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His Wicked Seduction Quotes
His Wicked Seduction
by
Lauren Smith2,154 ratings, 4.08 average rating, 214 reviews
His Wicked Seduction Quotes
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“I’ve been a fool to wait as long as I have.” He gently untied her wrists and rolled her onto her back beneath him. She savored his warmth, enjoying the rapid beat of his heart against her cheek. “Please say you’ll always belong to me.” He kissed her mouth, her cheeks, her nose, her forehead.
“I always have.” Her hands glided over his shoulders and down his arms in soothing strokes.
“I want to be able to do this to you every night and every morning. I want to share my life, my name and my soul with you, Horatia.”
“I’ve only ever wanted your heart,” she replied.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“I always have.” Her hands glided over his shoulders and down his arms in soothing strokes.
“I want to be able to do this to you every night and every morning. I want to share my life, my name and my soul with you, Horatia.”
“I’ve only ever wanted your heart,” she replied.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Now, about warming you up.” Lucien tugged her into his arms beneath the covers.
What followed was a sort of lovemaking he’d never done before. No restraints, no delving into darker passions. He was tender and slow, and he poured his soul into every kiss and gave her his heart with every caress. Horatia cried out again and again beneath him. Lucien painted her face in his mind, ecstasy ravishing her features in the moonlight. He wanted to capture the beauty that was Horatia’s alone.
This… he thought as he finally allowed himself to reach his release close to dawn in her arms, this is worth dying for.”
― His Wicked Seduction
What followed was a sort of lovemaking he’d never done before. No restraints, no delving into darker passions. He was tender and slow, and he poured his soul into every kiss and gave her his heart with every caress. Horatia cried out again and again beneath him. Lucien painted her face in his mind, ecstasy ravishing her features in the moonlight. He wanted to capture the beauty that was Horatia’s alone.
This… he thought as he finally allowed himself to reach his release close to dawn in her arms, this is worth dying for.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Oh my God,” she moaned as he pinched her again and she felt herself unraveling from the inside out.
“I prefer to be called Lucien.”
-Horatia & Lucien”
― His Wicked Seduction
“I prefer to be called Lucien.”
-Horatia & Lucien”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Lucien expected to find Horatia somewhere in the hall, but it was his mother who was lying in wait for him. She looked more dangerous than a cobra nestled in a basket.
“I should like a private word with you, Lucien.”
Her tone did not bode well. It was too close to the one she used to lure him into a false sense of security before he was paddled as a child. He was well beyond his paddling years, but should his mother entertain such thoughts again he would most assuredly escape out the nearest window or door before she could get her hands on him.
He’d often wondered if perhaps there was some secret pamphlet that a mother received upon the birth of her first child that bore instructions on how to instill fear in one’s child with only a look. If there was, his mother had been a quick study. Perhaps she had written the latest edition.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“I should like a private word with you, Lucien.”
Her tone did not bode well. It was too close to the one she used to lure him into a false sense of security before he was paddled as a child. He was well beyond his paddling years, but should his mother entertain such thoughts again he would most assuredly escape out the nearest window or door before she could get her hands on him.
He’d often wondered if perhaps there was some secret pamphlet that a mother received upon the birth of her first child that bore instructions on how to instill fear in one’s child with only a look. If there was, his mother had been a quick study. Perhaps she had written the latest edition.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Lord knew, her brood were wicked enough that they didn’t need the help of mistletoe. It was in their blood, and sadly, not a trait taken from her husband’s side.
-Lady Rochester”
― His Wicked Seduction
-Lady Rochester”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Where the bloody hell is my wife?” Godric yelled into the aether.
As if in response, a footman came up the stairs and handed Cedric a slip of paper. Dumbfounded, Cedric opened it and read it aloud.
