fbpx

Seduced by the Brazen Baron (Preview)

 

Chapter One 

 With the music swirling overhead, and the large ballroom brimming with fashionable guests and desirable young ladies as far as the eyes could see, Michael’s boredom almost felt like a betrayal. He raised a glass of wine to his lips, watching as lords and ladies waltzed around in the center of the room to the lilting music, their slow movements making Michaels boredom deepen. 

He sighed. 

“Mind it,” came a low drawl next to him. “If you dare to sigh again, you just might bring the ceiling down around our heads.” 

Michael didn’t bother to look over at his friend’s sarcastic tone. “At least it will make this night more entertaining.” 

“If you deem crawling out from under heavy rubble entertaining, then I do not understand how we are friends.” The slight humor he detected had Michael glancing to his left, his lips quirking at the sight of Stephen’s smirk. Stephen raised his own glass of wine to his lips and met Michael’s eyes. “I must say that I am quite surprised, though. I thought you quite enjoyed balls.” 

“I thought so too,” Michael said with a nod. He looked back ahead and swallowed the sigh that bubbled up his throat. “Or, rather, I once did. I’m afraid it no longer has the luster it once held.” 

“How unfortunate to hear.”  

They were standing by the refreshments table, within reaching distance of more glasses of wine if they needed it. Nearby stood a door that led into a small parlor where Michael knew the other gentlemen of this ball—the ones who were also disinterested in talking and dancing—sat drinking whiskey and playing card games. Michael felt inclined to join them. 

But he’d never been one to mingle with those he did not know very well. Because of that, other men marked him as unfriendly and unapproachable simply because Michael was more than content sharing his time with his only close friend—Stephen Johnson. The fact that they had grown up together in the countryside had made their bond one that could never be broken. He supposed that was why Stephen was standing here with him sharing in Michael’s boredom, rather than enjoying a few games of whist with the other gentlemen. 

While he did not particularly care for the company of other men, however, it was quite the opposite for the ladies. Michael scanned the room, noting that quite a few of the young debutante ladies were looking his way interestedly. The sight of them should have inspired eagerness within him, but he only felt resigned. 

“I see Miss Belinda is in attendance tonight,” Stephen spoke up. Michael looked at him in time to see Stephen jerk his chin to the left. His dark brown hair shifted out of place a bit and Stephen reached up and tucked the tuft back into position. “Have you greeted her yet?” 

“I shan’t,” Michael said. 

Stephen looked at him, no surprise in his eyes. In fact, he too seemed a little resigned—and just a tad amused. “Do not tell me you have fallen out of favor with her,” he said. 

“Rather,” Michael explained in a disinterested rumble. “She has bored me. I find I cannot remain in her company when she only ever talks about her paintings all day.” 

“She is quite artistic, I hear,” Stephen mused. “And has a lovely voice.” 

“Yes, if only she wasn’t so determined on always using it for speaking.” Michael didn’t have to look in Miss Belinda’s direction to know that she was staring at him. She’d been doing so ever since he arrived. For a while, he’d wondered if she would muster up the courage to approach him, but it appeared she was far more timid in public than she was behind closed doors. 

“The last I checked,” Stephen replied, “you did not mind her talkative nature.” 

Michael chuckled at that, knowing exactly what Stephen meant. “She is quite the beautybut it has reachea point where I simply cannot deal with it any longer, no matter how lovely she may be on the eyes. Perhaps you would like to try her out for yourself and then you will understand what I mean? Michael suggested, wagging his brows with a small smile. 

“You have no fear of God, it seems,” Stephen mused, shaking his head.  

Michael only shrugged. He didn’t feel bad for leaving Miss Belinda behind, even without so much as a word as to why he no longer wanted to see her. She’d known who he was before he approached her, had known of his particularly rakish reputation, and yet, she’d willingly fallen in love. He surmised that she’d believed she would be the one to change him. There had been many who had made that mistake before. 

He couldn’t be the one to be blamed for her heartbreak, and now that he was done with her, he had nothing else to occupy his time. 

Stephen, the second son of a proud and pious Viscount, had a family more concerned for his reputation than Michael did, and so as such had mostly been only a witness to Michael’s more immoral exploits, keeping his own nose cleanMichael’s suggestion had partly been in jest, but he sometimes wondered if his friend wished to enjoy himself the way Michael had been. It was hardly fair he’d had all the fun over the last two years they’d spent in London, and now they had left the city, it seemed there would hardly be a chance of any kind of scandalous fun to tempt either of them. 

