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Chapter 135
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The League of Rogues Chapter 136
Lord Pembroke was as good as his word. By the time the waltz had ended, with Pembroke pressing himself as close to Rosalind as he could for every turn, Ashton had pushed away from his wall and was stalking toward her, eyes blazing. But before he could speak to her, Rafe slipped in between them."Sorry, brother, but I am next." Rafe flashed a wolfish smile at his brother.Ashton attempted to take Rosalind's other hand to pull her away. "Surely you should not be dancing after your fall.""Nonsense," Rafe replied. "I've been resting too long. Some activity will do me good."Rosalind bit her lip to hide a smug smile as she walked past Ashton to follow Rafe out onto the dance floor. "I'm sorry you shan't have what you desire, Lord Lennox."Ashton visibly clenched his fists.Rafe glanced at his brother with a chuckle. "So, Lady Melbourne, tell me, are you going to marry my brother? The talk of the house is that you will, which makes little sense to me. I noticed a tension between you t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 137
This night was hell on Ashton's control.Watching Rosalind, his Rosalind, going around the dance floor from one man to the nextit was going to kill him. Every time someone touched her hand or made her smile, he flinched."Two more dances. That's all I have to endure." He forced his attention to the rest of the room. His mother was laughing as she huddled in a corner with the other married ladies. A dozen or so ostrich plumes bounced as the ladies bent their heads to gossip. It was his mother's element: the social scene.She was the daughter of an earl, one with a vast fortune, and despite having had her pick of eligible bachelors had married his father out of foolish notions of love. His father's decline had hurt his mother by association. It was only in the last few years that she had entered back into society.He'd helped arrange that, of course, using the fortune he'd built for their family to buy their way back in with wealth and influence. Not that his mother had any notion of
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 138
Rosalind clutched her shawl tightly about her shoulders as Ashton offered to lift her down from the coach."Come on, darling," he teased. "Don't be frightened.""I'm not." She held out her hand, but he stepped closer and caught her waist, lifting her down. Beyond him the lights of the house bathed the front lawn in a soft golden hue, a lovely contrast to the heavy darkness of the midnight hour."I'll have a footman bring us a bottle of wine. By the looks of it, we'll need it." He was chuckling as he helped her up the steps. The butler opened the door for them, and Ashton took him aside to speak to him while a footman collected her shawl."Ready?" Ashton asked as he returned to her."With you I doubt I'll ever be truly ready," she said as Ashton led her up the grand stairs. Risking her future on a game of chess? It was madness, but it was a risk worth taking if she could free herself from Lennox's manipulative agenda, and it was not much of a risk at that, if Rafe was to be believe
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 139
Her dressRosalind suppressed a shiver as Ashton stood behind her, his warm breath fanning across her neck. Once she removed her dress, they would both be completely indecent.Exposed.Ashton's hands moved to the laces of her gown, and he began to pull the threads out. His touch made her jump."What about my slippers?"His lips twitched and a devilish gleam settled in his eyes. "I don't want your slippers.""This is entirely unfair.""Steady on, darling." His chuckle was bedroom soft and deliciously dark."Just take it off," she muttered, her temper sparking.His fingertips stroked her bare shoulders, teasing patterns over her all-too-sensitive skin."And ruin the delight of the moment? Not a chance." The heat from his body enveloped her from behind, and she fought the part of her that wanted this infuriating, seductive man.The movements of his hands were slow and methodical. The fabric gaped slightly when he'd undone all the laces. She clutched her hands at her sides as he
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 140
Ashton stood on the steps of the Sheridan townhouse on Curzon Street and tried to quell the sudden bout of nerves in his stomach. He'd risen well before dawn at his estate and slipped out of bed, pressing a light kiss to Rosalind's lips before leaving. It had taken two hours of hard riding to reach London, and his horse was lathered and exhausted. But it was important that he arrive in time to catch Cedric before he left his house for the day. He and Anne were likely to be selecting new mares at Tattersall's this afternoon.For the mission he had this morning, he only trusted Cedric. Today he was acquiring a special license to marry Rosalind. In the past, he'd always been the one to accompany the others to the Doctors' Commons, but it was strange to think today was his turn.He couldn't ask Godric or Lucien. They had married for love alone and would challenge him for marrying Rosalind for mercenary reasons. He could, perhaps, admit that he was marrying her because he wanted to, becau
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 141
Nelson Lewis, a footman in the Sheridan household, lingered in the doorway to the servants' quarters, straining to pick up any bits of conversation from the three ladies still standing in the hall."Emily, why did you stop pestering once he admitted Rosalind was wonderful?" Lady Sheridan asked.The Duchess of Essex played with the pearls around her neck. "I don't believe Ashton has ever said that about any woman. I believe he has stronger feelings for her than he admits, even to himself."Nelson nudged the door an inch further, studying the well-bred ladies as they walked back into the parlor. But before they disappeared inside he heard Lady Rochester speak."A wedding in Hampshire. It will be lovely."Lennox was to be married? He shut the door and came down the stairs to find the butler, careful to appear as though he was about his normal duties. The older man was standing in the servants' corridor, speaking to the housekeeper."Ah, Nelson, there you are. We have a few errands f
