A Week of Pleasure

A Week of Pleasure by

Christie Kelley

Copyright 2005, Christie Kelley. ISBN 1-59578-125-0 Published by Liquid Silver Books, Imprint of Atlantic Bridge, June 2005 Edited by Ansley Velarde Cover Art by April Martinez Romance Historical Erotica

Desperate times call for extremely desperate measures After an exhaustive search for her betrothed, Kendra Smythe realizes no one is going to pull her family from financial ruin but her. Taking her best friend's advice, she decides to barter her virtue with the most notorious rake in London. It's not as if her despicable betrothed deserves anything from her after years of neglect. Everyone knows that Derrick Thornton loves to relieve a woman of her virtue and is willing to pay for the opportunity. All Devlin Thornton, the Earl of Blackpool has to do is impersonate his twin brother while Derrick is on a mission for the Home Office. It should be easy enough, show up at a few of the ton's best balls and act just like his arrogant, philandering brother. Until a long-legged blonde walks into his brother's study and offers Devlin a chance to take her virtue. Using a fictitious name, Kendra offers Devlin a chance with her for five thousand pounds. Instead he offers her a week of pleasure and her virginity intact. As their Week of Pleasure ends, Kendra receives a letter from her missing betrothed. But after a week with Devlin, how can she return to her betrothed?

Chapter One London 1813 Kendra Smythe stared in awe at her reflection in the mirror. The extremely low-cut, violet gown might be the exact opposite of her normal attire, but it was just the look she required tonight. The dress to seduce a hardened rake. "Well? What do you think?" She whirled away from the mirror to face her best friend. Sarah's brown eyes widened at her. "Perfect. He will never be able to resist you." "I certainly hope not. Or I don't know what I shall do." Sarah reached for the high waist of Kendra's dress and pushed it down further. The movement exposed more than she had ever shown in public. If she took too deep a breath, her nipples might peek out of their hiding place. Her friend gave her a critical look. "Are you certain about this? Perhaps you should wait to hear from your betrothed." "I have waited two months for a reply from the Earl of Blackpool. I traveled to his estate, only to be told he might return in a month, possibly longer. He obviously wants nothing to do with me." "Still, he might not be pleased getting a 'used' bride." "Then he should have answered my letters and eased my worry. But he hasn't. So I shall fix my family's predicament the only way I can." Sarah nodded. "Before you go, is there anything else you need to know?" Know? Dear God, she had seen more than enough last night. She

knew Sarah ran with a fast crowd, but nothing could have prepared Kendra for what she had observed. Her friend had arranged for Kendra to watch through a peephole as she and her husband indulged in an orgy. Just thinking about what she saw made moisture flow between her legs again. She'd had no choice but to touch herself as she watched Sarah straddle her husband's hips and bring his cock into her wetness. As Sarah took her husband in, another man came up behind her, spread light oil on his cock and entered her small puckered hole. And amazingly enough, a third man forced her to suck on his penis. There were other men and women in the room doing similar things with each other. Normally Kendra tried to repress such actions, but last night she had rubbed her clit until she shook with pleasure. "I daresay I have all the knowledge I need," Kendra finally replied. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment as she remembered Sarah greedily licking and sucking on that man's shaft. "You really can swallow that down without getting with child?" "Yes," Sarah answered with a smile. "I have done it many times. Until I give Humphrey an heir, he is the only one who can enter me. But I can't wait to get Lord Ansley inside me. His cock is enormous!" Kendra giggled. She had noticed Ansley's large appendage as he took Lady Perkins. She had no idea how any woman could take all that inside her. With a mental shake of her head, she readied herself for the evening ahead. If all went as planned, when she returned tomorrow, she would no longer be a virgin. And she would no longer be destitute either. Armed with all the knowledge she believed she needed, Kendra pulled on her blue pelisse. "Remember, barter for your virginity. Rumor has it that Mr. Thornton loves an innocent and is willing to pay handsomely for the privilege of being a woman's first man," Sarah said with a devious grin. "I shall use all that you've taught me." And Sarah had taught her plenty. How to suck a man's cock the way he liked it. How a man

liked to kiss a woman's private parts, and more importantly, how utterly wonderful it was supposed to be. Oh, yes, she knew enough. If not for her dying father, she would not even be in this position. As her father grew more ill, creditors appeared on their doorsteps, demanding payment before he died. After selling everything of value and giving out her dowry, there was only one thing left to sell...herself. Being betrothed, she attempted to contact her intended first, to no avail. Which left only her virtue to sell, there was no better place than London; with its perversions and licentious behavior. Her best friend, Sarah had married a year ago and offered Kendra the chance to come to town. Now she just had to get up her nerve to go through with this plan. Kendra departed the house and spent the next few minutes in the carriage praying she had made the right decision. Mr. Thornton didn't even know she had plans to see him. In fact, Mr. Thornton had never met her, and she had never met him. But she'd heard enough stories about him to know that he was the right man for this mission. At almost thirty and a confirmed bachelor, he went through mistresses like water. He enjoyed training them in the sport of sex. And best of all, he paid them well. The gossip mill reeled with the news that he had let his last mistress go only two days ago. White's had bets on who his next woman would be. And they would all be wrong. Derrick Thornton would not be taking Miss Sophia Morgan as his next mistress. At least, not until he'd taken Kendra first. She only hoped her nervousness would ease so she could manage this feat. All she needed to do was concentrate on the outcome. Her younger sisters and brothers would get all they needed, once she had secured their future. David and Anthony could attend Eton or whatever school they chose. Amy and Emily, while they might not get a Season in London, at least their dowries would be replenished and they could find a suitable husband in Hampshire. The carriage rolled to a stop in front of an imposing white limestone

house. The candles flickering inside brightened several windows, and even from the street she could see the expensive furnishings. The rumors of his money must be correct if he lived in such an elegant home, she only wished she had learned a little more about the man before making her decision. Sarah's groom opened the door for her. "Shall we wait?" Kendra bit her lip, staring at the house. "Yes, please. If I am not out within the hour, you may return to Lord Humphrey's house." The groom gave her a smirk. "Of course, ma'am." Now she just had to walk up those six stairs and knock on the door. She could do this. Her brothers and sisters depended on her ability to go through with this task, not that they had any idea of what she had planned. All she had to do was pretend she was an actress playing a part. How hard could it be? With a breath for fortitude, she ascended the stairs and banged on the door with the knocker. Minutes ticked as she waited at the door. Quite unusual. Most butlers stood in wait for a carriage to stop in front of their house. Unless Mr. Thornton had gone out for the night after all and the servants had retired for the evening. She didn't want to ponder that possibility. The door opened and a man who looked far too young to be the head butler frowned at her. "Yes, miss?" "I am here to see Mr. Thornton." His tawny brows rose. "Indeed?" He looked down his nose at her. "Wait in the salon and I shall see if Mr. Thornton is at home." "Thank you." She followed him into the salon, awed by the lavish furnishings and paintings the room held. Too nervous to sit, she paced the room. But she had made it through the first part--she had entered the lion's lair. *****

"I cannot believe you convinced me to do this again," Devlin Thornton complained to his manservant, Lindale. He sipped his brandy in the comfortable, leather chair of his brother's home. It was furnished in a manner comparable to his own home, but it never felt like home when he stayed here. "The good of the country is at stake, my lord." "Yes, so it is. And as usual, it is up to my brother to save it." "He couldn't do it without you, sir," Lindale replied. "I suppose not. But I have my own responsibilities with the estates, the tenants and all their needs." Lindale refilled Devlin's brandy snifter. "I believe they shall manage without you for a fortnight, my lord." Lindale probably knew that fact better than he did. Lindale had been raised on the estate with the other servants and tenants. "But I do tire of pretending to be him. I love my brother, but the man is a philanderer. He is with more women in a month than I have in a year." "Which is why you broke things off with Miss Reardon two days ago?" Devlin shook his head. "I am not about to share a woman with my brother. She was his mistress and certainly not my type." Lindale looked away with a wistful grin. "I remember the stories the two of you would tell of sharing the same woman at the same time." He chortled. "I lived for those tales." Devlin smiled, thinking about his exploits as a young man. "Yes, some of those women just loved to try and figure out which Thornton was which. They loved the idea of giving themselves to twins." He and his brother had been inseparable back then, until his father died leaving Devlin, as the eldest, the new Earl. While not estranged, a constant tension remained between them now. Still, he would do anything for Derrick. And he hoped Derrick felt the same.

Lindale nodded as he handed Devlin his correspondence. "I had all your letters sent to your town home then picked them up today. As far as your staff is concerned, you are traveling abroad but might return in a week, possibly two." "Thank you, Lindale. I believe I'm done for the night." He sipped his second glass of brandy. The liquor warmed his body on this cold night more than even the bright fire could. "As you wish, my lord." Lindale retreated from the room and quietly closed the doors to the study. Devlin ripped open several letters from friends and put them in a pile to be responded to. As he read the next letter, his heart lurched. His betrothed needed money to help her family. They were about to be evicted by the creditors. His stomach clenched as he searched for the date to this letter--two months had passed since the note had been posted. Guilt ate into him for his negligence. He'd been traveling to his estates for the last three months; verifying all the books and making certain his tenants were well. At least he had been, until his brother located him and recruited Dev to impersonate him for a short while. He had ignored his duty long enough. The time had come to marry the chit and be done with it. No matter what she looked or acted like, he had a duty to marry her. He banged his fist on the desk. Damn. He couldn't do anything about Miss Kendra Smythe until his brother completed his mission. A smile tugged at his mouth. The chit just needed money. He would send her some money to keep her happy until he could marry the gel-whenever he got around to it. Leaning back into the soft leather chair, he wondered what the girl looked like now. They had been betrothed since her first birthday, which was what, a good twenty years ago? He had been ten at the time, with no idea what his parents had done to him. Leg-shackled while still a boy. He had only met her once, when she was eight. A little hellion, she was then.

As a child, she'd had a head of unruly blonde curls that couldn't be contained no matter how tight the braids. She had been tall for such a young child. Would she have long legs and curly blonde hair? His cocked twitched in his breeches. In all likelihood, she had stopped growing early and was now a chubby little thing with thick sausage curls and a surly manner. He needed a woman. Thinking back he realized it had been over three months since he'd been with a woman, one of his longest stretches. Time had gotten away from him. The estates took up much of his time and energy. But a good woman could be had in London, and he intended on partaking in some of the town's best pleasures. A knock at the door disrupted his musings. "Enter." "My lord, there is a woman to see you," Lindale said from the threshold. "A woman?" Devlin swore under his breath. "Probably just another of my brother's lightskirts. Get rid of her." Lindale cleared his throat. "I tried, sir. Brooks let her into the salon, and she insists on seeing you tonight." "Show her in here." Good Lord, what type of harlot insisted on calling upon a man at this hour of the evening? Devlin could not believe his ill luck. He stared down at the bulge in his breeches knowing he'd never be able to stand up and properly greet the lady. Then again, the woman must be a strumpet, no need to stand on formality. Soft footsteps preceded her arrival into his study. A breath of air whooshed from his lungs at the sight of her. Every fantasy he'd just had about a blonde with long legs appeared before his eyes. Legs that seemed endless, encased in violet silk greeted him. Her blonde curls were pulled up in a soft chignon with ringlets framing her face.

She hesitated for a moment upon entering the room. With a quick shake of her head, she walked toward him. Her green eyes sparkled in the candlelight like emeralds in the sun. She stopped in front of the desk, looking down at him in a wholly sensual manner ... or maybe it was just the fullness of her pink lips. A scent of rosewater, innocent and pure, surrounded her. He definitely wouldn't be standing up now. She leaned down slightly, which only emphasized her full breasts. He repressed the urge to lean forward and kiss the deep valley of her cleavage. Those breasts were almost too beautiful for words--full, round and creamy white ... a perfect handful. "Mr. Thornton?" She didn't seem to know him ... or rather, his brother. "Yes," he replied in an even tone that betrayed his base emotions. "I-I came to offer you a proposition," she whispered. She leaned in closer still until her chest was directly in front of him, separated only by the expanse of a desk. "I doubt I can help you, but being a gentleman I believe I should let you continue." He couldn't wait to hear what the lady wanted from him ... or rather, Derrick. She straightened her posture. "I-I came to offer you something you seem to appreciate." "Oh?" Again, she hesitated as if unsure of how to proceed. Finally she said, "I came to offer you my virtue." Sweet heavens. She picked the wrong night to make Devlin Thornton, the Earl of Blackpool such an offer. Rather, he picked the wrong night to impersonate his twin brother. "Why do you think I would be interested?"

Her sensuously full lips stretched into a smile. Those lips were the devil's own. His mind raced with thoughts of those pink lips sliding up and down on his cock. "I have heard the rumors that you prefer virgins and will pay dearly for one. So here I am." Devlin would have to have a long talk with his brother about discretion when he returned from France. Remembering Derrick made Dev recall that he was supposed to be his brother. Damn! Derrick would have no issues with accepting this woman's offer. Although, Devlin highly doubted she was the innocent she claimed. No woman of virtue would be seen entering an unmarried man's house, wearing such a scandalous dress. The violet color might be acceptable, but the neckline on her gown showed her assets to everyone. Or possibly just him. He would love to pull that dress down just enough to let her nipples loose. Would they be large and pink? Or maybe small and peach? Right now, he wouldn't mind either. "Sir?" He supposed she waited for an answer. But what was he to do? If this woman made it known that Derrick Thornton rejected her, it might jeopardize his brother's mission. He couldn't let that happen. And damn, he needed a woman. "I might indeed be interested," he said, leaning back, appraising her completely. He hoped he appeared as relaxed as he knew his brother would be under the circumstances. "I came to offer you one night with me," she said, but the catch in her voice betrayed her. What was she hiding? Could it be a trap for Derrick? It wouldn't be the first time that his brother's life was threatened. Devlin's blood ran cold with the thought. He might not work for the Home Office, but he could definitely keep his eyes on her. And there appeared only one

way to do that. "Only one night? How much?" he demanded. "Five thousand," she mumbled. Devlin shook his head at the number. Unbelievable! Even the highest paid prostitutes did not presume to ask for such a sum. But his brother wouldn't balk at the number, so neither would he. "Seems like a hefty sum. Do I get to see what I'm buying?" "What?" Her green eyes widened in surprise. "Take off your clothes, my dear. I want to inspect the merchandise."