It seems there will be no hope of a new conquest here tonight. Perhaps I should just return home. 

The moment the words crossed his mind, a lady crossed his vision. She seemed to materialize out of nowhere, her cerulean ballgown drifting around her gentle curves as she turned to speak to the lady on her right. Her hair, like strands spun from gold, was twisted up into an elegant style, wisps framing a heart-shaped face 

It was Lady Selina, the daughter of the Earl of Warwick. Michael knew of her the same way most gentlemen did—as the beautiful lady who had rejected any and all of the gentlemen who approached her. He’d seen her once before, but the moment had been too brief to be of note, he had not spoken to her. Michael had been courting another lady at that time, he didn’t let his attention drift to a shy closeted debutant. 

Now, he couldn’t fathom how he’d been distracted from such a vision. The sight of her was like a punch to his guts, familiar tendrils of lust spreading throughout his body. He smirked to himself as the blood rushed from his head, taking in the silky gown and how it framed a generous bust and lovely hips.  

I can already tell that she has a perfect figure underneath that gown. I wonder, has any other gentleman been lucky enough to witness it? 

“In truth,” Stephen was saying, completely oblivious to Michael’s distracted attention, “I did not think Miss Belinda would fall for your charms. As I’ve heard, the Duke of Hollwell is quite protective of his daughter, and quite religious.” 

“That is precisely why she was so willing,” Michael responded, his eyes never leaving Lady Selina for a second. She laughed at something the lady on her right was saying, but then her smile slipped away nearly instantly. If Michael didn’t know any better, he might think she was as bored as he was. Though, perhaps he was not any longer. “Though,” he continued, “it would not have made a difference. I can charm any lady in England.” 

“You think too highly of yourself,” Stephen quipped without malice. “With such a large head, my friend, it is a wonder how you fit in through the doors.” 

Michael wrenched his gaze away from Lady Selina for a brief moment to look at Stephen. “Surely, you do not doubt me?” 

“I do not doubt that you are gifted in that aspect,” Stephen said. “But every lady in EnglandCome now.” 

“Are you willing to place a bet on it?” Michael challenged, a grin slowly stretching across his face. Stephen met his eyes and Michael saw the usual spark of competition light up the muddy brown. 

“Very well, then,” Stephen agreed with a nod. Then he looked back in front, searching through the crowd before him. Michael caught when his eyes darkened with mischief before Stephen said, “Surely you know of Lady Selina of Warwick, do you?” 

Well, well. What are the odds? Michael smirked, looking back at the graceful lady who captured the attention of all the men around her. It intrigued him to see that she didn’t seem oblivious to those eyes. Instead, she appeared disinterested—even when she glanced in Michael’s direction and then slid her gaze away as if he was nothing more than a blade of grass. 

“I believe every gentleman knows of Lady Selina, Michael murmured, running his gaze down the length of her body. The candlelight within the ballroom not only illuminated her graceful figure, but sparked images in Michael’s mind that made his body go hot. 

“Then you are aware that this is her third Season, yes? And she has earned herself the reputation as the Aloof Princess. She’s received so many marriage proposals and have turned down every single one of them.” Stephen sounded proud of himself for having chosen such a difficult lady.  

The Aloof Princess was quite fitting. The men that surrounded her might as well be decoration with how little she cared about them. 

The boredom was already lifting as Michael studied his new challenge. Her beauty would make this quite easy for him. A lady he could not look at would prove to be a little more difficult. “What are the terms of this bet?” he asked Stephen. 

“No terms,” Stephen said confidently. 

Michael raised a brow at him. “Are you so certain that I will not be able to court her?” 

“Your reputation precedes you, Michael,” Stephen said with a shrug. “And from what I have heard, Lady Selina does not care for looks or prestige, but she wants to fall in love. But if you believe that you have the power to charm any lady you set your eyes on, I am more than willing to watch you test your claim.” 

A mad grin stretched across Michael’s face as he looked back at Lady Selina. She didn’t seem to care to pay anyone particular attention than the lady on her right. Michael shifted his focus to her, noting that she looked a lot like Lady Selina—the same blond hair, the same gentle shape and short stature, the same heart-shaped face and full lips. Only this lady appeared to be a bit younger, more immature in her stance. Her eyes were filled with excitement and she seemed to be trying very hard to keep herself still. 

Considering it is the first time I have seen her, I suppose she is debuting tonight. Lady Selina’s sister, perhaps? 

A plan was already forming in his mind, slowly he nodded, knowing very well that Stephen was watching him. 

