Naughty and Nice, book 6
She’s going to break the rules, but he never meant to help her.
Miss Mary Vine stole into the decadent Fenwick Masquerade for the thrill of forbidden adventure and the evening was everything she dreamed at first. She was quickly swept away by a mysterious and undeniably handsome stranger, but little did she suspect that the man seducing her was Mr Ellis Worth, London’s most disgraceful rake and someone who knew her far well. While astonished by their mutual attraction, it seems clear her secret rebellion would end before it ever truly began.
Removing his lover’s mask revealed not just a captivating face but the countenance of the most vexing woman of Ellis’ acquaintance—his best friend’s younger sister. Ellis understands Mary’s wish rebel all too well, but he has no wish to embroil either one of them in a scandal that might see them forced to wed or have him shot by her brother. But with the lines between dislike and desire now blurred, does he mind that he helped her break the rules…and could help her break even more?
A Husband for Mary is a standalone regency romance short story.
- Enemies to Lovers
- Brothers Best Friend
- Valentine’s Romance
Read an Excerpt
Mary was losing faith. In men, and in her own appeal. Her red hair was her most appealing feature some said, and her skin was flawlessly pale. She enjoyed the outdoors and exercise, but the older she got, the more times it was suggested she should not. She was afraid that her already full figure was in danger of becoming too round and unappealing. She may not have eyes to beguile an army, but she was willing to flutter her lashes a bit for the right man as long as he might make an honest woman of her in the end.
She would have to find another way to attend. She could not risk going alone. That would be madness and lead to her ruin, and yet…
The masquerade was tonight, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, and she had everything she needed already to attend. A hooded cloak, her mother’s old mask and costume, and the three gold crowns required for the entrance fee by the hosts.
Yes, she could still go even without Douglas’s approval or protection, but she would have to be very brave and discreet.
“Whatever you’re thinking, stop,” Ellis Worth said suddenly, making her jump.
She took a deep breath, praying she’d not been talking out loud, and looked at him. He was widely considered a very handsome gentleman. Mary was not entirely immune, but she had sense enough not to fall for his charms. Ellis Worth was a heartless rogue. “What was I thinking?”
“To go without your brother’s protection,” he suggested in a soft voice that often caught her off guard. “I would not defy him on this.”
She lifted her chin and smiled with as much frost as she could muster. “I did not ask for your opinion Mr. Worth. Should you not be with my brother rather than lingering to bother me? It is hardly proper for us to be alone together.”
Mr. Worth sat forward, staring hard at Mary. “If you had been listening, you would have heard him suggest I could remain right where I am until his return at any moment. You’ve never complained about my company before.”
True. Mary’s family had never been far away when Mr. Worth came to call. He was so very wicked, but she’d always felt protected in this familiar setting. “You have never stuck your nose where it does not belong before either.”
His eyes darkened. “Going to the Fenwick Masquerade won’t solve your problem.”
She frowned at her brother’s friend. “I don’t have a problem.”
“The husband problem,” he suggested. “Douglas believes you set your sights too high.”
Douglas should have kept his opinions to himself instead of confiding in a rake like Ellis Worth. Mary straightened her spine. “No matter what my brother has suggested, my requirements for a husband are very reasonable. I am no more demanding than many young women in a similar situation.”
He scowled. “You want a wealthy husband and to advance the family in society like everyone else.”
Yes, wealth and good standing were important factors, but that wasn’t all she wanted in her future. Ellis Worth would laugh if she told him she also hoped to fall in love with the man she gave her hand to. Given all she knew of a bachelor’s life of excess in Town, Ellis Worth would never realize what was missing from his. She did not bother to explain. He’d hold the same opinions as her brother and dismiss her dreams of romance out of hand. She wouldn’t waste her breath on so futile an explanation.
She smiled again, wishing Douglas would hurry back. “What else could be more important than making a good match?”
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Book Info:
Publish Date: March 12, 2019
Digital ISBN: 978-1-925239-44-7
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-925239-59-1
Genre: Regency Historical Romance
Related Books
Naughty and Nice Series
1. One Wicked Night
2. In the Widow’s Bed
3. Love Me Tender
4. Love Me True
5. Wicked Mourning
6. A Husband for Mary
7. A Ramshackle Start
8. Let it Snow
9. Coming Together
10. Unforgettable