Chapter Two Kendra stared at the handsome man in front of her. He wanted her to take off every stitch of clothing and parade around for him? Her first instinct was to run from the house as quickly as possible. Think about the money, she told herself. Her younger brothers and sisters would have no home if she backed out now. Her father lay on his deathbed and creditors had already started to call. If removing her clothes helped in this family emergency, then she would do whatever the man asked. Staring at him, she realized no matter what he wanted she might be inclined to do it. The man was captivating. "You want me to remove my clothing in here?" she asked, waving her arm to remind him they were still in the study. "We can move closer to the fire if you fear you'll catch a chill. Though a chill does lovely things to a woman's body," he replied with a smirk. She knew exactly what cold did to her body. Although, it didn't explain why her nipples puckered into tight buds right now. She was more than warm enough with him so near. "I'm waiting," he whispered. She wanted to wipe that smirk off his lips; his perfectly molded lips that she wanted to feel pressed against her own. The shock of seeing him finally started to wane. Sarah had informed her that Mr. Thornton was a Corinthian. Dressed in all the latest fashion and never without a beautiful lady by his side. But her friend must have forgotten to tell her what the man looked like. Jet-black hair combed back from his forehead only highlighted the sculptured features of his face. His eyes were as dark as the night, and his light olive skin told of an ancestor's Mediterranean background. He stood, and she forced herself to look up at him. The fact that she had to crane her neck to see him was unusual for her. Taller than most of the men of her acquaintance, she normally looked down at

them, including her own father. Mr. Thornton's presence seemed to fill the room. Strength emanated from his broad shoulders to the toes of his shiny black Hessians. Walking around the desk, he grabbed her wrist, dragging her closer to the blazing fire. His nearness overwhelmed her. A prickly sensation raced up her arm from the mere contact of his bare hand on her glove-covered wrist. "I believe you shall be warm enough over here. Now, it is time to show me what my money is buying," he murmured close to her ear. A tremor shook her as his breath heated her neck. The scent of sandalwood permeated the air while he stood before her. He dropped into a nearby chair and stared at her, waiting for her to disrobe. "What if your manservant comes back in?" she asked. Anything to detain the inevitable. "Lindale knows enough not to bother me when I am entertaining." "Oh," she whispered. "I'm waiting." He sipped at his brandy as if bored by the entire show. A black brow rose in question at her hesitation. She licked her lips, remembering all that Sarah had told her the past week. Slowly, she removed her gloves, watching his reaction at all times. With trembling hands, she reached behind her and unfastened the hooks that held the dress together. Once the material loosened, she slipped the small sleeves down her arms. The gown glided down her body. Violet silk pooled on the floor, reminding her of a sunset in Hampshire. Thinking of home reinforced the reason for her being here. She paused for a moment to gain the confidence to remove her stays and shift. "Continue," he whispered hoarsely. Kendra licked her lips again, staring at his dark eyes. "I shall need some assistance with my stays."

"My pleasure." He stood and walked around to her back. A heady sensation like alcohol coursing through her veins overtook her with his nearness. She swayed back toward him as his fingers skimmed the top of her stays. Even through the cotton of her shift, she could feel the heat of him. Her stays dropped to the carpet, and he returned to his seat in front of her. She tried to ignore the wave of disappointment at his departure from her. Instead of dwelling on her emotions, she slipped the cotton shift down her body. The fabric skimmed over her nipples, tightening them even further. She stood before him in only her shoes, white silk hose and purple garters. As she reached for the bows that tied her garters, he said, "No, keep them on." Heat burned her body as he eyed her breasts, standing full and proud before him. His gaze traveled down her flat stomach until it reached the patch of blonde hair at the apex of her thighs. The pulsating sensation between her legs shocked her. Sarah had not told her how a mere look could affect her body so. "Turn around," he demanded. She gave him a view of her backside and smiled when she heard the ragged breath he released. At least he seemed to find her attractive, and she certainly had no qualms about his features. Letting this man take her innocence would be no hardship at all. "Beautiful," he whispered. "Face me." She did as he demanded and waited for another order. The minutes passed as he drank in her body. It felt odd to stand before a complete stranger wearing nothing but her hose and shoes, and yet she didn't feel humiliation or even embarrassment. She only felt the heat of his gaze. "Touch your breasts."

What? He wanted her to touch herself as he watched? Sarah had not informed her that men like to observe a woman as she pleasured herself. Then again, did it matter? The only thing that mattered was getting rid of her virginity and being paid for the act. She knew what that made her, but what choice did she have? If not for the callous behavior of her betrothed, she wouldn't be in this position with a stranger. She skimmed her hands over the tops of her breasts and watched his reaction. He remained motionless, save the slight movement of his chest as he took in a shallow breath. The bulge in his breeches appeared even bigger than she had noticed when he originally sat down. Kendra reached for her nipples and tugged on them, stretching them even farther outward. He hissed. Rubbing her nipples with her fingers caused the warm liquid to flow between her thighs. She could feel her juices wetting the hairs there. She couldn't believe the sensations that washed over her just from playing with her nipples in front of him. She wondered how much better it would feel if he were the one touching her breasts, or better yet, if he were suckling them. Just thinking about his mouth on her nipples caused her hips to wiggle and an aching need filled her. "Sit down," he said, pointing to the chair across from him. Thankful that was over before she embarrassed herself further, she dropped into the soft leather seat and gasped as the cool material caressed her bare bottom. He sat only a few feet away, still staring at her as if he hadn't seen a naked woman before. The ornate mantel clock ticked away the minutes as she sat there waiting for him to say something. Could he be contemplating her offer? The fire crackled and popped sending a shower of sparks up the chimney. Sarah had convinced her that this would be easy. One look at Kendra in that dress and he should have readily agreed to her proposition.

"Loop your legs around each arm of the chair." Dear God, if she did that then she would be completely open to his viewing. She hesitated a moment. He cocked his head slightly as if to question her uncertainty. The money. Think about the money. But it wasn't thoughts of money that moistened her folds with the thought of him seeing her most private of areas. Reminding herself that she was just an actress playing a part, she pasted on a pouty smile and slowly placed her legs up on the arms of the leather chair. He tightened his grip on his own chair until she could clearly see the white knuckles of his hands. "Touch yourself again," he hissed. She reached for her nipples. "Not there." Her eyes widened, but she said nothing. She let her hands gently glide from her knees to the soft folds. A little shiver of desire coursed through her. She wanted release from the tension in her body, and she wanted more than a finger inside her. "Tell me your name," he demanded as she rubbed her wet clit. "K--Kate," she quickly lied. How she managed such a fast lie surprised her. "Kate what?" "Katherine Smith." Close to Smythe so perhaps it wasn't such a big lie. After all the initials were the same. "Show me what you want me to do, Katherine Smith." She eased her finger inside her as her head dropped back against the chair. Oh God, she wanted him. Closing her eyes, she imagined him standing over her. His broad shoulders shadowing her body until he came to her. She wanted him right now to ease the aching

pressure inside her. "Please," she moaned. "Not yet." She stroked herself and let her other hand reach for a nipple. Glancing at him, she watched as he unbuttoned his breeches and slowly released his shaft from its tight enclosure. Her movements stopped as she realized the enormity of his cock. No man she had ever seen, even at last night's orgy, had one this big or thick. "Keep showing me, darling." "I want you," she whimpered. "You like what you see?" he asked, stroking his hand from the head to the base of his erection. She nodded greedily. It would not be easy, but she wanted that cock inside her, filling her completely. "Not tonight. Tonight is all about getting to know each other. But we will do that from this distance. Watch each other pleasure ourselves so we learn what the other likes." His breeches dropped to his knees. The heavy head of his penis bobbed up toward his belly button. While she doubted it would all fit inside, she still wanted to try. He reached for his cock and rubbed the clear liquid around the head. As he sat back down, his fingers drew across his balls, eliciting a groan from him. "Continue," he mumbled. She eased her fingers back inside her wetness and this time, she rubbed her clit at the same time. She watched as his hand slid down his cock. The thought of his shaft inside her made her tremble. The glorious sensations built deep inside her, desperate for release. She pressed against her clit harder, faster.

"Let go, Kate." She closed her eyes as her climax slammed through her body, shaking her to the core. Never had she undergone anything like that. She reveled in the experience, the musky scent of her sex, the knowledge that a man she barely knew watched her come. She willed her breathing to slow down then opened her eyes. Mr. Thornton stared at her. His eyes were dark and stormy, filled with passion. He still held his shaft, but his hands were motionless. "Come closer to me." She willed herself to stand on her shaky legs and walk toward him. "Kneel," he commanded. She knelt down before him and gazed as his hand slid down his jutting cock. Resisting the urge to take over for him, she could only stare at his splendid rod. He tensed his muscles, moaning, rubbing faster until he shook with pleasure and creamy white fluid erupted from him. Kendra could only watch with amazement as the liquid flowed over his hands, down his penis to his balls. For a moment he did not move. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked at her. He yanked a handkerchief from his coat pocket then wiped away the mess. A sensual smile widened his lips. "Shall we go upstairs now?" Kendra whispered. Mr. Thornton stood, pulled his breeches up and shook his head. "No. Now you leave." "What?" Kendra jumped to her feet. She stood before him with her hands on her bare hips. How could he do this to her? He'd tricked her! "I am not about to take your virginity, Miss Smith."

"Why not?" she demanded. "I offered you a perfectly good proposition. You made me do...do...do that in front of you, but you won't take my virtue?" He reached for her clothing and handed them to her. "Get dressed." A little sob escaped her. She turned her back to him and dressed as quickly as she could. A tear burned her cheek and then another until he finally handed her a clean handkerchief. Never in her twenty-one years had she felt so humiliated. Just thinking about what she did in front of him made her tears run faster. How could have done that to her? The man could ruin her if he ever discovered her true identity. Then what would she do? She'd be forced to break her engagement, which suited her fine, but she would be left in the country to rot like a bad apple. Then she would live in scandal for the rest of her days. She'd known the risks before she decided on this plan. But Sarah had assured her that Thornton would definitely do the job. As soon as the last hook was fastened, she donned her pelisse and strode toward the door of the study. She had to get away from this bastard. "I have a different proposition for you," he said as her hand reached the doorknob. She whirled around and glared at him. The devil had the nerve to lean casually against his desk as if nothing sordid had just happened in this room. "I doubt I would be interested in any proposition you could make." He cocked his head. "Indeed?" "Yes, indeed." He smiled smugly at her. "I believe you might wish to hear this." When she didn't move or respond he continued, "I presume you need

money. I am willing to give you money." She closed her eyes. Money. Everything came down to money. But if this man could humiliate her like he had, just what might he want her do to for money. Not that it mattered. She honestly had no choice. "What do you propose?" "Spend one week with me. Nights only. I will give you ten thousands pounds and after the week is up you will have your virginity intact."

Chapter Three Devlin had no idea what made him say those words to her. Well, based on his still throbbing cock, he did know. He wanted her like no other woman he'd ever met or fucked. But he wasn't like his brother. He couldn't take an innocent woman's virginity when he was quite certain she only offered it because of financial trouble. If he made love to her, he'd be forced to marry her, and he couldn't do that while still bound to another. Poor Miss Smythe would be ruined if he did. Everyone would assume his breaking their engagement meant something was wrong with the girl. Which could be true for all he knew of her. But he wanted the woman in front of him. And he would have her no matter the price...or at least as much of her as he could without taking her innocence. Watching Kate's finger slide inside her wet folds as more glistening moisture dripped toward her tight end hole had almost done him in. It had taken every bit of restraint he'd culled over the years to keep from making love to her tonight. A week with her lush body near him might be too much. "Well?" he finally asked. "How could I retain my virginity if I spent a week with you?" He smiled at her lack of knowledge. Oh, the things he could teach her. "We can pleasure each other without intercourse. I believe we just proved that." A sea of emotions crossed her delicate face. "So for one week of mutual pleasure, you would give me ten thousand pounds?" "Yes." "Why?" "Because I want you, but I refuse to take what is rightfully your future husband's. I can only assume you are quite desperate for money to

make me such an offer in the first place. This way we both get what we want." She bit down on her full lower lip. A drop of blood formed and he fought the urge to kiss it away. "Very well," she said, looking up at him. "I agree to your proposition." "Good. Come back tomorrow night and we shall start our week." "Not tonight?" "No." He needed some breathing room to gain control over his lust and send Lindale out to discover her true identity. If she stayed the night he might not be able to keep his promise to her. "Lindale will see you home." She glanced up at the mantle clock and nodded. "Thank you." "Lindale will also pick you up tomorrow night at nine and bring you here. I have a previously scheduled engagement so I may not be home yet, but you can take a bath and relax while you wait for me." She nodded and then left the room to wait in the hallway. Devlin found Lindale and informed him of his plans. "My lord, is this a wise course of action?" Only Lindale could get away with questioning him, and only because they had known each other since birth. They had become fast friends even with their different stations. When the time had come to choose a manservant, Lindale had been his only choice. "Probably not. But I am desperate for a woman, and she has never been with my brother. If I rejected her outright she might be suspicious and question her friends in town. That would put Derrick's mission at risk, and I cannot allow that to happen." Lindale nodded. "I understand, my lord." "Find out who she is staying with and then find out exactly who she

is. I highly doubt she is Katherine Smith as she claims." "Yes, my lord." "We cannot let the rest of the staff get wind of this either." "I shall make certain everyone has retired for the night before she enters the house." Devlin nodded. Something still nagged at him about this entire evening, but he couldn't determine what exactly it could be. Perhaps he wasn't used to London's amusements any longer. After gaining the title, he'd seen little of town, preferring his estates to the amoral attitudes of London. And thinking back to what he'd just done in front of a woman who claimed to be innocent, maybe he should return to the country forthwith. ***** Relief flowed through Kendra when she arrived at Sarah's house to find her friend out at a ball. She could not talk about what happened yet, although she knew Sarah's curiosity would make it impossible not to speak of her night as soon as she returned. After closing the door to her room, she flopped on the bed. A tear slid down her face and she did nothing to wipe it away. She was a harlot. What else could she be after what she'd done tonight, in front of a complete stranger no less? She'd pleasured herself in front of a man. And the worse part ... she enjoyed the act like no other time. She loved seeing the desire in his eyes and watching him come. He could have taken her right there on the floor, and she might not have even asked for the money. She wanted him ... all of him. His hard body on top of hers, his shaft deep inside her until they both reached their peak. She would have to have him. She would insist he take her virginity. He was paying for it after all, she thought with a sly grin.

The door flung open and Sarah blustered inside. "Well? What are you doing home? Did he reject you? Or did he just do the job and tell you to leave?" "No." Sarah rolled her big brown eyes. After sitting on the end of the bed, she continued her inquisition, "What do you mean? Did he take your virginity?" "No." "He doesn't want you?" She frowned as she twisted a brown tendril around her finger. "I find that hard to comprehend." Kendra smiled. "I didn't say that." "What happened?" "He wants to spend a week with me and leave my virginity intact. If I do so, he will give me ten thousand pounds." Sarah's eyes widened in surprise. "Ten thousand! That is over twice what you need to pay off your father's debts." "I realize that." She frowned and pursed her lips. "But why do you think he'd want to do this? It seems most odd." "Perhaps he's having problems keeping his rod at attention," Sarah said with a laugh. "I daresay if that ever made the rumor mill, he'd be dreadfully embarrassed." Kendra hid her face in the pillow. "He definitely is not having that problem." "You saw it?" "Yes," she squeaked. "It's bigger than Lord Ansley's." "Oh my!" Sarah exclaimed. "What happened tonight?"