“All right,” Michael said finally. “I shall take you up on your bet. By the end of the Season, the Aloof Princess will be mine.” 

*** 

At this point, Season balls were becoming draining. They were the same things over and over again, with the same people. Dancing and laughter, and generally good camaraderie all around, save for one single thing—Selina could not find a single gentleman she cared to be courted by. 

That fact only served to dampen the experience for her, even though she knew she would be subject to more balls and events in the coming weeks – it was her third Season and though she’d done this more times than she could count – it felt as if it was only getting harder and harder. 

“Would you smile, Selina?” came Tereza’s voice next to her. Had they been at home, Selina was certain her sister would slip her arm into hers and pull Selina to her side. But since they were in public, Tereza only laid a hand on her shoulder.  

“If you stand here looking so dour, no gentleman will approach you.” 

Selina opened her mouth to respond, but Tereza was already lifting her hand and waving it in the air as she continued, “Oh, what am I saying? You look absolutely lovely tonight. I’m certain every man in attendance is simply dying to dance with you. I, on the other hand, should have simply stayed home. I’m certain no one will even look my way. 

That brought a frown to Selina’s lips as she took in the dejected shoulders of her dear sister. There was at least one happy thing about tonight and that was finally being able to attend a ball with her. Tereza had been looking forward to this day for a long time and pained Selina to see that, now that the day had come, Tereza’s insecurity had risen to an all-time high. 

Don’t say that,” Selina chided gently. She too had to resist the urge to tuck her arm around her sister. “You are more radiant than every other lady here.” 

“You’re just saying that,” Tereza said dismissively, even as she blushed.  

“Because it’s true,” Selina insisted. “Heavens, I always knew you were lovely but tonight you have really outdone yourself. You should relax and enjoy your moment, Tereza. I’m certain tonight will be a good one for you.” 

“I am relaxed.” Her knitted brows said otherwise. 

If you are so relaxed, then perhaps you should stop fiddling with your fan.” 

Instantly, Tereza tucked her fan behind her back and pouted a little. “All right, I’ll admit that I am bit nervous. I’ve been looking forward to this day for quite some time now, and now that it has arrived, I haven’t a clue what to do with myself.” 

“You need not do anything but partake in the festive music and enjoy yourself with your dance partners,” Selina told her. “It is really quite simple, if you think about it.” A tad boring, almost. 

Tereza slid her Warwick blue eyes over to Selina. Her lips had a touch of rouge spread across it, deepening the blush of her cheeks and her porcelain skin. Once again, Selina felt a spark of pride at seeing how beautiful her sister looked this evening. Normally, it took quite a lot of effort for Tereza to keep her hair within its hold and the hem of her gown dust-free, but every bit of her boyish nature seemed to have been tucked away for tonight. 

I only wish she could see that beauty herself. A thread of guilt ran through Selina at Tereza’s earlier words. They hadn’t been said begrudgingly, but Selina knew very well that Tereza felt like a wallflower standing next to her. 

“What if no one wants to dance with me?” Tereza asked softly. Worry flickered in her eyes for a moment. “What if my debut is a failure?” 

Selina blinked in surprise. Tereza was many things, but she certainly was not a negative person. “That’s stating the impossible, Tereza,” Selina told her. “Come now, there is no use worrying yourself about such things. As I said before, you need only relax and enjoy yourself. Perhaps you would like a glass of punch?” 

Tereza shook her head. The concern cleared and her smile returned. “No, I’m fine. You’re right. I shouldn’t think about such things. I should try to enjoy myself as much as I—oh!” 

Selina watched as Tereza’s jaw went slack, her eyes widening. She looked in the direction her sister was staring in but saw nothing but swaying bodies moving to the music. “What is the matter?” Selina asked. 

“That gentleman…” Tereza murmured, sounding quite dazed. “He’s so handsome! Do you know who he is? Heavens, he’s coming this way! Selina, prepare yourself. 

“Prepare myself?” Selina echoed in surprise. 

Tereza looked at her as if she couldn’t believe she had to question her. “A gentleman that handsome could not possibly be coming to see me. He will certainly ask you for a dance.” 

Before she could respond to Tereza’s words, Selina saw him. It was the very same gentleman she’d seen watching her from a short distance away. She’d caught his gaze a few times already, but despite his handsomeness, had dismissed him. Selina wouldn’t allow herself to be taken by the attractiveness of any gentleman, not when she had her sights set on something more profound. 

