A Hellion’s Midnight Kiss

by Lauren Smith

  “I don’t believe it,” Ryan said. “Aunt Pippa would never have done that.”

  “I didn’t think so either, but he’d shown me proof. A letter she’d written him…”

  Estella placed her hand on Ryan’s. “Don’t worry. This news means that Annalise and Marrok are my brother and sister in truth. It changes nothing for me. Don’t let it ruin your day—we’re still family.” She turned to the Duke of Ashthrone. “I forgive you for abandoning me. The Duke of Wolfton was a cruel man, but I survived. I’m happy—don’t concern yourself with my well-being. It’s not needed.” After she spoke, she left them alone and entered the church. Estella offered more grace and kindness than his grandfather deserved.

  Ryan swallowed the lump in his throat. He wanted to hate the old man, but couldn’t. He had come for Ryan when he was a boy, and that had partially saved his soul. If he’d been left in his stepmother’s care for any longer, he couldn’t say who he’d have turned into. “Why now?” he asked.

  “It’s past time,” the duke said. “I am sorry.”

  Ryan nodded. The duke’s platitudes did little to convince him of his sincerity. “It could have waited a little longer, but I can see how you thought it was best. If you’ll excuse me, I have my wedding to attend.”

  “Wait,” the duke said. “There’s more.”

  What else could he have to say? Ryan closed his eyes and prayed for patience. He didn’t need any additional surprises. He turned slowly and faced the duke again. “What is it?”

  “He tried to convince me that you weren’t my heir. It’s why…” He took a deep breath. “It took me too long to come and take you away from that horrible woman. I should have apologized sooner. You are your father’s son; anyone who looks at you can see that.”

  “I don’t care what you think of me,” Ryan said. In some ways, his grandfather was no better than the Duke of Wolfton had been. He’d been through too much to let any animosity fester inside of him. This day was about new beginnings and he could offer an olive branch. “I don’t need your apologies either, but if you require my forgiveness you have it. There are more important things in the world than to hold on to grudges that will lead you nowhere. I have something good in my life, and her name is Annalise. She’ll be your granddaughter by marriage, and I expect you to treat her with respect. If you can’t do that, then keep your distance.”

  He nodded. “I promise I will.”

  “Good,” Ryan said. “Now, can we go inside?”

  It didn’t matter to him if the duke approved or not. He headed into the church and walked up the aisle. He stood at the altar, awaiting Annalise. Not once did he stop to see where his grandfather had gone. When his fiancée walked down the aisle, he only had eyes for her. The color of her dress was appropriate considering the luck it had brought them. It was the shade of the ruby encrusted ring he’d presented her at their formal engagement three weeks ago after the first calling of the banns.

  They said their vows, and the vicar pronounced them husband and wife. A fire in his soul lit when he kissed her, as it always did. They finally had things right—the way it had always been meant to be.

  “Are you happy?” he asked.

  “Gloriously so,” she answered. Her lips tilted upward into a bright smile. “Now that you will be infinitely mine, and I yours.”

  He laughed and then kissed her again. There was no other person he wished to belong to forever than her. Neither one of them was perfect, but they were right for each other. That had been their truth from the start. When he’d found a home for his heart, and a love he no longer feared.

  Afterword

  Writing books with fairytale elements have always appealed to me. Taking elements from two or more different fairytales and combining them into one intrigued me even more. This book has elements from Red Riding Hood and Cinderella—with the hero being a “Cinderfella” instead.

  It was a lot of fun weaving these different elements into a historical Regency romance. I hope I did both the fairytales and the era justice; as well as, entertained everyone in the process.

  If you enjoyed this then check out the excerpt for Rebellious Angel. It is a different era, but it has a lot of interesting history weaved into it. There are two chapters as an excerpt to give you a taste of the book. If you like Rebellious Angel you can preorder it here: www.books2read.com/RebelliousAngel

  About Dawn Brower

  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.

  * * *

  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.

