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Twelve
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2020-07-23 00:24:25Angry voices woke Mercedes from a most pleasurable dream. As her mind slowly came alert, she still experienced the tingling of William’s lips on hers, and his fingers across her neck. In her dream their kiss hadn’t been interrupted, and he’d caressed her neck, her shoulders, and down her bosom. In her dream, his lips had followed the trail of his hands.
Now awake, she scolded herself for becoming so infatuated with her sister’s husband.
Mercedes’ mind argued, reminding her Kat was dead. But she countered back, telling herself Kat would be turning in her grave if she knew what th
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Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirteen
The glare from the sun hitting the window stung William’s eyes as he peeled them open. He scowled at the men occupying his bedchambers, but mainly at Captain Wilkes. “What is the meaning of this?” William demanded.The soldiers aimed their wide-eyed gaze at Mercedes, seemingly perplexed and at a loss for words. William glanced over his shoulder at his wife. He sucked in his breath. In the light, she created an alluring silhouette. Although her face was scarlet, she looked absolutely breathtaking. Raven hair wildly framed her head. Her modest white nightgown was such a contrast to her hair. She appeared as pure as newly fallen snow. How could she look that way when she was exactly opposite?
Last Updated : 2020-07-23Let's Pretend (book 1) Fourteen
The following week Mercedes stayed home and played games with the children. She and James formed an attachment, but Lizzy proved more difficult. The adorable little four-year-old child played with them, but still refused to speak.Stepping into the role of woman of the house, Mercedes enjoyed planning the daily meals and organizing the staff, just as she’d done when she was married to Fredrick. Doing something productive took her mind off her worries. At first most of the servants seemed afraid of her, but as the days flew by, they warmed up just as James had. Mercedes dared to ask them questions about
Last Updated : 2020-07-23Let's Pretend (book 1) Fifteen
William stared at the plate of eggs, sausage and honey-scones his servant placed in front of him. Not in the mood to eat, he couldn’t stop thinking about his wife’s actions with Brandon Kennedy last night. Gabe had overheard the conversation between Kennedy and Mercedes and had spied on them from another room to see how Kat handled Kennedy.William shook his head in confusion. What was his wife up to now? For heaven’s sake, she lied to his business partner! That in itself was out of the ordinary. William’s very charming wife would never snub Brandon, even in front of her husband, yet lately she had done it twice. Once when Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy had come for dinner, and yesterday when she thought nobody was
Last Updated : 2020-07-23Let's Pretend (book 1) Sixteen
The lovely morning passed too quickly for Mercedes and the time she’d spent with James and Lizzy would soon come to an end. Within an hour they’d be going back home and she didn’t want the pleasure to stop. When each child clasped her hand, her heart soared. Completion intensified in her chest, causing her to burst with happiness.The morning had started out perfect, first with the tender conversation with William, followed by the brief but earth-shattering kiss that had left her body weak and shaking. Then to have William’s children come to accept her kindness and love… Definitely, the day could not be better.
Last Updated : 2020-07-23Let's Pretend (book 1) Seventeen
William climbed into his coach and tapped on the roof, then braced himself when the vehicle lurched into motion. Today had been as bad as yesterday—worse, in fact, because he couldn’t stop thinking about this morning’s kiss. Undoubtedly, his wife’s charms had bewitched him, because she was certainly a witch. How else could he explain the sudden yearnings he experienced whenever she was around?Exhaling a deep sigh, he relaxed in the seat and stared out the window. The sun descended over the horizon, pink and red shades highlighted the sky. Another day without an invitation to Colonel Burwell’s weekend party. His plans to secretly search the man’s house were slowly fading from his grasp, and he feared he
Last Updated : 2020-07-23Let's Pretend (book 1) Eighteen
“Here we are.”Ignoring William’s grumble as he stared out the carriage window, Mercedes sat forward in her seat and admired the enormous estate. Full trees, the land, and greener rolling hills made it a splendid sight.The Burwell’s three-story house had at least three wings added to the structure as it circled around the backyard. She caught a glimpse of the rose garden that seemed to last forever. At the edge of the yard, a cluster of trees led into a small forest.
Last Updated : 2020-07-23Let's Pretend (book 1) Nineteen
William raised his glass of brandy in salute, and then quickly drank the liquid, wishing he were someplace else besides here. After the luncheon, he and the rest of the men had gathered in the library to discuss politics. The women wandered outside on the porch to converse about more delicate subjects as they daintily sipped their tea. William had tried to sneak away from the men several times, but someone stopped him every time. It irritated him that he couldn’t sneak around and search through Colonel Burwell’s study as he’d wanted. Would William ever find the proof he needed that someone was trying to sabotage him?Unfortunately, he had to paste a smile on his face and nod like a fool, raising his glass at the right mo
Last Updated : 2020-07-23Let's Pretend (book 1) Twenty
The evening’s meal and dancing afterward was a huge success for Lady Burwell. A few more guests arrived, nearly crowding the ballroom. It thrilled Mercedes when William escorted her out on the dance floor, but she wished he didn’t have to leave her arms. While in his embrace his eyes sparkled like gems and his soft smile weakened her limbs. Would he ever feel the same way about her?“Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” he asked.“I’m certainly trying.”