But, as she watched this man carve a path through the ballroom, his long legs eating up the distance with ease, Selina was slowly beginning to forget why she’d decided against him. From a distance, it was easy enough to dismiss him, to put him aside with the other gentlemen who had nothing but their vapid good looks to recommend them, and no substance or character. But as he came closer, his features grew sharper, his eyes trained on her with a head of blond hair cut in Titus fashion. His jaw looked as if it had been chiseled out of stone, full lips were tilted up into in a small, welcoming smile, but it was his smoldering green eyes that made her chest grow tight. Selina clutched her fan, tremors of sparking heat racing up and down her spine. Next to her, Tereza was also quiet, as if she too couldn’t believe that such a handsome gentleman was approaching them. 

It is likely that he is like all the others, Selina told herself, trying to chase away her odd reaction. I am not here to find a handsome gentleman, but a man that I can love. I should take care to remember that. 

It truly bothered her that she had to remind herself of that. Selina recited the words in her mind, all the while trying to catch her breath as the gentleman came to a stop before her.  

It took her a moment to realize that the host of this evening’s ball was by his side the entire time. She closed her fan with a thwap and smiled brightly at Selina and Tereza. “Lady SelinaLady Tereza, I hope you two are enjoying the ball?” she probed and went on without waiting for a response, looking up at the handsome gentleman. “Please, allow me to introduce to you Baron of Grantley, Lord Michael Caney. Lord Grantley, let me introduce you to Lady Selina King and Lady Tereza King, the youngest daughters of the Earl of Warwick.” 

“My Ladies,” he greeted, bowing just slightly. “It is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” 

“The pleasure is ours, Lord Grantley,” Tereza said, her voice uncharacteristically breathless. She curtsied, her eyes dazzling when they lifted once again to meet Lord Grantley’s. Selina didn’t blame her in all honesty.  

Lord Grantley smiled and then looked at Selina. She braced herself for his request for a dance, her agreement already on the tip of her tongue. But then, he slid his green eyes away from Selina and when they landed on Tereza, they lit up. 

I must say, Lady Tereza, that you caught my eye from the moment you entered the ballroom and I have been trying to think of the perfect thing to say to you once I’ve gotten the courage to approach.” A sheepish smile flashed across his face for a moment and Selina’s heart skipped a beat. Every inch of her body felt as if it had been set on fire and he wasn’t even speaking to her. “But now, I think it will only suffice for me to simply ask you to share this next dance with me? I hope you will say yes?” 

Tereza blushed, nodding eagerly. She seemed to catch herself in the act and slowed her nodding to a gentle, graceful motion. “I would love to, Lord Grantley.” 

Selina watched, her throat constricting as Tereza slid her hand into Lord Grantley’s and he led her away without another glance at Selina. She blinked rapidly, trying to bring her thoughts back together. That was… certainly not what she’d expected. 

I could have sworn he had been staring at me the entire time. But…perhaps I was wrong. I should be happy for Tereza, anyhow. I’m certain she is quite overjoyed to be in the arms of such a handsome gentleman right now. 

Even as the thought crossed her mind, Selina felt a twinge of guilt shoot up within her at her slight jealousy. She had no reason to be jealous, she reminded herself. A gentleman’s looks were a nogood means to fall for them. Ever since her first Season, Selina had longed to find her true love and as each year went by, she had seen that physical appearance often masked a horrible nature lurking underneath. She wouldn’t forgive herself if she married someone simply because she had been attracted to him, only to live the rest of her life unhappy and without love.  

She hated rakes most of all. Gentlemen who could not keep their eyes on one lady, who felt the need to sample the company of nearly any woman who would give them the time of the day. Selina had no tolerance for such behavior, having been victim to it once. She’d promised herself that she would never let her heart fall for a man like that, no matter how handsome or charming. 

It was sad to see that far too many gentlemen in England were either rakes, or far too vapid to warrant her attention. 

The love her older sisters experienced, even the cynical Louisa who had once been determined to spend her life as a spinster, it was that same love Selina wanted for herself. At this rate, she wondered if she would ever find it. 

Or if he will ever find me, she thought as she watched her sister waltz around in the arms of Lord Grantley. Two years ago, Selina had smiled just as brightly as Tereza was smiling right now, but now she felt a lump in her throat and the overwhelming urge to rush out of the ballroom. 

Chapter Two 

 The dance seemed to last forever. A gentleman, accompanied by the host of the ball, approached Selina for an introduction and an invitation to dance but Selina claimed her feet were a bit tired and turned him away. As soon as they were gone, she turned her attention back to her Lord Grantley and Tereza, watching the way they smiled at each other. 