  * * *

  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/

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  Snowflake Kisses

  * * *

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  * * *

  Enduring Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Charming Her Rogue

  * * *

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  * * *

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  Earl of Harrington

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  * * *

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  * * *

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  * * *

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Temptation

  * * *

  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

  Scheming with My Duke

  Secluded with My Hellion

  * * *

  Heart’s Intent

  One Heart to Give

  Unveiled Hearts

  Heart of the Moment

  Kiss My Heart Goodbye

  Heart in Waiting

  * * *

  Broken Curses

  The Enchanted Princess

  The Bespelled Knight

  The Magical Hunt

  * * *

  Ever Beloved

  Forever My Earl

  Always My Viscount

  Infinitely My Marquess

  * * *

  Kismet Bay

  Once Upon a Christmas

  Coming soon…

  New Year Revelation

  All Things Valentine

  Thank You

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read

  Infinitely My Marquess

  Your opinion matters!

  * * *

  Please take a moment to review this book on your favorite review site and share your opinion with fellow readers.

  * * *

  Believe in Lover />
  Amanda Mariel

  For my daddy—you will always be in my heart and the first person I think of when horses or gambling are mentioned. You were a true gentleman gambler and the world’s best daddy!

  Prologue

  Cumbria, England, 1804

  * * *

  Lady Brooke Linwood frolicked through a fragrant field of lavender; her skirts held high in her hands. The sun warmed her face while a soft summer breeze kept her from overheating.

  She inhaled a deep breath of summer, then smiled at her grandparents neighbor, Drake Kingston, The Marquess of Grafton.

  “Don’t be shy,” she called across the open space as she twirled. “Come dance with me.”

  Drake grinned as he strolled toward her, his black hair bouncing in the breeze and green eyes sparkling. “I’ve never been shy.” He held his arms wide, inviting her to him.

  Brooke laughed as she raced into his embrace. She tipped her head back as he twirled her about before bringing her back to him.

  Things between them were always this way, fun and easy. Drake made her laugh every time they were together. He was her safe haven, and provided her an escape from her loneliness.

  How Brooke wished she could stay here forever.

  Alas, she could not. Her Mother had abandoned her at her grandparent’s estate for the summer. Neither she nor Father could ever be bothered with Brooke. They were far too busy enjoying their separate lives, to fret over the raising of their inconvenient daughter.

  Soon, Brooke would be sent away to finishing school at Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality in Canterbury. She wasn’t even returning home beforehand.

  It was one more way for her parents to ignore her and the knowledge stung.

  Not that she cared overmuch about home, but Canterbury… It might as well be a world away from Cumbria. And more importantly, from Drake.

  Brooke leaned into him, her heart heavy with longing. She nuzzled against his shoulder. “I wish I could stay here forever. I’m going to miss you. Miss this.”

  “Really?” Drake asked as he grinned down at her. “Don’t you want to see what else is out there? Aren’t you at least a little excited about school?” He arched a questioning brow. “I’ll miss you, but I won’t forget you.”

  Brooke sighed, her heart pounding. “We’re only fourteen and fifteen. You’ll forget about me long before we are grown, and I don’t care what’s out there. I’m happy here.” She frowned.

  “I promise you will find happiness elsewhere. There will be lots of girls at school, and you will make more friends.” Drake lifted her from her feet and twirled her in circles. He smiled as he spun her faster, her laughter bursting forth. “That’s my girl.” He smiled.

  Brooke’s heart filled near to bursting. For the thousandth time this summer, she wondered if she might love him. It was an emotion she had no experience with, other than knowing what love wasn’t.

  It certainly was not parents who did everything possible to avoid their daughter. Love was not loneliness and tears. And it couldn’t possibly be people who cared more for themselves than anyone else.

  Love had to be something more, something like shared laughter, camaraderie, and warm smiles. Something like what she and Drake shared.

  Brooke tipped her head back, letting the sun warm her face as the surrounding blue sky and lavender field swirled past. Her heart swelled as she met Drake’s gaze.

  Surely love was laughter and lighthearted fun? Love must be two people who enjoyed each other’s company. A boy and a girl who listened to each other and genuinely cared what the other felt. And a fluttering belly and excitement when they saw each other.

  Did Drake’s belly flutter as hers did? He certainly smiled when she came near. And he always made time for her. She hoped that his stomach did flutter for she was now convinced that he had her heart.

  “You look like a great bird with your gown flying out around you and head tipped back,” Drake said. “A beautiful swan.”

  “I do not.” Brooke laughed harder as he spun her in an up and down arc as though she truly were in flight.

  He set her back on her feet, his hands on her waist steadying her as he gave her a mischievous grin. “Laughter looks good on you.”

