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Emma is running from a tyrannous uncle bent on killing her young brother, just to gain his fortune. John, the Earl of Compton, is looking for something to change his unfulfilling life. When they meet on a dark street, nothing can change their fate.
John is so instantly smitten and socially inept, he proposes in less than twenty-four hours. Emma’s plight to save her brother has her so shaken, she agrees to the hasty Christmas wedding.
The threats to Emma’s life, and John’s fierce defense of her, demonstrate to both that the match might be more than just a convenient arrangement. If only they can thwart her uncle’s devious assault and live to enjoy each other.
Blush sensuality level: This is a sweet romance (kisses only, no sexual content).
A Blush® romance from Ellora’s Cave
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Chapter One
John
Scarborough was just beginning to feel as though he was himself again. The
troubles of politics had left him in a bad temper, but the walk in the cold of
December brought him back to civility. He could almost imagine his troubles
falling away with each step that drew him closer to home. He no longer wished
to wring the neck of a certain political opponent.
Yes, the man
was an idiot, but he felt he could return to his seat without committing
murder.
At least that
was a relief. He laughed at his own sarcastic thought.
Most men of
his wealth and position would have taken their carriage home, but a brisk walk
always made John feel better after a long day of arguing in the House of Lords.
His carriage was generally only a few minutes behind him, since the footman and
driver refused to leave him completely alone at night on the streets of London.
A shadow
could easily be seen crouching beneath the hedge that fronted his home in the
West End of London. Pickpockets and thieves often skulked around in the finer
residential areas, hoping to earn a nights work. Often these villains beat
their prey and left them for dead.
John took a
better hold of his walking stick, prepared to fend off the trespasser if
necessary.
“You there,
what is your business?”
He heard a
woman gasp. When she stood up from her hiding place, the light of the full moon
gave enough illumination for him to see she was well dressed in a fashionable
walking costume.
His eyes
narrowed. “Were you going to accost me as I entered my home, wench?”
“Certainly
not.” Her tone was crisp, as if she was offended. It reminded him of when he
was a boy and had insulted his nanny.
She turned
back to the hedge, crouched down and lifted something out of the bushes.
John raised
his staff. “I am not above striking a woman. Whatever nefarious plan you have,
I advise you to desist.”
When she
turned, the bundle she’d picked up and held to her shoulder turned out to be a
small child of five or six.
John was
rarely surprised by people. In fact, he found most people quite predictable.
Everything
about this girl had caught him by surprise. Exhaustion must have gotten the
better of his senses. He lowered his arm and weapon and gaped at the girl.
Her voice was
educated and cultured. “I’m sorry we frightened you, Lord Compton. We shall be
on our way now.”
“You know
me?” He didn’t know why that should bother him. Quite a lot of people knew him
on sight and he was standing in front of his own home.
“Of course.”
He could hear
the smile in her voice, though the night did not permit him to see her face
clearly enough to verify if the sound translated to her lips.
Embarrassment
washed through him. His neck felt hot, reminding him of when he’d been at
school, and was unsure of an answer demanded by the instructor. “Why are you
hiding in my shrubbery?” he demanded.
She lifted
the sleeping child higher. It was a boy from the look of his clothes. It was
past nine and the child slung his arms about her neck and rested his head on
her shoulder. He looked as if he was a very heavy sack of potatoes.
“That is a
very long story, my lord. I apologize again for our intrusion. We shall move
along.”
“Wait,” he
commanded.
A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
Multi-published in erotic paranormal, contemporary and historical romance, A.S. is the author of the Mayan Destiny series, Christmas Bliss and many more. With several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, A.S. will be bringing you her brand of romance for many years to come.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
Find A.S. Fenichel Here
Thank you very much for hosting me today.
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