My Dear Gentlemen,
We await you in the dining room. Please do not join us until you have decided upon a course of action regarding the threat to Lord Sheridan. We will be more than delighted to offer our opinions on the matter, but in truth, we suspect you do not wish to hear our thoughts. It is a failing of the male species, and we shan’t hold it against you. In the future, however, it would be advisable not to lock us in a room. We simply cannot resist a challenge, something you should have learned by now. Intelligent women are not to be trifled with.
Fondest Regards,
~ The Society of Rebellious Ladies ~
“Fondest regards?” Lucien scoffed.
A puzzled Jonathan added, “Society of Rebellious Ladies?”
“Lord help us!” Ashton groaned as he ran a hand through his hair. “They’ve named themselves.”
“I’ll wager a hundred pounds that Emily’s behind this. Having a laugh at our expense,” Charles said in all seriousness.
“Let’s go and see how rebellious they are when we’re done with them.” Cedric rolled up the sleeves of his white lawn shirt as he and the others stalked down the stairs to the dining room. They found it empty. The footman reappeared and Cedric wondered if perhaps the man had never left. At the servant’s polite cough he handed Cedric a second note.
“Another damn note? What are they playing at?” He practically tore the paper in half while opening it. Again he read it aloud.
Did you honestly believe we’d display our cunning in so simple a fashion? Surely you underestimated us. It is quite unfair of you to assume we could not baffle you for at least a few minutes. Perhaps you should look for us in the place where we ought to have been and not the place you put us.
Best Wishes,
~ The Society of Rebellious Ladies ~
“I am going to kill her,” Cedric said. It didn’t seem to matter which of the three rebellious ladies he meant.
The League of Rogues headed back to the drawing room. Cedric flung the door open. Emily was sitting before the fire, an embroidery frame raised as she pricked the cloth with a fine pointed needle. Audrey was perusing one of her many fashion magazines, eyes fixed on the illustrated plates, oblivious to any disruption.
Horatia had positioned herself on the window seat near a candle, so she could read her novel. Even at this distance Lucien could see the title, Lady Eustace and the Merry Marquess, the novel he’d purchased for her last Christmas. For some reason, the idea she would mock him with his own gift was damned funny. He had the sudden urge to laugh, especially when he saw a soft blush work its way up through her. He’d picked that particular book just to shock her, knowing it was quite explicit in parts since he’d read it himself the previous year.
“Ahem,” Cedric cleared his throat. Three sets of feminine eyes fixed on him, each reflecting only mild curiosity.
Emily smiled. "Oh there you are.”
― His Wicked Seduction
As if in response, a footman came up the stairs and handed Cedric a slip of paper. Dumbfounded, Cedric opened it and read it aloud.
My Dear Gentlemen,
We await you in the dining room. Please do not join us until you have decided upon a course of action regarding the threat to Lord Sheridan. We will be more than delighted to offer our opinions on the matter, but in truth, we suspect you do not wish to hear our thoughts. It is a failing of the male species, and we shan’t hold it against you. In the future, however, it would be advisable not to lock us in a room. We simply cannot resist a challenge, something you should have learned by now. Intelligent women are not to be trifled with.
Fondest Regards,
~ The Society of Rebellious Ladies ~
“Fondest regards?” Lucien scoffed.
A puzzled Jonathan added, “Society of Rebellious Ladies?”
“Lord help us!” Ashton groaned as he ran a hand through his hair. “They’ve named themselves.”
“I’ll wager a hundred pounds that Emily’s behind this. Having a laugh at our expense,” Charles said in all seriousness.
“Let’s go and see how rebellious they are when we’re done with them.” Cedric rolled up the sleeves of his white lawn shirt as he and the others stalked down the stairs to the dining room. They found it empty. The footman reappeared and Cedric wondered if perhaps the man had never left. At the servant’s polite cough he handed Cedric a second note.
“Another damn note? What are they playing at?” He practically tore the paper in half while opening it. Again he read it aloud.
Did you honestly believe we’d display our cunning in so simple a fashion? Surely you underestimated us. It is quite unfair of you to assume we could not baffle you for at least a few minutes. Perhaps you should look for us in the place where we ought to have been and not the place you put us.