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 142
"If I ever have to look at another bonnet again, I'll die." Rosalind laughed as she exited the milliner's shop.Joanna yawned. "Agreed. I didn't know there would be so many to try on."After spending two hours at various clothing establishments searching for gowns and other assortments of items needed for a trousseau, the Lennox House footman was laden with boxes piled so high he could barely see. Rosalind and Joanna couldn't stop giggling each time the poor fellow bumped into something while they walked along the street.Regina joined them, pulling on her gloves. "I believe we must have bought half the shops out." She nodded to the footman. "Thank you, Jacob. We're done for the day. I believe it's time to return home.""Yes, I'm famished." Joanna laid a hand on her stomach. "I missed luncheon becausewell, Charles was there, and that man always makes me so nervous. Besides, Ashton will be home soon."Rosalind's heart gave a wild thump. I should not be so excited to see him. She re
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 143
The weight of three feminine stares made Ashton's stomach clench. His mother and sister knew nothing of what had transpired all those years ago. Aside from academics, they knew he'd formed deep bonds with his friends and that was all. And he hadn't planned on telling Rosalind more unless he had to. She pulled away from his hold to stare up at him, those gray eyes soft as dove feathers.When he'd first gone to Cambridge, he'd had no friends. His father's death and his subsequent debts had destroyed their societal connections. A year later he'd made true friends, whom he had brought home to meet his family. But he had never shared how he had met the rest of the League."Ashton, I never knew that," his mother said, eyes as wide as saucers from the Lennox family china."It is a bad memory. I never wished to share that burden with anyone else.""I'm so sorry," Rosalind whispered again.He rested his forehead against Rosalind's and stroked her back. She could be furious with him as much
Last Updated : 2022-06-15
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The League of Rogues Chapter 311
The roads proved to be quite passable as sunlight melted much of the last evening's snowfall. Ella leaned against the side of the coach, watching sunlight glint off the snow like diamonds scattered on the surface of a white sheet. The rocking rhythm of the coach and the thudding sounds of the hooves lulled her into a numb state somewhere between wakefulness and slumber. She tried not to let her mind drift back to this morning, but it seemed determined to replay flashes of their lovemaking.The way Phillip's eyes lit up between slow kisses, how it felt to thread her fingers through his hair, the sighs he made as they embraced after coming apart. The way it felt to have his fingertips brush against her cheek. Even the way he spoke her name as she walked away. She would remember every little thing, the bursts of light and heat, and the cold sting of her breaking heart. Perhaps in time the memories would fade, but she doubted it. If only he was brave enough to come after her, to fight for
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Ella awoke to the smell of porridge, eggs, and ham. She moved languidly, stretching her limbs, feeling sore between her thighs and a slight dampness in the sheets. Her face flushed as she sat up in bed. Phillip was seated by the fire, reading a novel. A tray of food sat on the table beside him, untouched."You should eat."He looked over his shoulder at her, his mouth quirking into a grin. "I was waiting for you. Come." He patted his lap, and the invitation was too much for her to resist. She slipped out of bed and joined him. He curled an arm around her waist as she eased down on his lap."How do you feel?" he asked, his eyes tender as he looked at her."A little sore," she admitted. "But wonderful too. I fear you've given me a taste for sin.""Have I now?" His delighted chuckle pleased her so much that her heart hurt. She loved his laugh, his smile, everything. She wanted only happiness for him because he had suffered so much."Yes, most definitely. Where did you learn such a u
The League of Rogues Chapter 309
Phillip woke before dawn, feeling more rested than he had in a long time. A beautiful woman lay beside him, and memories of how sweet the previous night had been made him want to burst into song like a lovestruck fool. He'd given her pleasure and she'd returned it, and it had been going so damned well until he'd fallen asleep. Yet his body didn't ache, and his leg didn't hurt as he was used to first thing in the morning. He moved slightly, expecting pain, but the usual stiffness in his thigh and lower calf and shin weren't there.He stared down at Ella's scantily clad body lying beside him. Had she truly rubbed his body last night, or had it been a sweet dream? He'd gotten so used to that, dreaming she was there to heal everything with her love and sweetness, that he didn't quite trust the reality.No, it hadn't been a dream. She had pleasured him with her mouth and almost brought him to his knees. Then she'd shown tenderness in helping him with his leg. God, the woman was exquisite
The League of Rogues Chapter 308