Kendra lifted her head from its hiding place and began to tell her friend all that had happened. By the time she finished her cheeks were burning, but so was the rest of her body. She couldn't believe she could want the man after all that he'd made her do tonight ... but she did. "I cannot believe it," Sarah muttered, shaking his head. "He masturbated right in front of you?" "Exactly. He didn't even want me to touch him." And she'd wanted to touch him, all of him. From his sensually molded lips down to his strong thighs covered in dark hair. Her fingers fairly trembled with the thought. "So what are you going to do?" "I plan to take him up on his offer. But no matter what he thinks or says, I won't be coming home a virgin when my week is up." Sarah grasped Kendra's hand and squeezed. "Is that wise? His way is definitely better. Your betrothed will never discover what you have done, and your family will be out of its financial predicament. All will be well." While that might be true, she didn't feel her future husband deserved her virtue. And she couldn't stop thinking about Thornton. Her betrothed's rod was probably no bigger than her thumb. She suppressed a giggle. This might be her only chance to have a real man in her bed, and she wasn't about to miss out on that. "I want this man, Sarah. And I intend on having him ... all of him." "Kendra, you must rethink this plan. I know you're angry with Blackpool for ignoring you for so many years, but he is your betrothed." "Is he?" Kendra asked. "For all I know the man is dead. At least he is to me."

***** Devlin paced his bedroom, waiting for Lindale to return with the information he needed. The desire to know exactly who she was consumed him. Although he knew it shouldn't. He had a woman to marry--a woman he'd didn't love, know, or even want. Unfortunately for Devlin, his father had raised him to be a responsible man. And a responsible man did not break off a betrothal because of lust for another woman. But his father had taught him the benefits of retaining a mistress when a wife had done her duty and produced an heir. Or in his father's case, deserted her family for a lover. The only reason his father had never divorced her was a sense of honor to his sons. Considering that Devlin and his brother looked too much like their father to be denied, his father had never allowed a divorce. Negating their marriage would have meant their children were bastards, and his father needed his heir and spare. But Father had not flaunted his mistresses either. Discretion seemed to be the answer to everything. Devlin wondered what price Miss Smith, or whatever her name really was, would put on a full time position. Not that the price would matter. He could afford any amount she wanted, as long as he could have her whenever and wherever he desired. A knock at the door drew his attention away from his deliberations. "Come in," he said. Lindale opened the door with a frown on his face. "She is staying with Lord Humphrey, my lord. I shall return tomorrow and see if I can get the servants to talk to me about the girl." "Thank you, Lindale." "My lord," Lindale started hesitantly. "Have you considered the possibilities that she might be a spy?" "No, she is not spy," he answered a bit too quickly. "Just a woman down on her luck."

Lindale bowed. "Of course, my lord. Goodnight, then." "Goodnight." Lindale slipped out of the room. Devlin stretched across his brother's large bed and thought about Kate. The Humphreys were known to run with a fast crowd. He'd heard rumors about some of their "parties" and what really went on inside the house. So who was this Miss Smith to them? Could she be someone they wanted deflowered so they could use her for their own pleasure? He thought about that for a few moments. It made no sense. Humphrey could just as easily take the girl and be done with her virginity. So why did Miss Smith choose him? Perhaps Lord Humphrey might not be able to afford her price. Or maybe Humphrey wanted this girl in Derrick's house. A pretty thing such as Miss Smith would distract any man from his duties long enough to allow an intruder into the house. Unless, as Lindale suggested, she was the spy. Devlin shook his head in frustration. Now he sounded as cynical as his brother and his manservant. Still, it wouldn't hurt to take some precautions just in case she happened to be a spy. He would clean his brother's bedroom of all papers, books, and any items that might give information away. Then she would only be allowed in this room. In addition, a footman should be installed in his brother's study during the nights. There had to be another reason for her offer. And truly, it was the only one that offered him any peace of mind. She needed money. Money to pay off her gambling debts or her other debts. He rather hoped that was her reason because thinking of her as a spy left a bitter taste in his mouth. With precautions in place, he could spend his nights enjoying the lush

curves of Miss Smith. And tomorrow night couldn't come quickly enough for him. Based on tonight's actions, she would do anything he wanted or asked of her. But he truly wanted to know who she was and just how far she would go to please him. He felt pulled to her like no other woman in his life. She intrigued him for no other reason than that she offered herself to him. Or was it more than that? Something told him that she would intrigue him even if he'd met her at a ball in the strict mores of society. ***** As Mr. Thornton had said, Lindale picked Kendra up at nine the next evening. Within a few minutes, he had her ensconced in a dimly lit bedroom, overpowered by a large four-poster bed in the middle of the room. Heavy, red velvet drapes hung from the canopy and were pulled back to reveal a thick gold coverlet and many silk encased pillows. Mr. Thornton's sandalwood scent filled the room with its exotic aroma. Kendra sat by the fireplace while Lindale prepared the bath water. Her nerves raced with anticipation, desire and apprehension "Your bath is ready, miss," he said, wiping his fingers on a thick towel. "There are some fragrant oils and soaps for your use." "Where is he?" "At a ball. He said he should return by eleven, so you have plenty of time to relax." Lindale walked to the door. "There is wine, sherry, port or brandy on the corner table. If you need anything, all you have to do is ring." She nodded. Once the servant left, she retrieved a glass and the bottle of red wine. She poured a large glass and placed the bottle within reach from the bathtub. The heady liquid soothed her ragged nerves as she drank it down. She wasn't quite certain why she couldn't control her apprehension. Mr. Thornton had seen her naked. He'd seen her enthralled in her own passion.

But tonight would be different. Tonight, he would touch her, kiss her, make love to her. Slowly Kendra stripped out of her clothes and slipped into the warm sudsy water. Her muscles relaxed as the heated water covered them. She couldn't help but stare at the bed and wonder exactly what he would want to do. He'd said she would keep her virtue. So exactly what could he do without entering her? He. She didn't even know what to call him. Mr. Thornton sounded too formal for such an intimate act. Derrick made it seem as though she had known him for a long time. Well, she would just have to ask. She eased the soapy cloth over her taut nipples and gasped at the sensation. As she let the rough material caress her breasts, she glanced at the clock. How was she supposed to wait another hour for him when already she throbbed for release? The wine had made her slightly tipsy and very, very warm. Unable to stop her hands, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Her fingers reached the patch of curly hair and slipped through until she found her clit, hard, swollen and craving to be touched. Her left hand pulled her nipple, rolling the pebbled nub between her fingers. Warm water splashed between her legs, caressing the folds and kissing her clit. Oh God, she wanted relief, but she wanted more than just her hand. She slid a second finger deep inside her, arching her back to increase the sensation. As she stroked herself, an unfilled need overwhelmed her. Her fingers weren't enough tonight. She wanted that big shaft embedded deep within her. With a groan of frustration, she slid her fingers out and reached for another glass of wine. She closed her eyes again, pulling at her nipples, rolling the peaks, increasing her pleasure. Suddenly, a finger slipped inside her, and it did not belong to her. She opened her eyes to see Mr. Thornton

leaning over her, his hand between her legs. His black eyes blazed with passion. "Couldn't wait for me?" "No," she whispered. Her entire body was on fire now, begging for release. "Close your eyes and come for me." He eased a second finger inside as she continued to rub her clit. Her stomach clenched and she clutched the edge of the tub, when, for the second time in as many days, she shattered with an incredible climax in front of him. Slowly, he stood and stared down at her. "So you were telling the truth," he mumbled. Truth? "About what?" "Your virginity." He toweled off his hand. "I wanted to know if I had to control myself. Now I know I do." He removed his jacket and then his cravat. She noticed the dampness on his sleeve from delving into the water with her. "You don't have to," she replied with a seductive smile. He smiled in return, showing a deep dimple in his left cheek. "Yes, I do." He tugged his white linen shirt out of his breeches and over his head, exposing his chest for her inspection. Hard muscles covered with a sprinkling of black hair. Her fingers tingled with the urge to touch the strong planes of his chest. It seemed a bit strange that she hadn't seen his chest but had seen his marvelous cock. She couldn't wait to see all of him. She wanted to lick that rod, put her mouth around it and pleasure him. But first she really needed to know what to call him. "What should I call you?" A puzzled look crossed his face. "Dev."

"Dev? But I though your name was Derrick?" "It is," he answered quickly. "B-but Dev is a family name ... a nickname of sorts." "All right," she said with a shrug. Kendra grabbed the towel and stood, droplets of water splashed into the water. As she dried, he yanked off his boots. She put on the sheer nightrail Sarah had loaned her then glanced in the mirror. The gown was obscene. Even in the dimly lit room she could see the dark rings of her nipples and the hair between her legs. She turned around to face Dev. He reached for the bedpost and a groan escaped him as he stared at her. "That dressing gown is too beautiful for words." He pushed his breeches down his thighs, uncovering his muscled legs and very much proving she affected him. "Can I touch you?" "I believe you should," he replied with a lascivious grin. Since he had pleasured her already, it was his turn. She knelt before him and let her fingers skim up the hard length of him. He grabbed the bedpost with both hands. "Put me in your mouth," he whispered. Instead, she licked the top of his cock, savoring the salty taste of the liquid that had pooled there. She never felt anything so smooth and hard at the same time. Her tongue traveled the length of his long shaft until she reached his balls. Slowly, she licked and lightly sucked on them until she felt his legs tremble under her touch. "Oh God," he mumbled. "Take me in your mouth, now." Devlin felt his control slipping, and she hadn't even sucked him yet. He leaned back against the bedpost as her tongue glided up him.

This woman had a strange control over him, one he wasn't certain he liked. She licked the head of his cock again. It twitched, causing her to giggle. He shook with passion. Her tongue circled around him, pressing slightly into the small hole there. Slowly, she opened her mouth and took him into her warm recesses. His balls tightened with the pleasure. A tingling sensation rushed through him as she took over half of him in her mouth. He brought her hands up to touch his balls and the base of his penis. With trembling hands, he reached for her hair. After pulling every pin free, blonde hair flowed down her back, but the slide of her mouth on him captured his concentration. Pressure built deep in his balls, increasing as her mouth stroked him. He thrust into her mouth as his climax roared through his body. Greedily, she continued to suck him as he spurted his seed down her throat. Devlin held her head still so he wouldn't come again too quickly. Oh, he wanted to do that again. But the next time he came, he wanted to be somewhere else. She eased her mouth off him and stood. Without hesitation he pulled her up against him and finally kissed her. He had no idea what was happening to him. He'd never felt such a strong attraction to a woman before this one. As he slid his tongue in to touch hers he tasted the salty flavor of his seed. Already his cock was tightening, ready for more. But not yet. Dear God, she kissed like the innocent she was. She hesitated before she touched her tongue to his and followed his lead, exploring, twining together like lovers. Slowly he broke the amazing contact and crawled into bed. "Come here, my love." Her blonde eyebrows rose at the endearment. She followed him under the covers and rested her head on his chest. "Is it always

this ... this...?" "Amazing?" he finished for her. "Yes." She looked up at him, her green eyes sparkling in the dimly lit room. "Well, is it?" "No," he whispered. He drew her back down and kissed her again. He was drowning in her passion, in her innocent touch. How would he be able to keep her virginity when every time she was near he thought of nothing but plunging deep into her? There was only one way he could have her. Although most women usually couldn't handle him back there because of his size. But suddenly he couldn't think of anything else. He would have to prepare her. Perhaps after a few days of stretching her, he could try...and there was no time like the present to start. "Lie on your stomach," he said, breaking off their kiss. He opened his brother's nightstand and found a bottle of fragrant oil there. Slowly he removed her nightrail, exposing inch after inch of her gently rounded bottom. He groaned at the sight of her perfect bare ass and stripped the nightrail off her in one movement. After straddling her hips, he warmed the oil in the palm of his hand before gently messaging it into her back. She moaned in thanks as he kneaded her muscles. "That feels heavenly," she mumbled into the pillow. Kendra felt each muscle warm under his strong hands. His hands drew up her spine, until they reached her neck where they stopped to knead the tense flesh there. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so relaxed. It had to be years. Long before her father had become ill and his debts exposed. It seemed odd that a virtual stranger could make her feel so comfortable. Then again, everything was different with Dev. She wanted to please him as much as he pleased her. She really would have to watch her heart though. It wouldn't be difficult to imagine

herself falling for him, and that would be trouble indeed. She shivered as his palms slid down all the way to her buttocks. He shifted position, sitting between her spread legs. A drop of oil plopped on her bottom. Then another. And yet more. Soon a puddle formed and a creek of oil raced down the crack of her rear cheeks. His fingers stopped the warm liquid from continuing down its chosen path. She trembled again when she realized exactly where his finger halted. He rubbed his index finger over the puckered hole. Each time he slid a little deeper. Kendra knew what he was attempting to do, but felt helpless to stop him. She'd seen Sarah taken from behind, and her friend certainly didn't seem to mind. "Relax, Kate." She wanted him to call her Kendra. But she couldn't say those damning words. Instead, she forced her muscles to relax and enjoy the sensation as his finger entered her rear. Oh dear Lord, it actually tingled. "That's it, darling. Feel me deep inside you and think about what it will be like when you stretch enough to handle all of me." "Yes," she mumbled. All of him. Stroking her, caressing her, making her body tingle and shake until ... for the second time that night she climaxed. She felt his cock rubbing against the oil-slicked crack of her buttocks. When she heard his moans she knew he was getting closer to his own relief. He pressed her rear cheeks tighter together, surrounding his shaft. Stroking up and down her crack, he suddenly tensed. She felt the spurt of his seed and heard his moan of ecstasy. Dev dropped his weight on top of her. His rapid heartbeat pounded against her back. She wondered if she should feel ashamed of her actions with him. She didn't. Perhaps because she still retained her virtue, although, she didn't believe that to be the entire answer.

She had a feeling nothing he could do to her or with her would ever make her ashamed.

Chapter Four "Well?" Devlin demanded as Lindale walked into his study the next afternoon. All morning he'd been haunted with memories of the previous night. He had to learn more about her. He'd spent most of the morning attempting to look over the estate books, but he hadn't changed a single entry or added one either. "Nothing unusual down here last night. Brooks stayed up and watched the house." Anthony Brooks also worked for the Home Office, and when Devlin impersonated his brother, Brooks stayed in the house, too. Not so much for protection but in case anything happened that the office needed to be made aware of. "Any information on her?" "They are the most closed-mouthed servants I have ever met. Not one would say a word about the gel," Lindale replied. Devlin banged his fist against his brother's cherry desk. "Damn. I have to know who she is." "Have you asked her directly?" Of course he hadn't asked her. She would never tell him the truth when she obviously wanted to remain anonymous. Besides, they had been so busy getting to each other's bodies last night they barely talked or slept. "Try more talking and less fucking and maybe you'll find out who she is," Lindale retorted then quickly left the room. Sometimes his manservant overstepped his boundaries. But Devlin didn't want to do less fucking. Even now, after three times last night, he wanted her again. He could still smell her sweet musky scent and the redolence drove him mad.