Best Wishes,
~ The Society of Rebellious Ladies ~
“I am going to kill her,” Cedric said. It didn’t seem to matter which of the three rebellious ladies he meant.
The League of Rogues headed back to the drawing room. Cedric flung the door open. Emily was sitting before the fire, an embroidery frame raised as she pricked the cloth with a fine pointed needle. Audrey was perusing one of her many fashion magazines, eyes fixed on the illustrated plates, oblivious to any disruption.
Horatia had positioned herself on the window seat near a candle, so she could read her novel. Even at this distance Lucien could see the title, Lady Eustace and the Merry Marquess, the novel he’d purchased for her last Christmas. For some reason, the idea she would mock him with his own gift was damned funny. He had the sudden urge to laugh, especially when he saw a soft blush work its way up through her. He’d picked that particular book just to shock her, knowing it was quite explicit in parts since he’d read it himself the previous year.
“Ahem,” Cedric cleared his throat. Three sets of feminine eyes fixed on him, each reflecting only mild curiosity.
Emily smiled. "Oh there you are.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Well?” Lucien asked, standing behind her. Heat emanated off him in intoxicating waves.
Horatia briefly shut her eyes, savoring this private moment of paradise. “It is too expensive. You ought not to have spent so much on me.” Despite her chastising she clutched the gown to her chest and turned to face him, making it clear she would not willingly give back the gift.
Lucien’s lips slid into a crooked smile. “If you believe it too valuable… I can always allow you to repay me in favors.”
“Hmm… and what would these favors be, exactly?” Horatia wanted to sound like a cool and confident woman bargaining her charms, but she was unable to hide her desire.
“For one gown, I will charge you this morning and afternoon between the sheets. I demand tangled limbs, moans of pleasure and wild abandon.”
He plucked the dress from her hands, folded it and nestled it back into the box with a tenderness that had Horatia’s body weak-kneed with pleasure, then set it on the floor out of the way.
“You wish to be paid now?” Horatia half-giggled until she saw the predatory look on his face. The savage lust in his eyes knocked the air from her lungs.
“Surrender to me now, Horatia. Let me have you a thousand ways, a thousand times.” It was as close to pleading as Lucien had ever come and it aroused her in a way she had not expected.”
― His Wicked Seduction
Horatia briefly shut her eyes, savoring this private moment of paradise. “It is too expensive. You ought not to have spent so much on me.” Despite her chastising she clutched the gown to her chest and turned to face him, making it clear she would not willingly give back the gift.
Lucien’s lips slid into a crooked smile. “If you believe it too valuable… I can always allow you to repay me in favors.”
“Hmm… and what would these favors be, exactly?” Horatia wanted to sound like a cool and confident woman bargaining her charms, but she was unable to hide her desire.
“For one gown, I will charge you this morning and afternoon between the sheets. I demand tangled limbs, moans of pleasure and wild abandon.”
He plucked the dress from her hands, folded it and nestled it back into the box with a tenderness that had Horatia’s body weak-kneed with pleasure, then set it on the floor out of the way.
“You wish to be paid now?” Horatia half-giggled until she saw the predatory look on his face. The savage lust in his eyes knocked the air from her lungs.
“Surrender to me now, Horatia. Let me have you a thousand ways, a thousand times.” It was as close to pleading as Lucien had ever come and it aroused her in a way she had not expected.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“He looked to Cedric. “You damned fool. You actually fired!”
“Why didn’t you fire back?” Cedric’s voice was filled with despair.
Was the wound even worse than he thought? “I did fire back.”
“Yes. Into the ground. You should have shot me.”
“And what would that accomplish?” Lucien sighed. “I wagered my life that you would back out, or misfire. I’d hoped you would reconsider or calm yourself before it came to this. The armor was a desperate plan in case all that failed. It seemed I was right to do so.”
Cedric looked pained. “I didn’t mean to fire at all. I meant to stare you down until you yielded. When you lowered your pistol it unnerved me, and my hand… it shook.”
