Midnight Temptations With a Forbidden Lord
Page 28
“Because he loves you, Char.”
She snorted at that. “I’m not so sure about that at the moment.”
“I know it. How could he not? Besides, I don’t know a more lovable woman than you.”
She raised her head and stared at him. “So did we fall in love before you dueled?”
He tangled his fingers with hers. “I’m sure it was long before that.”
“But we didn’t know each other. I’m not sure we know each other very well even after all that we’ve been through.”
“Don’t be so sure of that. I know what’s in your heart.”
“I don’t know whether I should kiss you or smack you for daring to lose what we’ve built in our newfound marriage.”
“I’ll take a kiss any day.”
She smiled and pressed her forehead to his. His eyes were closed, and he hissed in a pained breath as he turned to face her.
“I wouldn’t want to hurt you, my Lord Marquess,” she said tenderly.
“Pain is good every now and again. I’ll take the pain if it means I get you all to myself in the middle of the afternoon.”
“And what would Bea and the children think?”
“That I’m in love with my wife and that I have an insatiable need to spend every waking moment with her.” His hands cupped either side of her face. “And how do you feel?”
“Don’t you know?”
“I’d like to hear it from your lips before I claim them.”
“I nearly died inside as I watched you fall to your knees, bleeding into the cold ground. I thought I was too late.” The thought that he’d almost been taken from her brought a fresh deluge of tears.
“I promised you I would be all right.”
Tristan gently kissed her tears away.
“Promise me you’ll never scare me like that again? You’ve made me fall in love with you and to lose you…”
“I’ll always be here for you, Char.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
“Good. Because now you can kiss me.”
The touch of his mouth was soft and persuading. She sank into the feel of him, careful not to touch his injured side as he slipped his tongue into her mouth and nibbled at her lips.
“I love you, Charlotte. There was a moment on the field where my last thoughts were not only of the children but of you. I couldn’t bear losing you when I’d just found you.”
“And I love you,” she said as she kissed him again.
Also by Tiffany Clare
Wicked Nights with a Proper Lady
The Secret Desires of a Governess
The Seduction of His Wife
The Surrender of a Lady
PRAISE FOR TIFFANY CLARE
and her captivating novels …
“Tiffany Clare writes a swoon-worthy romance filled with rich details and vivid characters. Any readers wishing for a bold and sweeping historical romance need look no further—Tiffany Clare is a treasure of an author!”
—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author
The Secret Desires of a Governess
“With its irrepressible heroine, deliciously dark and dangerous hero, and suitably atmospheric setting, Clare’s latest impeccably written novel cleverly references the classic gothic romances of Victoria Holt and Madeleine Brent, while at the same time incorporating plenty of the steamy passion and lush sensuality found in today’s brand of sexy historical romances.”
—Booklist
“With its brooding hero and dark backdrop Clare brings an updated gothic twist to her latest novel. By incorporating the themes and red herrings of a classic Victoria Holt or Daphne du Maurier, she entices readers to keep turning the pages to uncover the mystery and savor the highly sensual romance.”
—RT Book Reviews
“This is an entertaining throwback to the Victoria Holt legendary Gothic tales as Tiffany Clare employs all the elements from the innocent female, to the foreboding castle, to the brooding hero inside a romantic suspense thriller. Abby and Elliot are terrific lead characters while the support cast, especially his son, the villagers, and her family, make for a wonderful Victorian Gothic romance.”
—Midwest Book Review
“The Secret Desires of a Governess is excellent reading material for those who like their romance novel with ex-plosive love scenes and a good solid plot.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Hauntingly sensual, The Secret Desires of a Governess is a compelling read that will have readers hoping for more.”
—Single Titles
The Seduction of His Wife
“In her second captivating historical romance, Clare turns up the sensual heat with a sizzling, sexy tale of a husband and wife engaged in a seductive battle of wits that proves to be splendidly entertaining.”
—Booklist
“Steamy.”
—Publishers Weekly
“The second chapter of Clare’s trilogy is as bold and alluring as this exciting newcomer’s first book. Clare takes a ‘second chance at love’ romance, twisting the theme into a highly sensual tale of passion and suspense. But there’s also humor, created by secondary characters, and love to round out a tantalizing read.”
—RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)
“An arousing and amusing Victorian reverse romance!”
—Fresh Fiction
“An exciting read that captivates the imagination and arouses the senses. Suspense, intrigue, and passion abound in this historical romance.”
—Romance Junkies
“[The Seduction of His Wife] will draw you in.… You’ll find yourself riveted.”
—Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick)
“Tiffany Clare has penned another superb and masterfully crafted romance. The Seduction of His Wife has all that I love in a book: humor, suspense, sigh-inducing romance, and fan-your-face, sizzling sex scenes. Ms. Clare’s first book, The Surrender of a Lady, was a bold and daring story, and her latest book is equally as entertaining. If you’ve never read a Tiffany Clare book, run to your nearest bookstore. You don’t know what you’re missing!”
—Romance Dish
The Surrender of a Lady
“A unique, unforgettable, sensual love story sweeping from the harems of the east to staid Victorian ballrooms. Watch out for this sizzling new talent to rise to the top.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Exotic, bold, and captivating. Tiffany Clare’s rich, sensual prose is delightful indulgence!”
—Alexandra Hawkins, author of All Night with a Rogue
“Dazzling, daring, and different! Exotic and erotic! The Surrender of a Lady will have you turning the pages until you finish, no matter how late it gets. Tiffany Clare is a brilliant new talent in historical romance.”
—Anna Campbell, author of Midnight’s Wild Passion
“Tiffany Clare has written an exceptionally exciting and heart-wrenching story of devotion and survival of a young mother, sold into the most despicable of circumstances … Fast-paced, full of suspense, and totally exciting with each turn of the page. A new and refreshing plot has been woven for the reader.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Emotion-packed … a heartrending, very sensual historical romance that will touch your heart.”
—Romance Junkies
About the Author
Deciding that life had far more to offer than a nine-to-five job, bickering children in the evening, and housework of any kind, Tiffany Clare opened up her laptop to rediscover her love of the written word. Tiffany writes historical romances set in the Victorian era. She lives in Toronto with her ever-patient photographer husband, two mischievous children, and one hyperactive cat.
Tiffany loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her website at www.tiffanyclare.com.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
MIDNIGHT TEMPTATIONS WITH A FORBIDDEN LORD
Copyright © 2013 by Tiffany Clare.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
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eISBN: 9781466814912
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / May 2013
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.