Each time he'd satisfied her the urge to delve inside her warm body grew. He wanted to sink into her soft flesh. He wanted to lunge into her wet passage and make love to her until they were both sated. But would he ever be sated with her? Somehow, he doubted he would. He'd never felt such a driving need with any woman. Within a few days of bedding a new mistress he would start to tire of her. And even though he'd only been with Kate two nights, he didn't believe boredom would occur any time soon, if at all. If he married her, he'd have no problem staying faithful. If he married her? Where the bloody hell had that thought come from? He was engaged. Betrothed since he was ten. He couldn't break his promise to his late father, and he certainly could not let his intended's family down either. He had to marry Miss Smythe. She needed him. Her family needed him. But he wanted Miss Smith. He needed her. Devlin had only five more nights with her. And already, he knew it would never be enough. ***** Devlin spent the remainder of the day impersonating his brother. He rode through Hyde Park at the fashionable hour of five in the afternoon and waved to every one of Derrick's friends. Ignoring his own friends was the difficult task. A few would wave believing it might be him, but Dev had learned how to sneer like his brother. Once he sent them a scornful look, they believed Derrick, not Dev, had acknowledged them. And now hours later, he sat in his brother's box at the opera. His brother kept a marvelous box at the opera. Normally, this was one of the few pastimes he enjoyed while in town pretending to be Derrick. But the last few days had been anything but normal. During the intermission, he had been inundated with married ladies offering him a chance to fuck them either during the performance, which seemed

to titillate them, or better yet, after the opera, in their own beds while their husbands were off tupping another man's wife. This wholly immoral atmosphere was part of the reason he'd delayed marrying Miss Smythe. She would desire to be in town for the Season. The gentlemen in London would consider her a new a filly that needed to broken in. He knew how the betting book at White's would flare with wagers on who would be the first to have her after she'd borne his heir. The idea of being cuckolded did not set well with him. But most importantly, he hadn't married her because he still believed all women were like his mother--willing to desert their families and responsibilities for a good fuck. Well, he wanted no part of that. Watching his father's health decline after his mother left had made Dev realize that a woman should never be trusted. Pulling out his pocket watch, he growled in frustration. Even though Lindale was not picking her up until ten tonight, Devlin could think of nothing but departing the opera and getting home. Well, not home exactly, but his brother's house, and the passionate lady who awaited him. After another excruciating hour the performance finished, and his duty to his brother completed for the night. "Derrick!" a high-pitched feminine voice called out to him before he could make his escape. Damn. He glanced up to see a beautiful blonde woman approaching. He had no idea who she might be but he guessed his brother would know her. "Derrick, how have you been?" she asked. "I have not seen you in ages. And you did promise me you would pay me a visit the next time my husband was out of town." She leaned in closer to him, pressing her full, silk-covered breasts against his arm. "And he is." "Not tonight, darling," he replied, hoping his brother used the endearment with her. "I have other plans."

"I don't mind tagging along," she answered suggestively. "I haven't had that kind of fun in a very long time." "No." "You are getting stuffy in your old age," she said. Her breast pressed invitingly into his jacket. "If you don't have a care you shall end up like your brother." Devlin stiffened. So Derrick thought he was stuffy? "Perhaps, I am just gaining some of my brother's wisdom." The woman laughed. "Oh, that must be it. Maybe another time, then." She stood on her tiptoes and cupped her hands to his ear as if she had a great secret to share. Instead, her tongue circled his ear. "I really don't mind sharing you with another woman," she whispered, "or another man. But don't make me wait too long." "Lisette," another woman called. "Do hurry." Lisette moved away with a wistful smile. "Not too long. I've missed you and that," she said with a pointed look at his crotch. Thank God that was over and he could leave. He had made his appearance at the opera; he did not need to attend the Markston ball. He waited for his driver outside. "Blackpool?" Damn again. Only this time it was a friend of his. With the casual arrogance he'd seen his brother use so many times he shrugged. "Wrong brother, Maxwell." "Pardon then. Tell Devlin I'd like to see him." "The next time he's in town to take me to task for something, I'll be certain to tell him." Maxwell shook his head and left.

The carriage rolled up just in time. Devlin had had enough of being Derrick for the night, enough of deceiving friends he hadn't seen in years. Although a certain Miss Smith still thought of him as Derrick Thornton. Dev clenched his fists. There wasn't a damned thing he could do about that. As the carriage rolled over the cobbled streets back to Mayfair, he thought about the evening ahead of him. Tonight, he would take things slower with her. He hadn't even really seduced her yet. Last night had been more a speedy release for them both than a seduction. His cock twitched in anticipation. Finally the coach slowed to a stop in front of his brother's home. He jumped from the carriage before the groomsman could even open the door. Lindale opened the front door. "Good evening, my lord." "Lindale," Dev said with a nod. "I trust everything is ready in my room?" "Exactly as you requested." "Thank you." Dev's anticipation got the best of him. He raced up the stairs and then stopped in front of his brother's bedroom. A faint hint of jasmine revealed her presence as he opened the door. He liked that scent on her far more than the innocent rosewater that she'd worn the first night. The exotic perfume suited her erotic nature better. He had given her the perfume last night. Thinking about her reaction to the gift made him smile. She'd been surprised and acted as if she'd never received something from a man before ... perhaps she never had. Looking around the room, the breath whooshed from his lungs. She lay on the bed, completely, beautifully, naked for him. Her golden tresses spread across her breasts, hiding her large pink nipples from him.

"You are later than I expected," she said with a seductive smile. "Then I shall have to make it up to you," he replied, tearing at his cravat. After lifting a small box from his jacket pocket, he tossed it on the bed next to her. "What is this?" she asked, picking up the box. "Open it." He tossed his jacket to the floor before yanking off his boots. After divesting himself of the rest of his clothing, he stalked her slowly, staring at her until she understood that she was his. So much for taking things slower tonight, all he wanted to do was thrust his cock inside her. He breathed in deeply, slowly. He had to get his body under control. She sat up, staring at the box in her hands. With a slight frown, she opened the box and gasped. Lifting the emerald necklace out of its velvet box, she said, "I cannot accept this." "Of course you can." Dev took the necklace from her hands and clasped it around her neck. The large emerald gleamed against her flushed chest. He wondered if she had pleasured herself before he arrived. Not that he minded. It would only make her hotter and wetter for him. "Dev, you cannot give me such extravagant gifts." He only laughed at her reaction. "The necklace is yours." Control. He desperately needed control. But looking at the emerald, which fell exactly between her sweet breasts, did him in. Her nipples tightened as he stared at them. Laughter rose softly from his chest as he realized she was just as excited as he. She licked her luscious pink lips as he stretched out on top of her, easing his weight down on her. Damn. His unruly cock landed right between her legs and nestled against her warm, moist folds. She smiled at him with one brow raised when she noticed where his cock settled. It wouldn't take much to move slightly and be at her opening. And even less to thrust deep inside her until he reached heaven. "I missed you today," she whispered, drawing her fingertips across

his cheeks. "I couldn't stop thinking about you." "Indeed?" "Yes. What were you doing today? And who were you doing it with?" "Jealous?" She glanced away. "Perhaps. Although I have no right to be." He kissed the tip of her nose. "You have every right. Just no cause. I spent the day..." Doing what? He certainly couldn't tell her that he'd spent the day impersonating his brother. "Yes?" she asked. "Catching up on correspondence, riding, and then the opera tonight." "Oh." He didn't wish to talk any longer. Her mouth called to him like a siren. He concentrated on her lips, teasing her bottom lip with his tongue until she gasped. He was drowning in a sea of passion. Dying to be inside her. Instead, he used his tongue to plunge inside her mouth, showing her what he wanted to do with his cock. Kendra tried to catch her breath as his lips tortured her. His tongue twisted with hers. He suckled the end of her tongue, sending an aching fire to her belly. He burned a path down her neck, stopping at the spot where her pulse hammered her neck, he lightly kissed it. She didn't want to think about what the man did to her emotionally. Keeping this relationship on a purely physical plane might be the only way to survive. She trembled as his lips continued downward until they reached her breasts. But he made her feel loved. No! She couldn't think like that. After kissing circles around her areola, he finally drew her pebbled nipple into his mouth. She arched

her back to get closer to him. Flames licked her belly as his mouth suckled harder and harder. "Oh God, please, Dev." "Not yet, darling. We have all night and you can come as many times as you want. But first, I want to taste you ... all of you." She shivered. He skimmed her stomach with his tongue, circling around her belly button, delving lower until he reached her curly private hair. Spreading her folds with his fingers, his tongue slid lower still. She almost sprang from the bed when he kissed her clit. Sarah had told her about how nice this was, but nice didn't do the sensations any justice. Closing her eyes, she gave in to the tingling that showered her every nerve. He continued to lick and suckle her nub, sending her closer and closer to the precipice. He brought her hands to her breasts. Instinctively, she knew he wanted her to roll her nipples between her fingers, pull them to increase the pressure between her legs. A thick finger finally slid inside her as his tongue continued its assault on her most sensitive body part. Her passion climbed higher with each flick of his tongue. As a second finger joined the first, she clenched her muscles and shook with an all-consuming orgasm. "Dev!" she shouted as pleasure rolled through her body. But he didn't stop. Before she could fully recover from her first climax, another shook her to the core. "Oh God!" she called out. She heard his warm chuckle as he withdrew his fingers and looked up at her. "Did you like that?" he whispered. "Yes," she answered breathlessly. But she felt as if she couldn't move, and she had never felt so completely sated in all her life.

"Will you let me do what I want to you?" "Anything," she answered without hesitation. She trusted this man, although she had no idea why. He was a virtual stranger to her. Slowly, he slid his thick cock up to her folds and rubbed against her. He eased down toward her swollen lips, circling the entrance to her. She couldn't stop herself from pushing slightly toward him until she felt the tip of him stretch her. His shaft slowly entered her. As wet as she was the sensation didn't really hurt, but she wondered how she was to stay a virgin if he slid inside. But he didn't. He only let the tip of his penis inside her. "Dear God, you are so tight," he said. A bead of sweat rolled down his face. "I want you so badly." "Take me," she whispered back. "Take me now and rid me of this damned virginity." He froze for an instant as if pondering her words. "No." He withdrew completely and stroked her clit with his rigid cock. Lightly he slapped his penis against her clit drawing moans from deep inside her. Kendra brought her hand down to cover his shaft as he glided through her folds. The action had the desired effect on him. He closed his eyes and went rigid as pleasure rode him. His seed coated her hand, making them even more slippery. The combination of wetness and his movements against her clit sent her over the edge for a third time in barely half an hour. "You are a passionate woman, Kate Smith," he said, relaxing next to her. "I could get very used to this." "Me too," she mumbled against his chest. "Why?" "Why what? Why would I get used to this?"

"No. I do believe I understand why you could get used to this," he said then kissed the tip of her nose. "I daresay you are not the type of woman who would normally proposition a man for sex. So why now?" She remained silent, trying to determine exactly what he wanted to hear. And how she could say it. "Money?" he questioned. It was always money. It had been for as long as she could remember. That was one of the reasons she had been betrothed at such a young age--a debt the former earl owed her father for saving his life. They both assumed joining the families would protect her family should something happen to her father. "Why do you need the money?" he whispered. "Pardon?" "I can't see you asking for payment unless you desperately need the money. So, why do you need it?" She stilled her hand from caressing his flat nipple. It wouldn't hurt to tell him some of the truth. As long as he didn't know her name, it could not matter. "My father is dying. Unfortunately, he is also very much in debt." "You had no other relations to take you in?" "No." Other than a betrothed who cared more for his sheep than her. But she couldn't tell him that. "No offers of marriage?" Not when everyone knew she'd been betrothed since she was one. "No," she answered flatly. "I see."

"So why did you agree to my offer, but then add a stipulation of your own?" He chuckled and reached for her breast. Instantly her nipple hardened under his rough hand. "Because you all but threw these beauties in my face. What man could resist that?" She had hoped her one asset would secure her a position of favor. "But still, what kind of man refuses such a blatant offer? You could be inside of me ... right now," she said, teasing him in hope that he might change his mind. "I won't take what rightfully belongs to your husband." She turned away from him, angry that he brought up the one man she wanted to forget. The one man who had made her life miserable and probably would continue to do so for the rest of her life. "Darling?" He curved his body up against hers. "He doesn't deserve it," she mumbled into pillow. "Who doesn't deserve what?" "My future husband doesn't deserve my virginity." He clamped his hand down on her shoulder, turning her back toward him. His eyes blazed with some untold emotion, something between passion and anger. "What are you talking about? You don't know if the man you will marry deserves your virginity or not." Rage rushed over her for his reminder of her future, stuck married to the Earl of Blackpool. A man she didn't even remember meeting. A man who wouldn't even help her family in their hour of need. "I do know all about my future husband. He's a blackguard who cannot even send my family money to help them. He's made me a laughingstock at home because I've been betrothed to him forever,

and he's never deemed it necessary to marry me." "Surely something must have caused his delay?" "Nothing I know of because the bastard won't even answer my letters." "I am sorry," he mumbled. He pulled gently her against his chest. "It certainly is not your fault." Kate yawned and placed her head in the crook of his arm. Her breathing slowly evened out until he knew she'd fallen asleep. As she napped, his conscience berated him. Damn. A slice of guilt at the treatment of his own betrothed ate at him. He hadn't been much more attentive than Kate's intended. Just as soon as his brother returned, he'd be off to Hampshire and let his future wife know she had a week to prepare for a wedding. Although, he would do so only with great regret at leaving the passionate woman by his side. He had to find a way to keep Kate. Paying her father's debts might just be the one thing to make her see reason about becoming his mistress. But deep inside he knew that his quest was wrong for too many different reasons. He was a cad to think blackmail would work with Kate. He was an even bigger cad to think about keeping a mistress when he hadn't even seen his betrothed. Perhaps she was a lovely woman who would keep him happy...perhaps he'd even fall in love with her. Dev shook his head. No, he had no doubt that he would never fall in love with his future wife. Not while he had memories of Kate to warm his heart. At least he had satisfied his curiosity about Kate. Money was a powerful motivator. If she truly had no one else to turn to, then like most women, she would sell her most profitable commodity--her body. While she could still be a spy, he doubted it. Her actions were far

more like those of a woman scorned, than an agent. He could only wonder, just who had scorned her?