Lucien’s smile withered and he grew serious. “No matter what you think, I meant what I said. I love Horatia more than anything… but I could never kill my closest friend, nor the brother of my greatest love.” Lucien tried to ignore the burning pain in his head. It felt like someone was branding his skull.
“You… you really love her?” Cedric asked.
The pain in his eyes wounded Lucien more than the bullet. “She is everything to me. Always has been. I just couldn’t face that before. I tried to push her away.” Lucien winced. “I don’t deserve her.” He shut his eyes as pain overcame him. A cold darkness swept over his limbs, numbing him to any other sensations.
“Help me get him up!” Cedric shouted at their seconds.
Lucien opened his eyes and tried to laugh. “I always knew she’d be the death of me,” he said before he went numb again.
“You die on me and I’ll kill you,” Cedric growled as Lucien’s eyelids fell heavily shut once more.
“Not planning on it,” he said, but his spiraling vision warned him otherwise.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Why didn’t you fire back?” Cedric’s voice was filled with despair.
Was the wound even worse than he thought? “I did fire back.”
“Yes. Into the ground. You should have shot me.”
“And what would that accomplish?” Lucien sighed. “I wagered my life that you would back out, or misfire. I’d hoped you would reconsider or calm yourself before it came to this. The armor was a desperate plan in case all that failed. It seemed I was right to do so.”
Cedric looked pained. “I didn’t mean to fire at all. I meant to stare you down until you yielded. When you lowered your pistol it unnerved me, and my hand… it shook.”
Lucien’s smile withered and he grew serious. “No matter what you think, I meant what I said. I love Horatia more than anything… but I could never kill my closest friend, nor the brother of my greatest love.” Lucien tried to ignore the burning pain in his head. It felt like someone was branding his skull.
“You… you really love her?” Cedric asked.
The pain in his eyes wounded Lucien more than the bullet. “She is everything to me. Always has been. I just couldn’t face that before. I tried to push her away.” Lucien winced. “I don’t deserve her.” He shut his eyes as pain overcame him. A cold darkness swept over his limbs, numbing him to any other sensations.
“Help me get him up!” Cedric shouted at their seconds.
Lucien opened his eyes and tried to laugh. “I always knew she’d be the death of me,” he said before he went numb again.
“You die on me and I’ll kill you,” Cedric growled as Lucien’s eyelids fell heavily shut once more.
“Not planning on it,” he said, but his spiraling vision warned him otherwise.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Good God!” Avery gasped at the bloody wound on Lucien’s head and Cedric’s grief-stricken expression.
“You were dueling?” Sir John growled. “Fools.”
He relieved Lawrence of Lucien’s feet to help carry the unconscious Marquess up the stairs to an empty bedroom.
The second Lucien was on the bed Lady Rochester burst into the room, fire in her eyes. “Is he dead?” she asked, panic creeping into her.
“The blow glanced his skull,” Lawrence said. “He may still live.”
“May? Oh, he will not die. I want to kill him myself and he will not deny me that.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“You were dueling?” Sir John growled. “Fools.”
He relieved Lawrence of Lucien’s feet to help carry the unconscious Marquess up the stairs to an empty bedroom.
The second Lucien was on the bed Lady Rochester burst into the room, fire in her eyes. “Is he dead?” she asked, panic creeping into her.
“The blow glanced his skull,” Lawrence said. “He may still live.”
“May? Oh, he will not die. I want to kill him myself and he will not deny me that.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Please forgive me, Horatia,” his voice broke. “I’ve made so many mistakes of late. I did not trust your judgment and I did not have faith in Lucien’s heart. He asked me to believe in his love for you but I couldn’t. I have failed you both and it has cost us all a great deal.”
“Don’t say that,” Horatia began but Cedric shushed her.
“I must, Horatia. The truth is that Lucien loves you and he deserves you for a wife. I give my blessing freely. Any man who is stubborn enough to care about both of us even when the world is burning down around him… that man is allowed to marry my sister.”