The night was full of magic. Ella couldn't stop smiling as she left the dancers and returned to the table with Bridget.Warwick poured them wine from a bottle a barmaid delivered to them. "Well done, ladies, well done."The wine was sweet on Ella's tongue and went straight to her head as she ate dinner. Phillip kept a hand on her waist, so deliciously scandalous, even though they were pretending to be married. She could have floated away without a care in the world."Well, it's getting late. I think we'll turn in," Phillip said at last. "It was a pleasure to meet you both."Bridget smiled. "As it was for us, my lord."Phillip collected his cane, and Ella slipped her arm in his as they headed for the stairs."You were stunning tonight," Phillip said as they climbed the steps together."Was I?" She couldn't resist preening a little. She rarely received compliments from men who weren't her brothers."You were most enchanting." Phillip leaned against the wall as he unlocked their d
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Phillip was damned, but he couldn't stop what he was doing. She was so tender, so full of warmth and youthful excitement. Her kiss made him feel like the man he'd once been long ago. Like the man who'd danced with her in that ballroom ages ago, feeling her spin and twirl back into his arms. How she'd looked up at him when he'd kissed her beneath that starry night sky, and he'd thought in that moment they could have held the entire world between them.Now he was kissing her again, and it was different. She was not a young, teasing debutante. She was a woman now, one who'd learned disappointments and heartache and clung to happiness that much stronger whenever she found it. He wanted to make sure their time together now was everything she'd dreamed of.Her eager response to the touch of his lips or the flick of his tongue against hers brought back a flood of excitement. He'd thought he was incapable of feeling like this again, but he'd been blissfully wrong. A sweet melody echoed about
The League of Rogues Chapter 306
The following morning, Ella stepped out into the courtyard between the two gatehouses and blinked in surprise to find Phillip dressed and ready to leave. She'd thought perhaps after last night he wouldn't come. Yet there he was, eyes glinting with amusement at her astonishment.He looked dashing in buff trousers and an indigo waistcoat. A greatcoat hung around his shoulders, only adding to the handsome picture he presented. Beyond him a large traveling coach stood ready. Marcus and Cora were helping the driver secure several valises to the back of the coach. The morning sky was still a watery gray as the sun failed to penetrate the heavy snow clouds that had gathered above them.Phillip greeted her with a smile as she reached him. "Good morning."She smiled back, but a sudden bout of nerves made her tremble. Had she really asked him to tutor her in seduction last night? The reality of that moment was now a little daunting in the cold light of day."Come now, don't be shy," Phillip
The League of Rogues Chapter 305
Ella followed Mr. Boucher through the house as he escorted her to her chambers for the night. Most of the furniture was covered in cloth to protect from sunlight and dust. Many of the tall paned windows throughout the house were shuttered, effectively sealing off the rooms from light and life. This beautiful house had been emptied of people. Closed off, just like its master.They passed into one of the few more well-lit rooms, a long hall with paintings of fine-faced men and women. She glanced up at more than one of the portraits, seeing Phillip's eyes or chin, even his nose in several of the ancestors upon the walls."Mr. Boucher.""Yes, Lady Ella?""Is he in much pain?" She was perhaps indelicate to inquire about Phillip's injuries in such a way, but she needed answers.Boucher paused to look at her in the moonlight. Whatever he seemed to be looking for he must have found."Yes. In the beginning, he couldn't walk. He lay in bed for several weeks, only moving with the aid of oth
The League of Rogues Chapter 304
Phillip sat in the faded armchair in his study, staring into the crackling fire in the fireplace. His left leg ached, especially during the damp winter months. He rubbed his thigh, squeezing the muscles, and then farther down to his shin and calf. The muscles were still weak from the lack of use. But it hurt too much to walk, so he did so only when necessary.A sound from the hall below caught his attention. Voices. Who the devil could Boucher be talking to? They'd reduced the staff over the last year, mainly because he had shut up most of the house since he remained close to his bedchamber and never entertained. He sat up a little in his chair, listening to the sounds of a woman. The pair of maids he still employed were likely on the first floor of the house at the farthest end where the other bedchambers were or in the kitchens."Boucher?" he called out, but his voice was hoarse since he hadn't used it in what felt like days. He hadn't had occasion to see anyone or truly talk to an
The League of Rogues Chapter 303
One year later"If I have to listen to one more man explain to me that business and politics are not things to concern myself with," Ella growled over the rim of her teacup."It is most frustrating," her friend, Audrey St. Laurent, agreed. "I often say some men need a good whack to the heador between their legs, depending on the man."Ella snickered but then sighed as her mood deflated again."What's truly bothering you?" Audrey inquired.Ella glanced about Audrey's morning room, seeking a distraction from her mortification, but they were alone. A fire crackled in the hearth, and sunlight glinted off the snow outside. It was a perfectly lovely day, which made her black mood all the worse."At one and twenty, it seems I'm now to attract the worst sort of men. I was at Lady Hearst's ball last evening, and every single man I danced with lectured me about how fortunate I was to even be dancing at my age. To make it worse, the younger ladies have taken offense at my being there. More