Chapter Five "Come with me," Sarah begged for the hundredth time. "I hate these musicales where some untalented simpleton sings and we must fawn all over her." "I cannot. What if he is there?" Kendra said. Sarah paced the drawing room. "I daresay, he will not be. But just in case, we introduce you as Katherine Smith. It's not as if anyone has met you," she smiled at Kendra, "save him." "But if someone knows who I am?" Kendra sipped her tea, hoping the flavorful liquid would relax her wary nerves. If introduced as Katherine Smith but recognized as herself, her reputation would be ruined. "You never had a Season because your father saw no need as you were already betrothed. Who would know you? You've lived your entire life in Hampshire." "I am supposed to be at his house by ten." "Send him a note and tell him you shall arrive late. The waiting only makes the sex better." She'd been stuck in Sarah's house or Dev's house ever since she had arrived in London. Not even straying for a visit to the booksellers or shopping. It might be worth the risk of being recognized. She wondered if he would mind terribly. Even if it were just a dreadful musicale, she would be out of the house. "Very well. I shall accompany you." Sarah gave her a big hug. "Thank you!" Kendra penned a note to Dev and asked Sarah to send her most trustworthy footman. Hopefully he would understand her need for a delay. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt his feelings or do anything to make him go back on his word about their arrangement.

He'd been more than kind to her so far. Sarah loaned her a beautiful ice blue gown shot with silver threads. The dress shimmered in the candlelight of her room. Her maid dressed her hair in an upswept chignon and pinned in small silver flowers throughout. The dlleteckline showed more of her breasts than she thought would be proper, but Sarah convinced her otherwise. "It's absolutely perfect!" Sarah exclaimed. "The men will be drooling to get near you. And if Mr. Thornton is not in attendance, you will be able to see if any other man strikes your fancy." Not likely, she thought. She'd never met any man who struck her fancy like Dev. Unfortunately, she only had three more days with him. Each night had been the same--frenzied lovemaking as if they couldn't get enough of each other. Yet, he never completely lost control and took her virtue. But every night, she felt he came closer to doing just that. "Kendra?" "Pardon? I was lost in thought for a moment." "And based on that high color, I know whom you were thinking of," Sarah said with a grin. "I want him inside me, Sarah." Kendra sat carefully on the bed so as not to wrinkle her dress. "Yet he never does." "Ahh, so that is the problem." Sara sat down next to her. "But you two have the perfect arrangement as it currently stands. Your future husband shall never know all that you've done because your virginity will be in place when he takes you the first time." "Perhaps I want Blackpool to know that I refused to wait for him." Sarah frowned. "Is that wise?" "Most likely not," she replied, straightening out the folds on her dress.

"But I refuse to care any longer. I did everything in my power to avoid this moment. I even traveled to his estate, only to be turned away as if I were a pauper, which I am. Blackpool deserves nothing from me. Not my virtue, not my respect and never my love." "Still, we are talking about the rest of your life. If Blackpool discovers the truth, he will be beyond angry. He will want revenge against the man who took your innocence. If he learns of Thornton, he may call him out. And he will make your life a hell on earth." "He has already done that task." Sarah grabbed Kendra's shoulders. "No, he has done nothing yet. You have no idea what a man is capable of when incensed." Kendra stared into Sarah's brown eyes, shimmering with unshed tears. "Sarah, I already hate Blackpool for what he hasn't done. Do you think I could hate him any more for what he might do in the future?" "You will be his chattel. He can do anything he wants to do to you once you are married." "Then perhaps I shouldn't marry him at all," Kendra replied. "I want Thornton and I want him deep inside of me. Once he pays me for my week I won't need Blackpool or his money any longer." "I can't convince you to change your mind?" Kendra shook her head. Sarah released a heavy sigh. "Very well. If you want Thornton that badly, you shall have to do this yourself." "And just how am I supposed to that?" Sarah only chuckled at her. "Get on top of him. Slide your folds up and down his cock until he is close to his climax. Just before he comes, grasp the base of his penis and slide yourself down on him. He'll be so lost he won't be able to stop you. Once it's done, he won't

care and will make love to you over and over again." Well, that had possibilities, but she wondered if he would be upset with her for her trickery. He'd been such a gentleman. Kendra bit her lower lip in thought. He seemed most sincere about letting her husband take her innocence. Still, Blackpool didn't deserve it. He deserved to be cuckolded and played the fool. After all, hadn't he played her for the fool for the past three years? "Come along," Sarah said, pulling Kendra off the bed. "Perhaps Thornton shall even be at the musicale tonight and you can show him just what he's waiting for." And perhaps a little teasing would help his control slip away later. ***** Damn. He hated musicales. But after receiving Kate's note, he felt he had to see her before midnight. Even if it meant staring at her from across the room. Perhaps he'd even learn more about her. Some hint as to her true identity. He'd become obsessed with her, wanting to know who she was and where she had come from. Lindale had come up with nothing from the Humphrey's servants. Each night they spent together, he felt his heart pull towards her. How the bloody hell was he going to break it off with her in a matter of days? He leaned against the wall drinking a glass of port, watching the lovely ladies enter the room. He spied Lady Humphrey as she crossed the threshold dressed in a lovely plum creation. A vision in a pale blue gown followed her. His heart pounded in his chest when Kate walked in the room. Most of the men openly stared at her as Lady Humphrey introduced her around to everyone. Kate looked as if she'd been born to such opulence. She curtsied when appropriate and laughed when necessary. She acted as if she'd been raised with the proper manners of a lady. Never once did she appear nervous or uncomfortable in the situation. Still, it wasn't enough to be a

countess. Especially when his future countess waited for him on an estate in Hampshire, which is where he preferred she stayed forever. He had to face the facts. No matter how much he might want Kate, it would never work between them. She had a betrothed while he had his own future wife. They could not break their promises for a simple case of lust. Or was there something more there than lust? He pushed that thought quickly from his mind. He did not love her ... did he? Slowly the ladies made their way around the room until they reached him. "Mr. Thornton, may I introduce a dear friend of mine, Miss Smith," Lady Humphrey said, trying to contain her grin. So Lady Humphrey did indeed know what he and Kate had been doing the last few nights. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Smith," he said, bowing over her hand. He felt her tremble as his index finger caressed her gloved wrist. Already, his breeches were getting tighter due to her nearness. "Thank you, Mr. Thornton," she replied, pulling her hand away. "You look vaguely familiar," he said to keep her from moving from him too quickly. "Have we met before tonight?" A pink hue colored her cheeks. "No, sir. I am quite certain we have never met before now." "If you say so." Her green eyes twinkled with laughter while her countenance remained stoic. The hostess told everyone to take their seats so the program could begin. Devlin took the opportunity to hold out his arm. "May I escort you to your seat?"

Lady Humphrey giggled from behind her fan. "I believe Miss Smith would love that." Kate linked her arm with his and they moved toward the last row of seats. "Shouldn't we sit closer to the singer?" "Have you ever heard Miss Tanglewood sing before?" he whispered in her ear. "No." "Trust me, the back row contains the best seats for this performance." Kate smiled at him for the first time that evening, causing his breeches to tighten uncomfortably. They sat down in their seats with Lady Humphrey on the left side of Kate. As the off-key singer started, he grazed his thigh against hers. He heard her slight gasp at the contact. Sitting in the back row he had a bit more leverage than if he were seated in front. He leaned in closer to her and blew in her ear. She stiffened. The floral scent of her jasmine perfume infused him, reminding him of her lying in his bed, making him want her even more. "I want you," he whispered in her ear. "Right here, right now." Pulling out her fan, she attempted to cool herself. But he knew she was hot already and not from the warmth of the room. She wanted him. She stared straight ahead as if he hadn't said a word to her, but based on her rosy color, she'd heard every word. He shifted in his seat to get nearer to her. "I want to pull your gown down around your waist and suckle your pert little tits." She pressed her lips together as if suppressing a laugh. "I want to pull up your skirts and lick your sensitive clit until you

scream my name in passion." Kate shifted in her seat. "Stop!" she hissed. "I want to put you on my lap and sink deep into your wet depths while everyone listens to this dreadful girl." She pressed her lips together again to keep from laughing aloud. Once her emotions were in check, she leveled a feigned angry glare at him. Not that such a look would stop him. It only encouraged him. He wanted her hot for him. He wanted her so wet that he could slip right inside her wet passage. Of course, he would not do that. She had to remain a virgin otherwise he might feel obligated to marry the chit. He certainly could not do such a thing. Yet, as he glanced at her, he saw things he hadn't noticed while lying in bed--the way her posture matched every other young lady in the room, the aristocratic slope of her nose. Her perfect manners and the way she seemed to know how to speak with anyone of quality. Dear God! She couldn't be a woman of quality. No mother would let her daughter go off with Lady Humphrey. Unless their finances were so dire that she'd been left with no choice. Perhaps her mother was no longer even alive to know what her daughter was doing with him. Kate had never discussed her mother, only her father. How could he have been such a fool? The evidence sat right next to him, in perfect precision with every other woman in the room. How could he have missed it? The obvious answer to that bloody question was also right in front of him--he'd never wanted to even think about the fact that she might be a lady. Of course she was a lady--a lady who desperately needed a man's money. Yet, in the past few days she had not spoken one word about money, only what she wanted to do with him in bed.

She was a distraction. That was all she could be to him. His father had set Dev's course when he was merely a child. A distraction might be all right, but she could be nothing more to him. Tonight, they would talk before they did anything else. He needed answers, and he needed them now.

Chapter Six Lindale showed Kendra the way up the back staircase as he'd done the past few nights. So why was it that only tonight their path made her feel like a servant? Or worse, a strumpet for the master's use. The more time she spent with Dev, the more her heart became involved. He treated her with more than kindness. They had an intimacy that bordered on love. She couldn't do this. She mustn't fall in love with Derrick Thornton. She was pledged to the Earl of Blackpool. Her footsteps faltered as she neared his room. Dare she end this before their week was over? And even if she did, would she ever forget him? She knew the answer to that question--never. The first time Blackpool took her to his bed, she would think about all that she'd done with Dev. It might be the only way to survive a loveless marriage. She would take Sarah's advice tonight. By morning, she wouldn't be a virgin any longer. Lindale opened the door to his room. Dim light from the fire drew long shadows on the walls. Shadows filled her heart, too ... and they would remain long after the fire had died. "Thank you, Lindale," Dev's voice came from a chair by the fireplace. Lindale nodded and left. "Come sit and have some brandy with me, Kate," he said, pouring her a snifter. She did as he asked, sinking into the chair across from him. Her hands shook as she took the crystal from his grip. Why was she suddenly nervous? "You look beautiful tonight."

She sipped her brandy, hoping to find some courage in her glass. Instead, she choked on the heady liquid. "T-Thank you," she sputtered. "You looked beautiful tonight. As if you'd been born to such gatherings," he commented, staring at her. He must have finally realized the truth. She had always wondered why he had never questioned her further on her family. "Does it matter?" "I daresay it does." He took a long sip of brandy and then poured himself some more. "Why?" "I am not entirely certain. I believed you must have been a woman of some stature, perhaps merchant class, but I never would have believed you to be a lady." "Of course not," she replied, taking small sip so she wouldn't choke on the warming liquid. "A woman of quality would never take her clothes off in front of a man and pleasure herself while he watched. Nor would she offer a gentleman her virtue for money." "So why did you?" he whispered. She stared down as she swirled the amber liquid around in her glass, anything to avoid his probing stare. "I believe we have already discussed this matter. My family is near to being thrown out of their home. My betrothed has conveniently forgotten I exist. What choice did I have?" "Uncles? Cousins? Someone who might have loaned you enough money to get by until your callous betrothed came to your rescue." "There is no one else," she cried. "My mother died years ago. Her family disowned her for marrying a mere baron when she could have had an earl or better yet a duke. I would never go to them and even if I did, they would never give me a farthing."

"What about your father's family?" "They are all dead." She slammed her glass down on the table next to her and then rose to her feet. "Why is this so important to you?" "Guilt for what I have done to an innocent lady." "I absolve you of any guilt in this affair. I offered myself to you. I knew what I was doing." "Still as a gentleman..." "As a gentleman? I chose you because you were a known rake. A man who wouldn't ask too many questions, just get the job down. And I certainly did not come here tonight to discuss my problems with you." She strode for the door. His hand snaked around her, slamming into the door. Unable to move with his body pinning her to the door, she waited. And waited. His hot breath seared her bare neck. The spicy scent of his cologne and the hint of brandy surrounded her, reminding her of the nights they had spent together. "I'm sorry," he whispered. His lips skimmed the back of her neck sending shivers down her spine. "You're driving me mad with longing yet, I feel guilty for doing this with you when you are to be married to someone else." "Do not feel guilty. The man is a bastard." "I feel guilty for my thoughts. My desire is barely in check." He unhooked one button on the back of her dress. As he did, he kissed the skin he exposed. "All I want to do is sink myself deep inside you and stroke you until you tighten your inner muscles around my cock and let your passions flow." She groaned. She wanted him deep inside her. "But then I remember your virtue and I attempt to control my base

urges." "Don't think about it. Just make love to me," she whispered. "I am a gentleman, no matter the untruths you might have heard through the gossipmongers." Drat. She didn't want a gentleman. She wanted a rake, a despoiler of innocents. Yet she wondered if she would feel the same about him if he had immediately taken her innocence. Somehow she doubted she would. Another button released, another kiss. "You didn't wear a chemise," he said, smiling against her back. "I didn't have one that would work with this dress." "Do you have any idea what that does to me? To think, you sat right next to me tonight wearing only this dress. Did it make you hot?" She nodded. She'd felt as if she might explode from the desire coursing in her veins tonight. And all his little whispered comments hadn't helped matters either. He had taken every opportunity to brush against her, sending tingles down her back. He pushed the sleeves down on her dress and let it fall into a puddle at her feet. He quickly divested her of her stays until she stood in front of him in only her stockings and shoes. Just as she did the first night she'd met him. And just like that night, her wetness fairly dripped from her. She had to have him ... all of him tonight. Dev kissed down her back until he reached her derriere. Spreading her legs apart, his mouth slid down her crack until it reached the moisture his presence produced. His lips circled her folds, flicking her clit, imitating what his cock would do to her if he'd just let it. She started when she felt his warm mouth sliding against her clit.