Tereza always wore a brilliant smile. As a happy girl, who found pleasure in nearly every aspect of life, Selina had always felt much joy simply watching her smile. That same feeling rose within her now but was tempered by an odd shadow that Selina couldn’t shake. Heat still curled through her body, remnants of her reaction to Lord Grantley sustained as she watched him. She licked her lips, hating the way she was feeling. 

Finally, the dance drew to an end and Selina straightened as Lord Grantley began to lead Tereza back to Selina’s side. She slipped back into the usual role she’d adopted—an unflappable lady. After all, they did not call her the Aloof Princess for no reason. 

“It was an honor, Lady Tereza,” Lord Grantley said the moment they’d returned. “I truly enjoyed our time together, as short though it might have been.” 

Tereza nodded her agreement, every emotion she felt clear as day in her eyes. “I enjoyed it as well, Lord Grantley. It was truly a lovely start to the evening.” 

“Then it appears my job here is done.” Tereza blushed the moment he flashed her a wide smile. Selina’s heart skipped a beat when two deep dimples appeared in either cheek. Lord Grantley tilted his head in a small bow, saying, “I pray you have a good night, Lady TerezaLady Selina.” 

Selina didn’t take her eyes off his face, even as she curtsied. She willed him to look at her, for her to see if she’d truly been wrong about her assumption. After two Seasons, she knew how to recognize when a gentleman wanted to show his interest in her and a part of her couldn’t believe that Lord Grantley was different. Not because Tereza was not capable of attracting a man like him, but because Selina was certain she’d caught him staring at her. 

But Lord Grantley’s eyes barely grazed over her before he was turning away. Selina watched him go, feeling a little snubbed.  

“Selina!” Tereza caught Selina’s gloved hand, pulling her out of her thoughts. Selina plastered a smile onto her face to match her sister’s exuberance. “That was simply the most amazing few minutes of my life!” 

“How dramatic you are,” Selina giggled. “Though I cannot blame you. Lord Grantley is truly quite handsome.” 

“And charming, as well.” Tereza’s eyes sparkled with life. “I think I would like for him to court me. I cannot believe he asked me to dance. I was positive he’d approached to ask you! I hope he truly is interested in me! 

Selina’s chest tightened. She quelled the feeling that was beginning to rise within her, only giving her sister a slight frown. Not wanting to tamper Tereza’s happiness, Selina tried to choose her words carefully. “He is the very first gentleman you’ve danced with and you have not even spoken for long. You should not allow yourself to be wooed by the first man who pays you a bit of attention,” Selina advised, hoping her words were kind and not riddled with the panging jealousy deep within her chest. “There are many gentlemen in attendance tonight and the night is still young. You should keep yourself open.” 

“Oh, yes I’m sure you’re right – it is just so nice that he asked for my first dance,” Tereza said with a sad smile. “I dreamt about enjoying myself as much as you did your first Season, but I share none of your beauty, so I don’t want to expect too much.” Her hand grasped Selina’s arm again. “Perhaps it would be nice to learn a little more about him before I see him again. Right now, he is only a mystery.” 

Well, you have always been fond of those,” Selina said and Tereza giggled in response. Just then, another gentleman approached them, asking to dance with Tereza. Tereza happily accepted and allowed him to lead her away, leaving Selina with her troublesome thoughts. 

“Learning more about him is not a bad idea,” she murmured to herself. “I should have thought of that before.” Before I let myself grow weak at just the sight of him. Selina resisted the urge to sigh at herself, looking around the room for any friendly face. She spotted one, Miss Angelica, standing with her mother just a short distance away.  

Letting her fan fall open and raising it to her face, Selina began to thread her way through the crowd until she came to Angelica’s side. Angelica was the daughter of the Viscount of Werheim, who was a friend of Selina’s father. Both Angelica and her mother perked up at the sight of her. 

“Selina!” the Viscountess greeted happily. “It is so lovely to see you!” 

“It has been quite a while since we have seen you, has it not, Lady Werheim?” Selina greeted politely.  

“If only Angelica wasn’t always so in demand these days, but perhaps a dinner party could be arranged?” Selina’s smile remained on her face, despite the Viscountess subtle jab. Angelica’s mother had always been one to brag and since Angelica’s debut was already off to a marvelous start, the Viscountess clearly could not help herself. 

Before Selina could respond, Lady Werheim called to someone over her shoulder. “Oh!” she gasped. “Her Grace! Pardon me for a moment.” Then she slipped away. 