“Oh Cedric.” Guilt warred with her joy over being able to marry Lucien.
It wasn’t fair to feel such happiness when her brother faced a lifetime of darkness.
“I asked you not to cry,” he said, his hands wiping tears from her face.
“May I cry from happiness?” she asked.
“I suppose I can suffer tears of joy.” Cedric chuckled.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Don’t say that,” Horatia began but Cedric shushed her.
“I must, Horatia. The truth is that Lucien loves you and he deserves you for a wife. I give my blessing freely. Any man who is stubborn enough to care about both of us even when the world is burning down around him… that man is allowed to marry my sister.”
“Oh Cedric.” Guilt warred with her joy over being able to marry Lucien.
It wasn’t fair to feel such happiness when her brother faced a lifetime of darkness.
“I asked you not to cry,” he said, his hands wiping tears from her face.
“May I cry from happiness?” she asked.
“I suppose I can suffer tears of joy.” Cedric chuckled.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“You don’t always have to be so strong. Grief only rewards those who accept it, not those who fight it.”
-Cedric”
― His Wicked Seduction
-Cedric”
― His Wicked Seduction
“I’m not angry. But I am upset to learn you’ve become so determined on the matter. I want the truth now. Are you certain it is Jonathan you want to marry?”
Audrey gave a quick excited nod.
“Do you even know him? Audrey, you’ve only met him this September. I won’t have you marrying a man for shallow reasons.”
“How can I ever know a man when you threaten them all with pistols at dawn?”
Cedric huffed. “You exaggerate.”
“Do I?” She raised one delicate brow.
He squirmed a little at her accusation. “Yes, it was only one time. The others fled before I could get that far in my shouting.”
“And you feel this is helping your argument?”
“I like Jonathan, kitten, I do. The man cuts a fine figure, but that’s no reason for marriage. You ought to marry for love.”
Cedric couldn’t believe what he was saying. Somewhere along the way he’d managed to become his father. The words sounded like his. The late Viscount Sheridan had been a noble man and he’d conducted himself with the highest levels of propriety and decorum. But buried beneath that he’d had a heart of gold that made him wise. It seemed some of his father’s wisdom had developed in him, even if it was a little late.
“You’re right, of course. But I know the way I feel around him, Cedric. I feel as though my life before him was merely an intake of breath before the true living begins.”
“Oh God, you’ve been reading those dreadful gothic novels again.”
“I have not!”
-Cedric & Audrey”
― His Wicked Seduction
Audrey gave a quick excited nod.
“Do you even know him? Audrey, you’ve only met him this September. I won’t have you marrying a man for shallow reasons.”
“How can I ever know a man when you threaten them all with pistols at dawn?”
Cedric huffed. “You exaggerate.”
“Do I?” She raised one delicate brow.
He squirmed a little at her accusation. “Yes, it was only one time. The others fled before I could get that far in my shouting.”
“And you feel this is helping your argument?”
“I like Jonathan, kitten, I do. The man cuts a fine figure, but that’s no reason for marriage. You ought to marry for love.”
Cedric couldn’t believe what he was saying. Somewhere along the way he’d managed to become his father. The words sounded like his. The late Viscount Sheridan had been a noble man and he’d conducted himself with the highest levels of propriety and decorum. But buried beneath that he’d had a heart of gold that made him wise. It seemed some of his father’s wisdom had developed in him, even if it was a little late.
“You’re right, of course. But I know the way I feel around him, Cedric. I feel as though my life before him was merely an intake of breath before the true living begins.”
“Oh God, you’ve been reading those dreadful gothic novels again.”
“I have not!”
-Cedric & Audrey”
― His Wicked Seduction
“If Lucien is determined to have her, he won’t let her be sensible. That’s the entire point behind seduction. Men use passion to rob gentle bred ladies of their good sense."
-Cedric.”
