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Chapter 212
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The League of Rogues Chapter 213
Jonathan watched Audrey stride away from the succession houses and was torn between laughing and growling in frustration.Pineapples. What poppycock.The sprite was avoiding him and using the ruse of fruits to do it. He was tempted to go after her, especially seeing the way her hips swayed back and forth in her delightful colored skirts. He'd teased her endlessly about such gowns, but one had to admit the woman knew how to dressand how to torture a man with thoughts of stripping her out of those clothes.Once she was out of sight, he left James and Gillian and returned to the house. He needed help, and there was only one person he felt he could turn to. He found his intended counselor reading in the library."Charles." Jonathan shrugged out of his coat and joined Charles at a table. It was midmorning. He and James had arrived early at the grand country estate, but Charles had traveled a day ahead of them, and as such had already settled in.The Earl of Lonsdale glanced up from the
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Audrey stared at a row of pineapples in the garden table, thinking. Not about the tart, prickly shaped fruit but about Jonathan. He was here, despite the fact that he shouldn't be, and she had no idea what to do about it. Why was he here? He avoided social gatherings whenever possible, except for dinners with his closest friends. Why hadn't he written to her in the last week? And why did he have to look so wonderfully handsome and virile? The flurry of questions made her head ache.While the house party was of a decent size, enough so that they would not need to interact too much, it was still possible that they would be forced into close proximity on occasion. And she would be here for a week. She couldn't hide in every alcove or duck out of every balcony door when he came toward her; that simply wasn't possible.It isn't in me to retreat. Yet that was exactly what she felt like doing.With an irritated sigh, she turned around and walked into the hard, imposing body of the very man
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"What happened to you?" Lucien straightened in his chair, alarm filling his gaze. Jonathan had just entered Lucien's study and gingerly touched his jaw. By the feel of it, he was going to bruise."I may have had a tussle with one of the other guests.""Oh?""Nothing serious," Jonathan said with a wry grin."Nothing serious? You're turning blue on the chin.""I may have been teaching a certain little sprite to defend herself. She may have gotten the better of me."Lucien laughed almost as heartily as Charles had."I didn't tell you so you can be amused at my expense," Jonathan grumbled."I'm sure you didn't, but dammit, man, you cannot deny it is amusing." Lucien leaned back in his chair and propped his boots up on the edge of his desk. "Anyway, I hope you didn't come here for advice on seducing Sheridan women. Audrey is very different from Horatia. Very. My love is sweet, shy, and gentle.""And Audrey is none of those." Well, that wasn't true; she certainly had her sweet momen
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Tom Linley pressed his ear to the keyhole of Lord Rochester's study, heart pounding."Will you be her shadow, Jon?" Rochester's words were barely audible, but Linley heard them, as well as Mr. St. Laurent's agreement. He'd heard all he needed to. He dashed into the nearest chamber down the corridor before the trio of gentlemen left Rochester's study. They would soon be leaving for dinner."Mr. Linley?" Linley glanced around. Audrey sat in a chair by the fire, looking cozy as she read a book. They were in a small drawing room, a private one for members of the family only, but he'd thought it was empty when he'd scouted it earlier."My apologies, Miss Sheridan." He straightened himself and prepared to leave, as if nothing was amiss."Oh no, please. I was just going. Dinner will be ready." Audrey stood, her dark green gown a bold creation of satin and trimmed with Belgian lace. No doubt the earl and his friends were dressed with equal refinement. Fine clothing and pleasant evenings wi
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 217
Audrey rejoined the ladies in the drawing room after dinner. She had to assure them all, especially Horatia, that she had merely been shocked at the news she'd heard. She was seated on the couch, watching the ladies catch up on their gossip. Usually she enjoyed being in the midst of those circles. They often laid the seeds for what would eventually turn into stories for her Lady Society column. But instead she was, for lack of a better word, moping.She was such a fool to let her heart yearn for a man who kept pulling away from her. And she couldn't help but think of what would happen tonight. Would he come to her room if she didn't go to his? He just might.Her sister eased down onto the seat beside her, carefully leaning back a little so she could rest. "Audrey.""Yes?""Is everything all right? I'm worried about you." Her sister covered one of her hands and squeezed it delicately."Worried about me?""Yes. I thought you and Jonathan would be, well, making an announcement soon.
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Jonathan wound his arms around Audrey, pulling her to him. She tasted so sweet, and he knew he was making a dangerous move by kissing her now. The last thing he wanted was to make her regret being with him. He had no title and only a small estate to offer, yet she was the daughter of a viscount. Audrey acted quite forward in her thinking, but he didn't trust that if it came down between her place in society and love that she would choose him.And yet he couldn't stop kissing her. She gave a soft purr that made him rigid with need. He wanted to see her come apart in his arms as she had that night at the Midnight Garden. He'd been brave enough to touch her then, to show her what could exist between them. To do wicked things without truly compromising her. He'd seen the startled look of dazed pleasure on her, and it had nearly destroyed him with desire. Audrey in the throes of passion had been perhaps the most exquisite thing he'd ever seen.His kisses turned soft, then hard, then soft
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Audrey wasn't sure what time she woke up the next morning. But the fear and anxiety that had sent her running into Jonathan's arms faded bit by bit overnight, and she'd relaxed enough to enjoy waking and discovering he'd stayed behind after their passionate kisses. She had a vague recollection of demanding that he help her undress, and her lips curled into a little smile. After a while of lying there beside him, she moved drowsily in the bed, unable to ignore how good it felt to have the warm body of a man beside her.She stretched her leg over Jonathan's and cuddled closer. His hand on her upper back drifted down to the base of her spine, just above her bottom. A sensual pulse passed between them as she wrapped her body against his. His hands, which had been slowly stroking her, now began to caress her more earnestly. He was awake now as well, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Did he enjoy this intimacy as much as she did? Had he been just as lost in their kisses
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Jonathan scraped the razor over his chin, then swished the blade in the bowl of hot water. Then he put the razor to his skin again, watching himself carefully in the mirror. His gaze darted to his bed in the mirror. It was immaculate since he hadn't slept there last night, but he could still picture Audrey lying there, half-naked, tempting him with that seductive look to stay in bed all day with her.He smiled at the thought of her wanting to watch him shave. This morning had been a true victory in his war to win her heart. She wouldn't surrender to just any man.When she had taken him into her mouth so unexpectedly, he half believed he had perished in that bed and a choir of angels were singing him to heaven. If she was inexperienced now, he was afraid to imagine how deadly she would be with a bit of practice.Jonathan set the razor down on the cloth by the basin and eyed the clothes his valet had laid out on the bed. A burgundy waistcoat shot through with gold thread and a pair of
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
The League of Rogues Chapter 310
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
The League of Rogues Chapter 307
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