Selina came to stand next to her friend, who was only a year younger than her. Angelica wore an apologetic look. “Pardon my mother’s bragging,” Angelica said. “She’s quite overexcited and incorrigible, not even I can get her to hold her tongue and relax.” 

“You need not apologize,” Selina told her, smiling gently. “Her only daughter is debuting this Season and she is already a success. She has every reason to be excited.” 

Angelica’s contrite look only deepened. “But…” 

Selina quickly tried to change the topic, not wanting to talk about her own husband-less state despite it being two years on the circuit now. “By the way,” she said. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Lord Grantley. I am quite curious to see what sort of man he is. Do you happen to know?” 

Angelica’s eyes went wide. “Baron of Grantley, Lord Michael Caney?” she whispered, as if she didn’t dare to say the words too loudly. 

Selina frowned. “Yes, that is him surely. Is there a problem, something we should know about him?” 

Oh, Selina, you should not be seen with Lord Grantley. He is known to be the biggest rake in all of England!” 

Shock rocked her body. Selina gaped at her friend, taking in her serious look. “A notorious rake?” she echoed. “Are you certain?” 

“Quite so.” Then, Angelica bent her head closer to Selina. Though she was a very lovely girl, she’d adopted her mother’s love for gossiping. “Have you heard what happened to the Countess of Richford?” 

“I was not aware that something in particular had happened. I thought she simply gave up Town and went to reside at their country estate with her infant daughter?” 

“Well, that is because it was rumored that she’d been unfaithful to the Earl with Lord Grantley. Lord Grantley would not deny the rumors either, though there was hardly any point in attempting that, they were often seen togetherIn fact, he has publicly been seen with a number of ladies, so who is to say that he has not done even more when no one is around to see?” Angelica straightened and shook her head disapprovingly. “You should stay away from himSelina.” 

“I see.” Selina didn’t know what she’d expected to hear in all honesty, but to learn that he was a rake felt like a betrayal somehow. She tried to push the feeling aside, focusing on the more pressing issue. Tereza was smitten with a man who would undoubtedly break her heart. 

Selina smiled at Angelica’s worried look. “You need not worry, Angelica. You know how picky I can be. I shan’t make such a mistake, I assure you.” 

“I’d hoped not, Selina.” Angelica scowled as if the very thought made her distressed.  

“Thank you for telling me this nonetheless,” Selina went on. “I should return to Tereza now, but it was truly quite nice seeing you again. I hope your night continues to go well.” 

“Oh, thank you, Selina! And you, as well!”  

Selina smiled and waved her hand in farewell before returning to the spot she’d left. After a searching for a short moment, she spotted Tereza still in the arms of that gentleman, her smile ever present.  

I cannot tell her about Lord Grantley’s reputation. At least, not tonight when she is clearly so happy. 

Unable to stop herself, Selina’s gaze wandered away from her sister to where she knew Lord Grantley stood. Her heart began to race at the sight of him, watching the way his strong-looking hands landed on the shoulder of his friend as he laughed. Those deep dimples stood stark on his cheek, softening his devastating features with a boyish charm that made her toes curl.  

At that moment, Lord Grantley glanced in her direction. Selina quickly looked away, embarrassed beyond words.  

Calm down, Selina, she told herself. He is not the first handsome gentleman you’ve met, and he will most certainly not be the last. And with a reputation like that, you should not be feeling so out of sorts at the sight of him. 

But no matter how many times she tried to tell herself that, Selina found ignoring him the most difficult task of the night. 


If you want to stay updated on my next book, and want to know about secret deals, please click the button below!


If you liked the preview, you can get the whole book here


If you want to be always up to date with my new releases, click and...
Follow me on BookBub

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the preview, dear Marcy! I hope you like the rest of the book as much!

  • The counterpoint has been nicely presented, and I have only high expectations about how the plot will unravel.

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the preview, dear Mimi! I hope you like the book as much! Thank you for your feedback and support!

  • I am hooked! Nicely written easy read. I enjoy books that take turns in how the character feels and we can read their thoughts …coming from a person who has read thousands of Ton related romance novels those are my favorites.

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the preview, dear Annette! I hope you like the book as much! Thank you for your comment and support!

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the preview, dear Valerie! I hope you like the rest of the book as much!

  • Definitely an interesting debut for this book! Looking forward to having the book itself available!

    • I’m so glad you liked the preview, dear Virginia! I hope you enjoy the rest of the book as much!

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed the preview, dear Cheryl! Thank you for letting me know! The book is now available on Amazon!

  • >