Empire of Shadows (Raiders of the Arcana, #1)

by Jacquelyn Benson

At that tender age, it had never occurred to Ellie that the life she wanted was an impossibility—that no amount of intelligence and determination would ever overcome the handicap of her gender.

Marriage would mean the end of any occupation for her besides managing the household—a fate even less desirable than being eaten alive by a boa constrictor.

“Is it about a man? Do tell me that it’s a man.” Ellie stiffened with alarm. “Gracious, no!” she exclaimed. “What on earth would I want to do with one of those?

“Oh, dash it!” Ellie burst out, grabbing her fern. “Come along, then!”

“Bates…” Ellie protested. He tossed the other boot at her and she caught it awkwardly as he moved away. “Adam!” He paused, and then turned back to catch her by her belt and haul her closer for a sudden, firm kiss. He smiled at her through the dark. “That sounds nice,” he concluded, and then dropped below the surface.

“I have become inordinately fond of you, you know,” Ellie abruptly admitted. “Well, then, we’re gonna have to do our damnedest not to die,” Adam replied as he gazed down at her warmly—very warmly.

“This is going to sound crazy!” she yelled as Adam joined her. Adam tugged her into his arms. “I’m with you,” he promised as he gazed down at her.