"Ready to come for me?" "Yes." She shuddered as his tongue flicked her clit again. "Good?" "Better than that," she muttered. Each slight movement he made caused a tingling sensation that started in her bottom and raced over every nerve. Her nipples tightened and she longed to touch them. But her hands held the door, keeping her upright when she was certain her knees would buckle under her. "Come for me, Kate." "Not yet," she said with a husky laugh. She didn't want the sensations to end just yet. "Now," he ordered. She pressed her palms against the smooth oak door. His tongue entered her dripping passage, and his thumb rubbed her clit. Fire built deep within her. She wanted him inside her. But her body refused to wait for him. She clenched her fists as her head hit the door and she reached her orgasm. "Oh Dev!" she screamed from the exquisite gratification. Wave after wave of delicious pleasure crashed over her as he continued to imitate the act of sex on her. "Dev," she moaned. "Come again for me. I know you can." He flicked her clit harder, producing another storm of pleasure. Just as she thought it would never happen, he inserted two fingers deep inside her. She couldn't be filled more completely unless he entered her. Just the thought of him inside her sent her over the edge. Her knees could barely hold her as another orgasm roared through her.

"I love to watch you climax," he said smugly. Slowly her breathing returned to a near-normal state. She opened her eyes and noticed the wetness staining Sarah's dress. Of course her friend would want to know every detail of exactly how it got stained after the party. He turned her around, still pinning her to the door and kissed her passionately. She tasted the salty, tanginess of her own cream. "Come to bed with me, darling." She looked into his eyes and knew it was over. Trying to fool herself would never work. She loved him. She would always love him even when she was married to the damned earl. She would love him forever. He led her over to the bed, stripping off his clothes as he walked. By the time they had reached the bed he only had on his breeches and boots. And she wanted to relieve him of those things quickly. "Sit," she ordered. "Yes, ma'am." He sat on the edge of the bed with a self-satisfied grin. Kendra grabbed his boot by the heel and pulled. Only nothing happened. His foot was still firmly in the boot. She frowned down at the offending footwear. "Try from another angle," he said. He turned her around and slipped his leg between hers. "Now bend over slightly and pull." Devlin groaned at the sight of her wet folds staring at him while she attempted to pull off his boot. The hairs around her folds were still damp with come. "Am I hurting you?" she asked.

Like no other woman could, he thought. "Let me get these off," he ordered. She pouted as she turned around. "I only..." She stopped as he kicked off his boots in seconds and started tearing at his breeches. After watching her in that dress all evening, then making her come twice, he was frantic for her. "Would you help me get these damned things off?" "Yes, sir," she said with a grin. She pulled his breeches down, and he kicked them off his ankles. "Lie down," she ordered with her hands on her naked hips. Without a word, he did as she commanded. She placed one silk encased leg on the bed and slowly untied her garter. Her green eyes sparkled as she rolled the silk down her leg and licked her lower lip. From this angle he could still see her wetness and it took every ounce of control he had to not yank her down on top of him and make love to her until the morning. As she slid the next piece of silk down her leg, she watched him intently. With one leg on the bed, she slipped a finger right where his cock wanted to be. He groaned. "You're driving me mad." "Good." Her finger slipped in and out of her, drawing more moisture to her folds. "Dear God, get over here," he said, drawing her over his body. She had never been on top of him like this. He had no control like this and he hated that feeling. But for once, he would let her take over. She kissed him passionately. He pulled at the remaining pins holding her hair up. He loved to see her blonde curls fall about her body, hiding pink nipples, exposing hints of ivory skin.

She skimmed her lips down to his nipples and slowly drew one into the warm recesses of her mouth. She flicked her tongue over the flat nipple. "Kate," he moaned. Then she did the most incredible thing. She sat up on his hips and glided her silkiness along his cock. The wetness of her folds made him slick with need. Her breasts bobbed up and down as she moved, pressure built deep inside him. His balls tingled, tightened, drawing closer to release. "Oh God, Kate." He moaned only slightly aware of her hand at the base of his erection. Her fingers flicked over his balls sending pleasure throughout him. "Yes, Kate. Yes." "I love you," she whispered. He barely heard her whispered words of love. So caught up in his own passion, he closed his eyes to the sensations. Slowly his cock was cloaked in a tight, velvety wetness. Slick moisture coated his hard length as she slid down on him, and the small barrier nothing to the thick head of his erection. It felt as if he was inside her warm, tight sex, but that was impossible. She would never do that when she knew how he felt about her innocence. She moved against him, pulsating, clenching his cock in a taut embrace. The tingling rushed from his balls, up further and further. He heard her slight cry of pain, but ignored it, concentrating on the overwhelming pleasure as his climax slammed into him. It wasn't until he heard her small sob again that he realized exactly what she'd done. His eyes blinked open. Tears streamed down her face as she stared at him. He moved his gaze to their joined bodies and white-hot anger scorched him. "Did you think this would change things?" She scrambled off him. "Please, Dev. I love you."

He had taken her virtue. He stared at her. There was nothing he could do for her. His father had warned him about all the ladies that would do whatever they could to become the next Countess of Blackpool. He'd just thought for a few days that she might be different. She wasn't. She was a woman. A woman like the others, who could never be trusted. She must have known exactly who he was for the past few days. But he had a way out of this one. They were identical twins, no one could tell them apart so even if she believed he was Blackpool, he never had to admit the truth. He was supposed to be Derrick Thornton, not the Earl of Blackpool. Derrick would never care if a woman gave him her virtue as long as he could fuck her. Well, for tonight, he was Derrick Thornton. "Did you honestly think that just because I was the brother of the Earl of Blackpool that taking your virginity would make me marry you?" "You're what?" Her green eyes stared him. "You cannot be Blackpool's brother. I would have known if you were." What a splendid actress the little harlot was tonight. "Oh, but I am. Born five minutes too late to become the earl, I am the lowly second son. And everyone in London knows who I am."

Chapter Seven Kendra's mouth gaped open. She raced to the door, grabbed her dress and flung it over her body. Not everyone knew who he was, she certainly hadn't known. Oh Lord, she slept with her betrothed's brother! She couldn't think about this right now. Leaving was the only answer. Before he could say another word to her, she slipped out the door and down the back staircase. "Lindale!" she shouted, not caring if she woke the servants. "Yes, miss?" He peered around the corner. "Take me back to Lord Humphrey's house immediately." He stared at her for a moment then ushered her out the back door. "Right this way, miss." She sat alone in the carriage realizing the ramifications of her action tonight. It was one thing to sleep with a man before marriage. But it was quite another to sleep with your betrothed's brother at any time. What was she going to do? She'd fallen in love with Dev, deeply in love with him. Based on the look on his face tonight, he hated her for what she'd done. She'd betrayed him. He had promised to keep her virtue in tact for her husband--his brother. Could he possibly know who she was? It didn't matter. The look of betrayal on his face would be etched into her memory for the rest of her life. Even if she weren't engaged to his brother, Dev would never want her back. He didn't want a wife, only a lover. The carriage rolled to a stop in front of Sarah's home. She prayed her best friend was fast asleep in her husband's arms, or better yet, out

of the house for the rest of the evening. Lindale gave her a hand to help her down from the carriage. "Are you certain you are well, miss?" She only nodded, hoping he couldn't see her tear streaked cheeks in the pale moonlight. Sarah's stooped old butler opened the door for her. "Home early, miss?" "Yes." She said no more even though she normally enjoyed a good gossipy conversation with him. "Goodnight." She ascended the stairs still in shock from her discovery. As she opened the door to her room, she heard a creak and looked back to see Sarah walking toward her. Kendra didn't want to have this conversation. "You're home early," she whispered. "You're up late," Kendra said. "All I ever do is wake up to use the necessary." Sarah followed her into the bedroom. "I'm very late and believe I might actually be with child." Kendra turned and hugged her friend. "Congratulations, Sarah. Have you told Humphrey yet?" Sarah laughed. "Of course not. If I do he won't allow me to attend any of our parties. I must delay this as long as possible." She stared at the rather large stain on the front of her blue gown. "So how did you obtain this?" Kendra's face heated. "Don't ask. I shall replace the dress as soon as I get..." Would he pay her? They still had two more nights left in their bargain. He couldn't possibly want her again after what happened, but would he fulfill their agreement? Why should he? She had completely wrecked everything with her foolish plan to lose her

virginity. Sarah eyed her critically. "What happened tonight?" "Do you know who Derrick Thornton is?" "Derrick Thornton," she said with a shrug, looking away from Kendra. "He is also the brother of the Earl of Blackpool." "No," she replied in an innocent tone. "Oh, yes." Sarah walked toward the fireplace and held out her hands to the heat. "And how did you discover this information?" She remembered his cold words, "everyone in London knew who he was." "Oh my God! You knew, didn't you?" Kendra strode to her best friend and turned Sarah around to face her. Her friend attempted to look away from Kendra's probing stare. "Tell me the truth. Did you know Derrick Thornton is Blackpool's brother?" "Yes," she whispered. Kendra sank to the chair by the fireplace before her legs gave out on her. Her best friend had betrayed her. "Why?" "Because I knew I could not stop you from your foolish plan." Sarah dropped to the blue chair opposite Kendra. "I thought that at least if you were going to go through with your idea it would be best if you chose Thornton." "How could choosing my future husband's brother be a good thing?" "Because your future husband is an Earl, with a title that should be handed down to a blood relative. If you became pregnant due to your liaison, at least a Thornton would still inherit the earldom. And your child would look like his father so you could fool Blackpool."

Pregnant. She had never really considered that possibility when she decided to trick Dev. She truly deserved every repercussion--pregnancy, broken engagement, scandalous reputation, loss of the only man she had ever loved. Kendra pressed her lips together and closed her eyes to keep the tears at bay. She had made a mess of her life. What would Dev say when he discovered she married his older brother? How would she react at family gatherings? She loved Dev. Her attraction to him would be impossible to resist when she saw him at family gatherings. "So how did you discover the truth?" Sarah asked gently. "I did not find out this information until after I had followed your instruction." Kendra rose from her chair and pulled at the buttons on her dress. She wanted this gown off her as quickly as possible. Perhaps that would stop her from reliving every minute of the past two hours. Sarah only sat there watching her. "So you did have intercourse with your betrothed's brother?" Kendra fell onto the bed. "Yes!" Sarah sat down on the bed beside her. "Intercourse? Not what you've been doing up to this point." "He took my virginity just as you said he would." "Did he withdraw?" "Withdraw?" Kendra peeked at her friend's ashen face. "Pull his penis out before he came." "No." "You might be pregnant," Sarah whispered. "It only takes one time,

Kendra. I know plenty of women who have become pregnant on their wedding night. Or before," she added under her breath. Kendra sat up and looked at her friend. Sarah had been the one to convince her that her plan made sense. Well, not entirely. Sarah had tried to stop her from taking their bargain to the fullest completion. She had tried to warn Kendra about the repercussions of the act, but she had forgotten to remind Kendra of the most important reason for not following through--conception. "What am I to do?" Sarah bit her lip. "Nothing. Wait and see if he comes to you. But while you wait, you must send another letter to Blackpool demanding that he marry you as quickly as possible." "Won't he suspect something?" "It won't matter even if he does. A betrothal was made and he is a gentleman who will do his duty." "And if Thornton doesn't come to me?" Kendra asked softly. "Then you shall go to him and demand your money." Tears burned down her cheek. "I don't want his money." Sarah lay back against the bed. "Oh dear Lord, have you fallen in love with him?" Kendra could only nod. She was such a fool. She'd meant nothing to him but a quick tumble. Now she would end up married to his brother but in love with him. "I can't do this. I must leave, return to Hampshire." There was nothing for her in London but heartbreaking memories that she could never face. *****

"Bitch," Devlin said, hurling a glass at the fireplace in his bedroom. The remnants of brandy fired the flames as shards of glass rained down into the firebox. How could she do this to him? He'd told himself that this arrangement would work because he'd leave her virtue in tact and thereby no risk of a bastard from her. But the conniving bitch had tricked him. "Damn her!" And worse than her trickery was the empty feeling in his heart. Only a few hours had passed since she'd left and already he missed her. He missed everything about her--the sound of her laugh, the intoxicating fragrance of her skin, the taste of her. When she'd run from him, he had been unable to chase her. Her virgin blood stained his sheets, holding him immobile unable to look away or move. He shouldn't feel bad about his treatment of her, yet he did. Even now at seven in the morning he had an urge to ride to Humphrey's home and beg for her forgiveness. Not that it would do any good. If he broke his engagement to Miss Smythe she would be ruined. But how could he marry her now? For all he knew, Kate might be carrying his child right now. Damn Derrick for putting him in such a fix. It was time his brother quit his job with the Home Office. His father had left Derrick more than enough to live on and Dev would be happy to supply him more money. But he knew it was no more Derrick's fault than Kate's. He'd lost control and let her have it. That had never happened to him before her. "Excuse me, my lord." He glanced up to see Lindale staring at him with a slight smile on his face. "Yes, Lindale?" "I have some information that I believe you might find quite fortuitous." He doubted he'd find anything unexpected or good today. "Not now. I

am in no mood to hear anything." "It concerns a woman." "What is it?" "Your betrothed is in town." Devlin poured another brandy even if it was morning. The past night had been dreadful and this morning was only getting worse. Why was Miss Smythe in town? "Damn." "I also discovered the name of the woman living with Lady Humphrey." "I don't want to know." If he didn't know then he couldn't feel guilty. Of course he was only fooling himself because he'd felt guilty for the past few hours and no matter what her name he would always think of her as Kate. "Oh, I believe you may want to hear this name," Lindale said with a grin. "Very well. What is the lady's name?" He dropped into a chair by the fireplace. Rubbing his temples, he waited for the answer to the question that had haunted him for the past few days. "Miss Kendra Smythe." Shock held him immobile. "Say that again, Lindale." "Miss Kendra Smythe, of Hampshire." "My betrothed?" "The very same, my lord." He'd made love to his future wife. The thought should have brought relief but it only made him angry. His future wife propositioned his brother to have sex with her! If not for Derrick's position with the