Last Updated : 2020-07-23
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Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty-Three
Mercedes screamed and pressed her body firmly to her husband, closing her eyes. Silently, she prayed his life would be spared.Off in the distance, a man’s shout rent the air, and seconds later, another pistol fired. And then something thumped heavily on the ground. Mercedes snapped her head up. No longer was Kat standing over them holding a pistol. Instead, she lay on the ground as blood covered her chest.William’s gasp alerted Mercedes to someone walking their way
Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty-Two
Mercedes’ body screamed in pain. Her skull had long since stopped throbbing, but being in one position for a lengthy amount of time stiffened every muscle in her body. When Captain Wilkes wasn’t looking, she’d tugged both her arms and legs, trying to free herself from the ropes. But to no avail. After several hours, she slumped in the corner in exhaustion.She leaned her head against the wall. Where was William? She blinked back tears threatening to streak down her face. Crying wouldn’t assist William in rescuing her, so why waste her energy?Henry had stepped outside the barn, and rel
Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty-One
William squinted against the sunlight pouring upon his face through the window. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain, even his eyelids ached. An intense throb began in his skull. He jerked his head up from his desk and sat straight. Cursing, he rubbed his eyes as he tried to remember what had caused him to sleep in his study instead of going upstairs to join his wife in their bed. He stretched his stiff neck and rolled his achy shoulders.The pitter-patter of small feet echoed outside his study mere seconds before the door flung open. James, still wearing his nightshirt, came running toward him. William stood and stepped toward his son.
Let's Pretend (book 1) Forty
The following morning, Katherine groaned as she held her head. The constant throb had gotten worse, and it wasn’t from last night’s entertainment, either. She suffered from some kind of illness, but so far, no physician could tell her why the headaches remained constant and happened more frequently.Forcing her eyelids open, she glanced around the bedroom and scowled. Her sister had moved into William’s room, and it took all of Kat’s willpower to crawl into William’s bed last night. Thankfully, he hadn’t joined her.Father had wanted Mercedes to marry William and had though
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Nine
Mercedes blew on her cold hands. Her nerves jittered out of control, making her body shake from more than just the cool night breeze. She slowed her horse, leading him at the back of the jail. Voices from the soldiers out front of the building echoed through the night.She reassured herself everything would turn out perfect. She had nothing to fear. William would make certain of that. After dismounting, she tiptoed to the back window and peeked inside. Henry Wilkes sat in a chair, leaning his elbow on the table as he twirled a stick between his fingers. It appeared as if he were the only person inside.Forcin
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Eight
Mercedes made her way down the stairs to the dining room the next morning. Angry voices rose from the study. William’s voice boomed louder than the others, sounding panicked. Her heartbeat quickened.Lifting her dress to her ankles, she hurried toward the room. William and five of his servants cluttered inside his study. The door stood ajar, so she peeked inside. All the men held the same worried expressions of drawn brows and sorrowful eyes. William’s lips pulled together, his hands balled at his side. William stalked to the liquor tray and poured a glass of bourbon—something he rarely did. He tipped it to his lips and gulped as if it was water.
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Seven
The door to the office opened, banging against the wall with a resounding crack. William jumped in his chair and spun toward the noise. Gabe rushed in, his face flushed as he wheezed to catch his breath. He glanced toward Brandon’s empty desk before hurrying over to William’s side.“Gabe, what ails you this afternoon? You look like you have been running for miles.”His friend placed his hand over his chest, nodding with a smile. “It seems I have.” He chuckled. “But when I received the letter, I couldn’t wait to show you.” Gabe handed forth a folded piece o
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Six
Here’s your chance. Tell her.William smiled and took Mercedes’ hand, helping her out of the buggy. Shadows of doubt filled her green eyes, making his chest ache with sorrow. He had been an imbecile, plain and simple. But he didn’t want to doubt her, and he didn’t want her to mistrust him. Bringing her hand up to his mouth, he kissed her knuckles. “My love, I trust you with my life.”“Then prove it. Tell me what bothers you so.”
Let's Pretend (book 1) Thirty-Five
When William entered the dining area the next morning, Gabe waited for him, just as they’d planned. William’s breakfast of eggs and fruit were on a plate, ready for him.“Top of the morning, Gabe,” William greeted.His friend chuckled and shook his head. “I envy you. I don’t think I will ever find a special woman to share my life with.”William sat and picked up his fork. “Don’t say such things. You are a strapping young man.
