pass.” A grin filled her face. “You’re deflecting. It’s what you do best after all. I won’t remind you that you can’t hide from me.”
“I believe you just did.”
How could he forget for even a moment that she could see past every layer he’d carefully crafted? He wanted to, but she constantly ripped away the veneer he’d tried to hold on to. It was aggravating in ways he couldn’t fully describe.
“You’re right,” she said. “I apologize for my lack of discretion. I’m afraid I was never very good at pretending.” She drained the contents of her glass and set it on his desk.
Why did she have to be so lovely? If she was hideous perhaps he could dismiss her easily. No, even if she was scarred and plump, something about her would draw him in. She was irresistible. Brandon scrubbed his hands over his face and sighed. “I don’t have time for this.” He drained the contents of his glass and set it on his desk. “I’m going to tell my valet to pack my trunk. I have to travel to Manchester to investigate the ruckus growing in the area.”
Serenity reached out, placing her hand on his chest. “What’s in Manchester?”
Something in her face stopped him short. All color had drained from her face, and it was almost devoid of emotion. “What is it?” he asked.
She didn’t have precognitive skills. That was her sister’s gift. Something he’d said sparked an idea or a memory in her. He had to find out what she knew. It might be useful to his investigation. She didn’t enlighten him though and only stared up at him expectantly. Apparently, she was capable of staying quiet if she had a reason to.
“There is a movement for voting rights being extended to the working men,” he said reluctantly. “A couple men have stirred them up, and there are rumors they’re going to gather together in one place.”
“Henry Hunt and William Cobbett,” she said.
“Yes,” he said surprised. He shouldn’t have been though. “What do you know about them?”
She shook her head. “You can’t go.”
Like hell he couldn’t. It was his job to investigate any matters that might affect the government. This thing had the possibility of evolving into a large-scale problem. The two men had the working class riled. Even some women were joining the cause and demanding the right to vote. As if that would happen…
“Maybe if you explained why I might be willing to heed your advice,” he said encouragingly. He had no intention of staying behind. “Are you going to share your information with me?”
“I can’t,” she said. “What happens has to happen. It’s part of history.”
That didn’t sound good… “What’s the point of time traveling if you can’t change things every now and then?”
Serenity laughed, but it wasn’t a good one. It sounded hollow. “You must realize how ridiculous that sounds. I’m not here because I have some lofty goals of changing history. I don’t have a horse in this particular race.”
He frowned. What were her goals then? Other than being Sebastian’s governess, he’d not bothered to ask her what she wanted. He’d been to afraid to ask, and he wasn’t sure he was brave enough to do so yet. “Well,” he replied. “Then I see no reason to remain at Branterberry.” With those words, he spun on his heels and headed toward the exit.
“Wait,” she called out.
Brandon stopped and glanced over his shoulder. “Are you prepared to give me what I want?” Perhaps not the best choice of words, but he rather liked how they had come out. She could take them however way she wished. In the end, he would be the one making the calls. Serenity needed a firm hand, and if she planned on remaining in his time, she would have to start m
aking some concessions. Ladies did not rule anything. Maybe if he told himself that often enough he’d believe it too.
She licked her lips and smiled wantonly. “Indeed.”
That one word sparked a fire in his belly and traveled south. His cock hardened even further to the point of pain. The trip to Manchester might be exactly what he needed. If he was smart, he’d leave her in the study and not look back. If he stayed, he might not leave the room for several hours. The dutiful side of him urged him to move forward, but the roguish side of him demanded he take what she clearly offered. He turned around and stepped toward her. It was automatic and he hadn’t fully realized what he’d done until he stood before her.
“I’m glad you’re staying,” she said.
“I never agreed to anything of the kind,” he replied. “I’m waiting for you to deliver on your promise.”
Serenity closed the distance between them. She brought her hands upward and she caressed his chest. He sucked in a breath and steeled himself for the onslaught of torture. This was a familiar dance. She pushed, he returned the favor, and then he left unsatisfied. He wanted to kiss her but never allowed himself the pleasure. A kiss would be an agreement of sorts, and he wasn’t prepared to enter that particular contract yet.
She had other ideas though. Serenity wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up to place her lips on his. They were soft and warm. Brandon hadn’t been prepared for her to take the initiative. Now that she had, he was lost and there was no way of returning. He pulled her into his embrace and took over the kiss. Immediately, he became enraptured in the pleasure of all that was Serenity.
He pushed her lips open with his tongue and tasted her the way he’d been dreaming of. It was a mixture of cinnamon and brandy. Hot and enticing all at once and more decadent than the most succulent desserts. How had he resisted her this long? He could have been kissing her every day for months. The more he tasted, he realized one important thing: he was a bloody fool…
About the Author
Dawn Brower holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Literature, History, and Sociology. She works as a substitute teacher and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to concentrate on her other endeavors.
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Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby. While she loves all genres she focuses most of her writing on historical and contemporary romance.
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There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
For more information visit her website at: http://www.authordawnbrower.com/
Books by Dawn Brower
Broken Pearl
Deadly Benevolence
There You’ll Be
Don’t Happen Twice
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss
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Ever Beloved
Forever My Earl
Coming Soon
Always My Viscount
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Marsden Romances
A Flawed Jewel
A Crystal Angel
A Treasured Lily
A Sanguine Gem
A Hidden Ruby
A Discarded Pearl
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Novak Springs
Cowgirl Fever
Dirty Proof
Unbridled Pursuit
Sensual Games
Christmas Temptation
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Linked Across Time
Saved by My Blackguard
Searching for My Rogue
Seduction of My Rake
Surrendering to My Spy
Spellbound by My Charmer
Stolen by My Knave
Separated from My Love
Scandalized by My Prince
Coming Soon
Scheming with My Duke
Secluded with My Hellion
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Heart’s Intent
One Heart to Give
Unveiled Hearts
Heart of the Moment
Coming Soon
Kiss My Heart Goodbye
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Broken Curses
The Enchanted Princess
Coming Soon
The Bespelled Knight