Naughty and Nice Book 1
For one wicked night…
Benedict Abernathy, an untitled but wealthy gentleman visiting London, is heartily sick of his celibate existence. Determined to leave his shattered heart behind and move on with his life, he accepts an invitation for a night of debauchery in the arms of London’s infamous courtesan, Lottie Townsend.
…she will indulge his every desire.
Lady Charlotte Goodchild has fallen far from privilege and longs for one night of pleasure with the man she loves. But Benedict must be spared the truth of her ruin at all costs. Posing as Lottie Townsend, a notoriously discriminating courtesan and old friend, she disguises her identity and invites Benedict to share the night of passion that fate denied them.
One Wicked Night is a steamy regency romance short story.
- Friends to Lovers
- Forbidden Love
- Hidden Identity
Read an Excerpt
Benedict Abernathy peered into the blinding candlelight and handed the thick vellum invitation to the Charles Street butler. He held his breath, anxious that his visit might be part of some cruel jest by his friends. He wouldn’t put a trick like this past them.
Lately they had been making serious attempts to lift his spirits, but he wasn’t sure if even they had the power to provide this invitation. If tonight wasn’t a hoax, he would gain entry to an intimate evening with the elusive courtesan, Lottie Townsend. Such unexpected invitations were rare and when extended, highly envied.
Once his vision had adjusted from the gloom of London’s twilight, Benedict noticed the butler’s sharp-eyed assessment. The pause unnerved him, but the bewigged giant said nary a word as he ushered Benedict through the door and into the quiet sanctum of the infamous courtesan’s residence.
Given his expectations, Benedict was not disappointed. The large entrance hall spoke of refinement and taste, despite the butler’s jarring form. His presence confirmed that Lottie Townsend did not take chances with her safety and he had to respect her forward thinking. The courtesan’s servant looked as if he could rip a man’s head from his shoulders without breaking a sweat.
Benedict, directed to an intimate dining chamber, tried to control his anticipation while he waited, but his solitude did not last beyond a few moments. A door creaked to his right and he sucked in a tortured breath as Lottie herself swept into the room to greet him. Time stood still as he gazed at the bejeweled courtesan.
Rumors and innuendo did not do her justice. She glided toward him with smooth steps, the embodiment of sleek, dark-haired perfection. Benedict noticed the challenge in her eyes immediately, as if she expected something from him instead of the other way around. The second thing that drew his gaze was the way her gown floated about her in transparent drifts. He saw the delicate turn of her leg and the dipping curve of her waist as she passed before candlelight. Fire clawed in his blood. Up close, he glimpsed the peaks of her nipples thrust against the gauze of her gown, and he coughed lightly to cover a groan.
His self-imposed celibacy had definitely ended. He couldn’t wait to touch her.
Benedict dragged his gaze back to her eyes and caught amusement glittering there. Dark kohl outlined each lid, and white powder dusted her nose and upper face, making her age elusive, her true identity impossible to ascertain. That she wore paint surprised him. He had not heard a whisper of gossip about a disguise. His gaze fell to her lips. Naturally beguiling red, they were bare, and an amused smile tugged at them. How soon could he lay his against them and hear Lottie beg for his touch?
“I am very pleased you could join me this fine evening, Mr. Abernathy. Please, won’t you sit by me?” Lottie’s husky voice touched him as only one other before her had been able to do, and if she chose to look down she would see how affected he was. To his delight, she did.
“My dear Lottie, wild horses could not keep me away from your side.”
Her smile slipped a little as he offered his arm. Pleasure fizzled along his nerves and he forced his steps toward a table set for two before the open doors to her garden.
As she threw away convention and settled him in his chair, Benedict eyed the dishes already laid out and awaiting them. His anxiety rose at seeing food he likely couldn’t dare eat.
A soft breath whispered over his ear. “There is nothing on my table to cause you harm.”
Benedict looked at her in surprise as she slid into the seat close beside his. “You have done research?”
“I assure you I have taken great pains to provide every comfort for you. Everything tonight is for your pleasure, and mine. Believe me; having one’s partner keel over at the dining table has never held an appeal.”
“That could present a difficulty.” Benedict grinned, deciding he liked this woman’s sense of humor. He let the tension leave his shoulders. At least he would not become ill and miss tasting Lottie.
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English Edition – Book Info
First Published Date: 26 April 2010
Digital ISBN: 978-0-987561-43-5
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-922733-37-5
Genre: Regency Historical Romance
Translations
French eBook Italian eBook Spanish eBook
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