  “Then, I shall endeavor to do it more often.” Brooke turned and strolled several feet away before glancing over her shoulder to issue a challenge. “Catch me if you can.”

  “I’ll capture you before you reach the ridge.” Drake burst into a full run.

  “Never.” She raced away, leaving a trail of laughter in her wake. The lavender rubbed against her ankles and calves while she ran across the ground, its scent invigorating her.

  “Got you,” Drake called out a moment before his arm came around her waist.

  Brooke’s knees buckled, and they both tumbled to the warm earth. She giggled as she stretched out to gaze up at the puffs of white clouds trailing across the sky. Drake stretched out beside her, his head even with hers and body pointing in the opposite direction, as though they were two spokes of a carriage wheel meeting in the middle.

  She closed her eyes and sighed. “If you were a bird, where would you fly?”

  “Everywhere,” Drake said. “How about you?”

  Brooke thought for a moment not at all sure how to answer for she was already where she wanted to be. She turned her head to gaze at Drake. “I would follow you.”

  He turned his face to meet her gaze and grinned. “We would have the best adventures. I’d lead you all over the world, and we would see all the places people talk and write about. It would be a smashing good time.”

  Brooke sat up and pulled her legs to her chest, hugging her knees. “Too bad we are not birds.”

  “Just so,” Drake said. He put his hands behind his head and crossed his ankles. “Still though, we could travel together someday.”

  “I’d like that,” Brooke said, though in her heart she knew they would not. Drake would grow up and meet some other lady.

  He’d marry, and travel, and have a family, and she would be a long-ago memory if he remembered her at all.

  Drake rolled onto his side and propped his head upon one of his hands. “Let’s plan on doing that very thing. Once we are grown, I’ll find you. England isn’t so very big, and I’m to be a powerful duke, after all.” He smirked.

  Brooke wanted to point out how unlikely it was that he would even want to come for her, but instead, she decided to play along.

  What would it hurt to indulge in a little fantasy?

  She smiled at him, her depression easing. “Then. We will run off and see the world together.”

  “You can count on it. We’ll start on the continent then when we’ve grown bored, we’ll book passage elsewhere.” Drake tapped his fingers on the ground. “Where would you like to go?”

  Brooke closed her eyes and imagined them traveling to points near and far. “Paris, to start, and then Egypt.”

  Drake reached for her hand and gave a little squeeze. “Then Paris will be our first destination. I’ll take you all around the city. We’ll see all the sights and eat all the French food we can stand. You will shop at the most exclusive boutiques and buy the latest fashions before we depart for Egypt.”

  “That sounds like great fun.” Brooke returned his squeeze, wrapping her small hand around his long fingers and wide palm. “We can visit museums, and you can explore the clubs and gaming hells and go hunting. Do all of the things a gentleman explorer does.”

  Drake grinned at her, his grass-green eyes full of excitement as he sat up. “We will do everything together. I want you at my side for every bit of our adventure, Brooke. I want things to be then, just as they are now.”

  “Me too,” Brooke said, meaning it with her whole heart. “More than you know.”

  Drake brought his hand to the side of her face, resting it on her cheek. “I’m going to kiss you.”

  A million butterflies burst into flight within her as he lea
ned close. Before she could say anything, he pressed his lips to hers. A gentle touch of flesh upon flesh that sent her heart into a flurry and her head swimming.

  Her first taste of love.

  Chapter 1

  London, England, 1814

  * * *

  A crush of people filled Bond Street as Brooke stepped out of the modiste shop. Her long-time friends Narissa, the Duchess of Blackmore, and Hannah, the Marchioness of Ramsbury, followed her onto the sidewalk while their footmen carried their packages.

  Narissa was expecting her first child and as such was determined to mix with polite society. Her goal was to be respectable by the time she started to show.

  To that end, Brooke and Hannah came along with Narissa to purchase gowns and fripperies for the ball Narissa and her husband Seth were hosting.

  “I do hope we have a good turn out,” Narissa said.

  Brooke glanced at Narissa and shook her head. “You fret too much.” She smiled at her friend. “You forget your station. The ton will come in droves just to say they were at the Duke and Duchess of Blackmore’s ball.”

  “She’s right, you know,” Hannah added. “Your parties are always well attended.”

  Narissa sighed and patted her belly. “Getting them to come is easy. It’s getting them to view us as respectable that I’m worried about. I want this baby to be accepted amongst polite society.”