Home Office he might have made love to her. "Ready my carriage." Lindale grinned. "Yes, my lord. I presume we are off to the Humphrey's?" "No." Devlin tapped his fingers against the arm of the chair. "We have another stop to make." First to the Home Office and then to the archbishop. ***** Kendra sat in the breakfast room of her parents' home in Hampshire. The congealed mess on her plate held no appeal so she pushed the odorous plate away from her. Only the flavorful scent of her warm tea helped to soothe her ragged nerves. She arrived home last night to find her father had taken a turn for the worse. After sitting up all night with him, she'd had time to think about her future ... or certain lack of it. Before she had left Sarah's house, she wrote a short note to Dev, apologizing for what she foolishly had done. Then she stupidly waited almost two hours for a reply that never came. She was a fool to think she'd meant anything to him. He took his pleasure and that was all that mattered. Although she knew that wasn't true. Dev had been more than kind to her, showering her with gifts, with pleasure, with love--or what felt like love. She banged her fist on the dining room table in frustration. Forgetting him seemed like an insurmountable task, but she had to try. Her sister, Amy walked into the room and sat down next to her. "How was he last night?" she asked. Kendra shook her head. "Not well. He was awake coughing more than he slept. I called for the physician this morning." Amy's brown eyes widened in shock. "We cannot afford the physician. Even though you were only gone a fortnight, several

creditors were here. They are demanding their payments now and threatening Father with debtor's prison. Oh Kendra, I don't want to be sent to the workhouse." Kendra dropped her head to the smooth surface of the table. The movement caused the emerald pendant to swing toward her breast. She reached for the necklace and held it tight. Selling it would solve a few of her family's money issues, certainly not all, but at least a few creditors would be satisfied. The last thing she wanted was to part with the necklace Dev had given her. But it would help her put her past to rest. "I have to go into town," she announced, her voice bouncing off the cherry wood table. Amy smiled. "Wonderful, I could stand a little time away from here. Emily can watch over Father..." "No, Amy." She lifted her head and looked at her younger sister. Now almost eighteen, Amy looked far more like a woman than the little girl Kendra used to play with. "I must go alone." "Why?" Why? What possible excuse could she have for going to town alone? "I am meeting with a creditor to ask for a short extension. I--I just can't do it with you there too." Amy pursed her lips and frowned. "Very well." Kendra forced herself to leave the room, dress and walk to Basingstoke. There was a jeweler there who might still be friendly enough with her father to do business with her. Opening the door to the shop, a little bell rang over her head. "Be there in a moment," a voice cried out from the back of the store. A wiry old man with shock-white hair rounded the corner. "Miss Smythe, how lovely to see you today. How is your father?" Kendra looked down at the worn wood floor. "Not well, Mr. Blackwell. That is why I have come." Slowly, she lifted the emerald out of its

nest between her breasts and unlatched it from around her neck. "Oh my," Mr. Blackwell exclaimed, walking toward her for a closer look. "That is exquisite." "Thank you. It was..." A gift from a lover? She could hardly say that. "It was my mother's. She gave it to me upon her death." White eyebrows furrowed in confusion and gradually his expression changed and blotches of red stained his cheeks. He coughed. "Of course, my dear. I remember your mother speaking of the gem and how she never wanted it to part from the family." It was Kendra's turn for embarrassment as she realized that Mr. Davis had made up an excuse for her. "Yes, I would love for it to stay in the family, however, you must know of my father's condition." "We all do, my dear." He held out his hand and waited for her to place the pendant there. Holding it up to the light, he whistled softly. "Miss Smythe, this is indeed a fine gem. But I'm afraid I cannot give you near what it's worth." Her heart sank. All she'd wanted to do was solve her family's problems, and she couldn't even do that properly. "Thank you, Mr. Blackwell," she mumbled. "If you really need the money, your best chance for a better price would be London." Of course no one had told her that before she'd left London. "I cannot afford a trip to London again." "Let me see what I can do." He walked behind the counter and pulled out some money. "It's all I can give because this will be a very hard sell." Kendra glanced down at the money, quickly tallying the total. It was nowhere near enough to settle the accounts with the creditors. But it would pay off a few and allow her to bring the physician home to see her father.

***** By the time she arrived home exhaustion had settled into her bones. All she wanted was her soft bed, not the hard settee in the salon. But sleeping had to wait until she heard from the doctor who was currently examining her father. Amy, still miffed with her for not taking her into town, sat in the chair opposite Kendra darning a stocking. "A message arrived for you yesterday," Amy said, cutting off some string. "In all the excitement of having you home, I forget." A message? Could Dev have found out who she really was? A thrill of anticipation coursed through her veins. She could hardly contain herself from running to the front hallway where the note waited for her. With shaking hands, she broke the unknown seal and read the note. Miss Smythe, I have been traveling to my estates and just now received your note regarding your family's finances. The best course of action is immediate marriage to regain the respectability your family deserves. I should arrive in Basingstoke by the 15th of May. Expect our vows to take place the next day. Regards, Lord Blackpool Kendra could only stare at the note in utter shock. He was coming to marry her.

Chapter Eight "Why am I here again?" Derrick asked his brother for the second time. "I had almost captured the spy when suddenly I have two officers in my room demanding that I return to London." Dev sipped his brandy wondering how to best tell his sordid story. "At least you were only in Dover and not in Paris." Derrick leaned back against the sofa. "Yes, but I was in Dover in my room with two beautiful women. You could have at least waited to demand my return until morning." "Yes, I suppose I could have, but I have my own problems with women ... well, woman." His brother tilted his head. "You? My brother has women problems? I thought you were betrothed to some country chit." "I am. And she is the problem." "I thought you hadn't seen her in a decade?" Dev almost wished he hadn't seen her in over a decade. He wished he could take back the last two weeks of his life. Forget about the passionate woman who warmed his bed ... and his heart. "I met her again a week and a half ago." Derrick sat forward, leaning closer to him. "And? What is the gel like? Is she a little mouse? A cow?" "Neither," Dev growled. "I see." Derrick leaned back and gulped down his brandy. "So what is the issue? You're betrothed to her, marry the girl." Marry the girl. It sounded so easy. He knew in his heart as a gentleman that is exactly what he should do. But could he trust her? Would she turn out like his mother?

"Dev?" "Sorry," he waved his hand at his brother. "I was lost in thought for a moment." "When is the wedding?" "Friday." "I shall stand up for you then." He raised his glass again before sipping it. "Congratulations." "Thank you." Damn. He had to tell Derrick some of what happened because she might return to talk to him. "Have another brandy." Derrick reached for the bottle. "What is wrong?" He wasn't surprised that his brother sensed his frustration. All their lives they had had the uncanny ability to judge each other's feelings. "My future wife believes I am you." "Bloody hell." Derrick drained his glass in one long draught. A chuckle rose low and rough from his throat. "And did I do something I shouldn't have to my future sister-in-law?" "Oh, yes. Quite a few things for that matter." Derrick laughed again. "And I didn't even get to enjoy it. I certainly hope you did my reputation proud." "A little too proud." Dev leaned his head back against the soft leather chair. "I made a mess out of this, Derrick." "So she thinks she slept with me when in fact she slept with you." He shrugged. "On Friday you tell her the truth." "But she is in love with you," he whispered. "Ahh, therein lies part of the problem. But only part if I am correct."

His brother knew him too well. "She was unfaithful to me with you." "Actually, she was unfaithful to you with you." He waved his hand in dismissal. "Never mind the semantics. The fact is you believe she would have had an affair no matter who the man. And after what Mother did to our father you do not believe you should marry her." Well that just about summed up the issue. "So," Derrick continued, "exactly why did she feel the need to experiment before marriage? Had she heard some vicious rumor about your lack of performance and thought to find out what a good fuck was before a lifetime commitment to you? I find that hard to imagine since we are identical twins, you couldn't be that bad." Devlin almost laughed ... almost. "She needed money for her family." "Then why didn't she come to you?" A clock chimed four times in the distant hallway. "She did. Only I did not receive the note until just a few minutes before she walked through the door of your study. And at the time, I had no idea who was offering me her virtue." "And since you were supposed to be me, you willingly agreed to her proposal." Derrick poured them both another glass of brandy. "It's a damned pickle your in, Dev." "I believe it really is." "So, what are you to do?" Devlin drained his brandy. "I wish I knew." "What bothers you the most, the fact that she attempted to sleep with me? Or the fact that she didn't wait for you?" Dev stood up and paced the room. "How can I trust her?"

"How can any man trust a woman? You either do or you don't," Derrick answered with a shrug. Easy for Derrick when it wasn't the rest of his life on the line. Dev had to know if he could trust Kendra, because if he couldn't trust her, there would be no marriage. He could pay her off, settle a large sum on her and pray she wasn't with child. ***** "Shouldn't you buy her something?" Derrick said as the carriage rolled into Basingstoke. "After all, if you do marry her tomorrow, a wedding gift would be the romantic thing to do." The romantic thing to do. With a woman he loved but didn't know if he could trust. "Very well," he said with a sigh. "We shall stop at the jewelers before we reach the inn." He banged on the carriage roof and instructed his driver to stop at the nearest jewelers. The carriage stopped at a small shop and Dev quickly departed, heading directly for the store. He wanted this over as fast as possible. A little bell rang over his head as he entered. A wizened old man looked up and smiled. Dev knew that smile. That was the smile of a man who knew that a bloody lord had entered his establishment. "Can I help you, milord?" "I need a gift for my betrothed," Dev answered. The man's smile became even more cat-like. "I have just the thing. I came into this only yesterday." He held up a brilliant emerald, sparkling in the sunlight. Dev's heart lurched when he saw the pendant he'd given Kendra. How quickly she pawned the gift, the little whore. "The poor dear who sold it to me said it belonged to her mother. Unfortunately, the family has fallen on hard times..."

"Box it up, I'll take it," Dev ordered. How could he have forgotten her reasons for everything she had done? Money. After paying for the necklace a second time in only a fortnight, he left the shop and ordered his driver to take Derrick to the inn, and then him to Smythe Manor. He scrambled into the carriage and crossed his arms over his chest. "So what did you find in there?" Derrick asked. "Nothing." "Of course," his brother mumbled. Sometimes Derrick had the decency to know when not to say anything else. Unfortunately, this was not one of those times. "Seems odd that you were in and out of the shop so quickly." "Leave it be, Derrick," Dev said in his coldest voice. The carriage stopped in front of the Lion's Head Inn. Derrick climbed down and looked back at Dev. "Are you coming?" "Not yet. I have decided to pay my betrothed a visit." "Very well, I shall talk to you later." Dev nodded. As the door shut and the carriage rolled out of the town toward Kendra's home, he wondered what he should do. He had to know if she would betray him as his mother had betrayed his father. But there was only one way to know for certain. And he dreaded hearing her answer more than anything in his life. By the time the carriage stopped in front of the old manor home, Dev's nerves were stretched to the breaking point. He wanted this confrontation over. Looking up at the house, he observed the signs of neglect--paint peeling on the windowsills, broken mortar and missing bricks. At least she hadn't lied about her family's misfortunes. He walked up the pathway to the front door, expecting a butler or footman to greet him, yet no one did. After banging on the knocker,

he waited ... and waited for someone to answer. Finally a young woman with dark blonde hair and brown eyes opened the door. The resemblance to Kendra was notable; the girl's coloring just a bit darker. "May I help you, sir?" she asked with apparent hesitation. "Miss Smythe?" "Yes, sir. I am Miss Smythe." "Miss Kendra Smythe?" he repeated only for show. He wanted Kendra's sister to believe he hadn't seen Kendra in years, instead of days. The girl giggled. "Oh no, sir. I am not Kendra." Dev handed her his card and watched as her eyes grew large in amazement. Miss Smythe's hands trembled, her face grew pale and then suddenly her lips turned upward. "You have finally come to rescue us," she muttered. "Oh?" he asked innocently. She clasped her hand over her mouth and mumbled, "Nothing, my lord." After giving him a quick curtsy, she moved backwards. "Come into the salon, my lord." He did as she requested and followed her into the salon. The worn furniture looked as if it had been there for a hundred years ... and probably had. "I shall go retrieve my sister." Devlin took a deep breath and sat in a wingback chair by the window, waiting for either his future wife, or his former lover. *****

"Kendra, come quickly!" Amy shouted as she barged into her bedroom. Kendra sat up on her bed and stared at her sister. "What is wrong? Is Father all right?" Amy waved her hand at her. "Father is fine. Your Earl is here, in the salon." Fighting back a wave of nausea, she rose to her feet. Blackpool was here. In her house. Waiting for her to join him in the salon. She couldn't do this. It wasn't right that she marry him now. "I cannot see him." Amy's brown eyes turned almost black with rage. "Oh yes, you can. This family is in dire straits and you think you can deny us the one chance we have at solving our problems? You obviously didn't find Blackpool in London as you told us you would. What exactly did you do in town? Let your slutty friend Sarah show you the amoral side of London?" Everything Amy said was right. She couldn't let her family down because of her lack of morals in London. Yet, she couldn't marry Blackpool either. At least not until he knew the truth. "Very well, sister. I shall speak with my betrothed." With heavy feet, she descended the staircase all the while wishing Blackpool would be swallowed up by a mysterious hole in the salon floor. As she reached the threshold, she noted there was no hole in the salon floor and her future husband sat casually in a chair. She grabbed the doorway for support as she looked at him. Her knees begged to give out on her. He looked just like Dev. Exactly like him to be sure. Twins. She had forgotten what Dev had said about being born five minutes after Blackpool. Identical twins by the looks of him. Examining him closer, she could not see one thing that appeared different between him and his brother. Now she knew for certain that

she would never be able to marry this man and face him every day. "Miss Smythe," he said, standing to his full height. Dear God, the man had the same presence as his brother, only stiffer. No, marriage was definitely out of the question. "Lord Blackpool, this is a surprise," she finally managed to get out. "Indeed? Did you not get my note?" "Yes." He tilted his head and gave her a questioning look. "Please join me in the salon, Miss Smythe." Until that moment she hadn't realized that she still stood at the threshold. "Of course." Just make it to the sofa, she told herself. "I thought it would be nice if we spoke before the marriage tomorrow. After all, we haven't seen each other in over ten years." Nice? He thought this would be nice? Oh dear Lord, she going to faint if she had to be in the room with him much longer. He looked too much like his brother and all the memories of being with Dev came surging over her. She couldn't take this a moment longer. "I'm sorry, my lord. I cannot marry you tomorrow." "Would Monday work better for your busy schedule?" he asked, sarcasm tainting his voice. "My lord, I cannot marry you ever," she whispered. She dared not look into his dark eyes. "I believe you owe me more than that, Miss Smythe. We have been betrothed for almost twenty years." There was nothing else she could do but tell him the truth, or some part of the truth. "I have not been faithful to our betrothal." She glanced up at him and noted the look of surprised satisfaction

that he quickly hid behind a hard fae. Why would he look pleased at her comment? She suddenly realized that he did not wish to marry her any more than she did. "I do not think that will be an issue," he said, surprising her completely. "What?" Lord Blackpool sat back down in the wingback chair. "As long as this affair is over between you and this other man." "It is, but still, you cannot mean to marry me if I'm not ... not..." "Not a virgin?" he asked with a laugh. "I assure you I am not a virgin so I suppose since I delayed in marrying you, it is my fault that you felt the need to discover the physical aspect of love." He tapped his finger against his full lips. Lips so much like his brother's that Kendra had to look away from him. She had to find another way to get him to denounce their betrothal. Although, she knew by doing that she would ruin her family. "Will you remain faithful to me after we marry?" he asked. Kendra blinked in surprise at the question. Never had she imagined anything but being faithful, once she had married. "Of course." "You are not carrying his child, are you?" "No," she answered. Even though she had no idea for sure and wouldn't know for another week or so. A look of disappointment crossed his face, again quickly changed to his stoic expression. "Very well, then. I shall arrive here tomorrow at nine with the minister." He stood and strode to the door. "Good day, Miss Smythe." "But--but..." her voice trailed off as he left the room and then the house before she could utter one more word of objection. She had

one day to prepare herself to marry her lover's brother. Dropping her head into her hands, tears burned her cheeks. There was no way out of this mess she had created.

Chapter Nine Kendra entered the salon in her best blue silk gown, only two years old, and a small bouquet of daisies in her trembling hands. Amy walked into the room first and all Kendra had to do was follow. But her feet didn't want to cooperate. Her feet wanted to turn around and run all the way back to London and beg Dev's forgiveness. And yet, as she stared into the room she noticed the backs of two identical heads, two men the same height, the same bearing and there was nothing she could do. Her younger sister, Emily coughed loudly to remind Kendra it was past time to walk into the room and face her future. She forced her legs to move. This was for the best. Her family would be saved. She reached Blackpool's position, and he clasped his hand with hers. Looking over at Dev, she beseeched him to speak up and stop this farce. He glanced over at her with a small smirk on his arrogant face. Perhaps if she were extremely lucky, Dev would speak up at the appropriate moment and offer to marry her. Of course she had no such luck. When the minister paused for any objections, only silence filled the room. Before she knew it, she was the Countess of Blackpool. There was an awkward silence that filled the dining room as they convened for the wedding breakfast. Dev had made an excuse and left with only a whisper of congratulations to her and Blackpool. She hated him for his cowardice. She despised him for knowing who she was and doing nothing to save her from this marriage. But she would get even. She would fall deeply in love with her husband, over the years, and give him beautiful sons who would inherit so Dev never would. She would show her husband just how passionate and loving she could be with him, and only him. Dev could go to the devil. But she wondered how many years it would take to get over Dev and fall in love with her husband. Or if she ever really would. "Are you ready?" Blackpool leaned toward her chair and whispered in

her ear. Kendra blinked, realizing that everyone had finished their food but she had barely touched hers. Then again, she had no appetite. "Yes, I'm ready." She wasn't ready. She wasn't anywhere near ready to go and make love with her husband, as he would expect. Ignoring the little shiver that ran down her back, she rose and gave hugs to her family before saying goodbye. Blackpool had promised that all their debts would be paid in full and servants hired to help around the manor. She linked her arm with his as they walked to the carriage. "I have a lovely room in Basingstoke that we can stay in for the night. Tomorrow we will head to London." Kendra only nodded in reply, too aware of the virile man next to her. Too aware of the tingling sensations running through her body with his nearness, the way her nipples were puckered into hard nubs, the warm moisture pooling at her folds. She didn't want to be attracted to him. Perhaps it was just the fact that he looked so much like Dev, he smelled like Dev. Her senses were overcome with him. He helped her into the carriage and then he entered. The large carriage seemed to shrink as he took his seat across from her. His knee brushed against hers. "Pardon me," he whispered. She looked into his eyes, noticing the blatant desire burning there. "You looked beautiful this morning." He shifted in his seat, again brushing against her knee. "Thank you," she mumbled. Should she tell him how handsome he looked? "When we return to London we will have a large ball to celebrate our

marriage. Then after the Season we will return to Blackpool Manor." Kendra nodded, praying this strained conversation would be over soon. Thankfully the carriage ride and the stilted conversation did end. The carriage stopped before the inn and Blackpool jumped down. Holding out his hand, he waited for her to place her own hand in his. With a deep breath for strength, she took his hand and was ready to start her new life. He walked with her to their room and opened the door. A large fourposter bed took up the majority of the bedroom. A bright yellow coverlet was draped over the imposing bed and several pillows had been tossed on it for comfort. Blackpool walked over to the curtains and drew them shut, suffusing the room with darkness. Turning back toward her, he stalked toward her. "I have been waiting for this moment since I saw you yesterday." She wished she could say the same, but she couldn't. He took another step closer to her. The spicy scent of his soap tickled her nose and sent a wave of desire pooling in her belly. She shouldn't want him. It was only because he looked so much like Dev. But her body didn't care. Her body wanted the man in front of her. "Kiss me, Kendra," he whispered, lowering his mouth to hers. His lips burned hers with a passion so much like Dev's she almost said his name. As his tongue slid across her lips, she sighed, allowing him entry. Her passion increased as he deepened the kiss, drawing her nearer, caressing her tongue with his. His hands squeezed her derriere against his erection. "I want you, Kendra," he whispered as his lips trailed a burning path toward her ear. "I want to sink into your wet depths and fill you with my big cock." Kendra shivered with his words. Remembering just how big Dev's cock was, she wondered if they were identical in every aspect. There was only one way to discover the truth. She reached for his starched cravat and untied the knot. After unwrapping the cloth from around

his neck, she kissed the pounding pulse she'd uncovered. Hearing his light moan only made her more curious about the reaction he would have if she suckled his nipples, or better yet, his cock. Since he knew she wasn't a virgin, she didn't have to pretend. She slipped his jacket off his broad shoulders and then worked at the buttons on his soft linen shirt. He growled and waved her hands away so he could pull his shirt over his head. Seeing his muscled chest with a sprinkling of black hairs, exactly like Dev's, made her moan. She kissed down his chest until she found his nipple half hidden by the hairs. Taking his small nipple into her mouth, she suckled him. Dev moaned as her tongue lashed at his sensitive nipple. If she kept this up, he'd be done before they even started. Somehow Kendra had taken control over their lovemaking, and he didn't have the heart to stop her. So instead of stopping her, he found each pin in her hair and removed them. One by one they hit the floor with a slight tinkling sound. Running his fingers through her hair, he pressed her closer, encouraging her to suckle harder. And she did, suckling each nipple until he thought he might die from the glorious sensation. She reached for the buttons on his breeches and made quick work of them. Sliding his breeches down, she released his rock hard erection, ready and impatiently waiting for her. "Oh my," she whispered, staring at his cock. "Put your mouth on me," Dev said in a strained voice. He knew his control was slipping but he needed to feel her hot mouth on him. He wanted to feel her tongue circle the head of his penis. She grasped the base of his member and slowly lowered her head to his cock. His knees almost buckled as she licked the head, savoring the salty liquid she'd found there. Slowly, her mouth enveloped him, taking as much of him as she could handle. He caressed her hair, trying to think about anything cold and not the warm wetness of her mouth sliding up and down, tightening the pressure then slacking until he was so close to coming he finally had to push her away.

"Not yet, darling. When I come I plan to be inside you to the hilt. Pumping you with my seed." She moaned and slid her clothed body against his penis. Pressing her hips to his, wiggling until he could think of nothing but pulling her skirts up and plunging into her wetness. He moved away from her and sat on the bed. "Why is it that you still have every stitch of clothing on, while I sit here with my pants around my ankles, and my shoes and stockings on?" Kendra giggled in reply. "Should I take off my clothes?" Oh God, he loved it when she stripped off her layers of clothes in front of him. "Yes!" "Very well then." She licked her full pink lips in a wholly erotic manner. Before she started, he kicked off his shoes and slid off his breeches. He wanted to be completely ready when she finished removing her gown. "Would you mind?" she asked, turning her back to him. She lifted her blonde hair, revealing rows of pearl buttons down the back of her blue dress. "Gladly." He stood and released each button from its hole, letting his fingers trace the line down her spine. She shivered and he prayed it was desire and not the coolness of the room. "All finished," he said, moving back to the bed. Kendra turned around and let the blue silk slide down her body, pooling at her feet like the sky on a summer day. "I shall need your assistance with my stays," she said in a coquettish tone. So she was deliberately trying to tease him? He liked that. Rising, he quickly unfastened her stays, watching them drop to the floor. Before she could turn to face him again, he lifted her shift over her head.

"You were not supposed to do that," she said in an insincerely innocent voice. "I might have to punish you now." Oh God, yes! "How would you do that?" "By making you watch as I pleasure myself." He sat back down on the bed and smiled. "I have been bad. I suppose some form of punishment is necessary." "Definitely." She placed her foot on the bed beside him and untied her blue garter. Rolling the silk hose down her leg, she watched his reaction. After removing her shoe and hose, she put her foot on his thigh and slid her foot between his legs and tickled his balls. "Oh God," he mumbled as the touch of her toes on him sent desire coursing through him. He desperately wanted to pull her down on his lap and sink into her. But he restrained himself. Slowly, she removed her foot and sensually removed her other stocking in the same manner. Moving back a step, she let her hands glide across her chest to her pert nipples. She rolled them in her fingers, pulling, stretching, driving him mad with longing. Her hips moved in small circles. "Touch yourself," he whispered. "I want to watch your finger dip deep into your wet pussy." "Very well." One finger slid down her belly and found its way through the springy blonde hair to her clit. Dev watched as her eyes grew heavy, her breathing grew shallow. Small moans escaped from her as she rubbed her clit harder. "Are you ready for me?" he asked. "Yes." "But I didn't see you put your finger where I want to be."

A small smile curved her lips upward. Then she placed her foot back up on the bed giving him a perfect view of her moist folds. She was definitely ready for him. A thin tapered finger slid from her nub through her folds until it slowly disappeared inside her. Dev clenched his fists to keep from taking her that second. She reached for his hand and placed his index finger in her mouth, just as she had his cock, twirling her tongue around it. Then she guided his finger to her clit, using his hand to rub against the nub. Dev had reached the end of his control. In one swift movement, he stood and bent her over the bed, opening her legs from behind. Slow down, he had to remind himself. She'd only been with him once. He grasped the base of his erection and rubbed it across her clit, stimulating her even more. "Now," she moaned. "I want you deep inside me." How could he deny her request? Circling around her moist entrance, he let her wetness lubricate the head of his cock. His muscles clenched as he entered her velvety tightness. He wanted to pump himself deep inside of her, but he controlled himself. Inch by inch he slid further into her. Finally, he reached the end. Unable to move without coming, he waited for her adjust to his thick penis. He slid his hand under the pillow and pulled out the emerald necklace. Encircling her neck, he hooked the clasp and let the pendant fall free. "Oh," Kendra mumbled. There was no pain this time, just a sense of fullness. She had felt him put something on her, but she didn't care what it was since his finger had found her clit again. He slid out slightly then back deep inside her. A tingling spread from her vagina through her body with the movement. "Are you all right?" he whispered, gliding back out again. "Yes." "Thank God," he replied and increased his pace.

Every stroke of his thick cock, accompanied by a rub against her clit, sent her closer to her climax. He sped up once more, this time she could feel his balls slap against her as he reached the hilt. Faster and faster he stroked her until she closed her eyes and screamed as exquisite pleasure flowed over. She collapsed on the bed as lethargy filled her muscles. Blackpool remained still embedded deep inside her and very much still erect. Had he not come yet? "Are we finished?" she whispered. "Oh no, we are definitely not finished." He chuckled, causing his rod to twitch. "I thought you needed a moment to recover." The idea that he had not come sent another rush of desire coursing through him. She wanted him to climax. She wanted to make this memorable for him, even if she was still a little inexperienced. Remembering how she made Dev lose control, she climbed up the bed and patted the pillow. "Perhaps you should lie down here," she said seductively. "Very well." He moved to the bed and laid on his back, waiting for her. She grabbed the base of his erection and slid it between her soaking wet folds, drenching him with moisture. She climbed on top of him, and settled him deep in her. "What do I do now?" "Ride me like a randy stallion," he replied. He grabbed her hips and lifted her so she would understand the rhythm he wanted. She quickly caught on, stroking him up and down, watching as he came closer to release. His hands continued to lift her hips, faster until he slammed into her and threw his head back as he came. She liked watching his face as he came inside her, filling her with the seed that might just make the next little earl. She adjusted her hips on him and noted the cool touch of metal against her breast. Glancing down, she gasped.

"Where did you get this?" "A jewelry store in Basingstoke." "Did your brother pick it out?" she demanded, stopping his hands from caressing her hips. She had to know why he bought this particular necklace for her. "Why would Derrick help pick out my wife's wedding gift?" Tears of frustration burned her eyes. How was she supposed to forget her brother-in-law when her husband had picked out the same necklace? "I cannot accept this," she finally mumbled. "Why not?" "I just cannot." "You accepted it once before. Why not now?" Oh my God! He knew! Her entire world was spinning out of control. Her husband knew she'd had an affair with his brother. "I can explain." A smug smile tilted his lips upward. "I don't like it when my gifts are pawned for money." Kendra shook her head in confusion. "Your gift?" He reached for the pendant and rubbed his thumb over the sparkling emerald. "Yes, my gift." "Dev?" Gazing up at her, he asked, "Did you not hear whom you married this morning?" She pressed her lips together and tried to remember what the vicar had said. Nothing came to her because she had paid him no heed.

She had been staring at Dev, no wait, this was Dev. Who had she been staring at during the ceremony? "Who are you?" "The man you married. Devlin Brookfield Thomas Matthew Thornton, the Earl of Blackpool. The same man you took off your clothes for in my brother's house." Devlin? Dev? His brother's house? "I married the right man?" she blurted. Dev threw his head back and laughed soundly. "I believe you did since my brother never met you until this morning." He moved her off of him and brought her close. As he told her exactly what happened, he caressed her hair. Tears pooled on his chest. "Why are you crying?" "I thought you hated me for what I had done that night when all I wanted to do was prove how much I loved you." "I did hate you for a moment. Until Lindale told me who you really were." "Why didn't you explain when we met yesterday?" She wiped away another tear. "I needed to know if I could trust you," he mumbled. Trust her? Kendra pushed away from him and stared down at him. "What do you mean?" "You went to my brother's house to have an affair. I needed to know that you believed it was over and you wouldn't stray again. My mother left my father for another man. It not only broke his heart but his spirit as well." She nodded. "And you wanted to know that I wouldn't do that to you?"

"Yes." "And do you trust me now?" His dark brown eyes sparkled with love and desire. "I believe I do." "You had better because I will never be unfaithful to you." "Why not?" he asked with a smile. "Two reasons," she answered. "First because I love you." "And second?" She reached for his penis and traced her index finger down his soft length. Quickly it hardened under her light touch. "This," she whispered. She replaced her finger with her tongue, sweeping up the very hard length of him. "I love you too," her new husband whispered.

- The End -

About the Author: Christie was born and raised in upstate New York. As a child she always had a vivid imagination and the bad dreams that go along with it, or perhaps the dreams were caused by the five brothers and three sisters she lived with. After being scarred from writing by a few nameless English teachers, she went to college and studied Business and Computer Science. A reduction in workforce changed her life, when for the first time, she had the opportunity to concentrate on writing and discovered how much she loved it. Always a lover of history and romance, she focused her writing on historical romance and only recently started writing romantica. She's having a great time writing the sexier side of Regency London. When not writing, Christie is usually ferrying one of her kids around or working in the yard. She now lives in Maryland with her husband and two future romance heroes. Come visit her on the web at www.christiekelley.com