― His Wicked Seduction
-Cedric.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“And who’s to say that Horatia is not Lucien’s perfect match?” Audrey asked.
“If she is I dread to think what that says about our sister,” Cedric muttered.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“If she is I dread to think what that says about our sister,” Cedric muttered.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Please don’t leave,” she begged in a ragged whisper.
“Never, my heart. Never.”
-Horatia & Lucien”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Never, my heart. Never.”
-Horatia & Lucien”
― His Wicked Seduction
“I don’t want to hurt you, not ever again… and this might.”
“If I never hurt again, I won’t know I’m alive,” she reminded him.
She was desperate and needed to feel him. Her hands slid down the ridges of his hard abdomen until she wrapped her hand possessively about his length.
He groaned against her lips with feral pleasure. “You play with fire, darling, and I don’t wish to burn you.” He tried to pull back.
Horatia slid a hand down to the base of him and back up to his tip. “Burn me. Consume me, Lucien. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“If I never hurt again, I won’t know I’m alive,” she reminded him.
She was desperate and needed to feel him. Her hands slid down the ridges of his hard abdomen until she wrapped her hand possessively about his length.
He groaned against her lips with feral pleasure. “You play with fire, darling, and I don’t wish to burn you.” He tried to pull back.
Horatia slid a hand down to the base of him and back up to his tip. “Burn me. Consume me, Lucien. It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Horatia, her body filled with desire and a desperation for some sort of release, pulled free of his arms and stood up, entirely bare before him. She walked around him and approached the bed. “I don’t recognize this room,” she said softly as she eased onto the bed.
Lucien followed her movement, his eyes focusing on the peaks of her breasts, the chill in the air tightening her nipples. “I found you too far away from the house. I brought you to the gardener’s summer cottage,” Lucien explained. He got to his feet, blanket still loosely cloaking his body.
“The gardener’s cottage?”
There was a hungry look in his eyes as he approached, but still it seemed he meant to resist her. “Yes, it’s always empty in the winter.” Lucien’s voice was even lower, huskier than before.
“So we are alone, without fear of discovery.” Horatia started to reach for the blanket about his body.
“Are you trying to seduce me?” A wicked smile played about his mouth.
“That depends. Is it working?”
― His Wicked Seduction
Lucien followed her movement, his eyes focusing on the peaks of her breasts, the chill in the air tightening her nipples. “I found you too far away from the house. I brought you to the gardener’s summer cottage,” Lucien explained. He got to his feet, blanket still loosely cloaking his body.
“The gardener’s cottage?”
There was a hungry look in his eyes as he approached, but still it seemed he meant to resist her. “Yes, it’s always empty in the winter.” Lucien’s voice was even lower, huskier than before.
“So we are alone, without fear of discovery.” Horatia started to reach for the blanket about his body.
“Are you trying to seduce me?” A wicked smile played about his mouth.
“That depends. Is it working?”
― His Wicked Seduction
“It hurts,” Horatia gasped as the weight of everything descended upon her. Like knife shards embedded in her lungs, each breath she sucked in was ragged and icy.
“That’s a good thing, my love. It means your heart is still alive. Just let it all out.” Lucien brushed his lips along her tear-stained cheek and absorbed her shaking with his body.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“That’s a good thing, my love. It means your heart is still alive. Just let it all out.” Lucien brushed his lips along her tear-stained cheek and absorbed her shaking with his body.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Lucien and his fellow warriors were all gazing at Linus’s prone body. At last he got up and brushed himself off.
“Didn’t we pace it at fifty feet?” Lawrence asked. “I thought Avery said they wouldn’t be able to throw anything that far?”
“Or that heavy,” added Avery.
“Perhaps not that far,” said Linus. “One of them must have snuck up closer and we didn’t see them. Search the trees for scouts. Mother has a surprisingly powerful arm.”
Sir John’s lips twitched. “Do you mean to tell me that you lads purposely put the ladies at a disadvantage both physically and numerically?”
“Clearly you have never engaged our women in a snowball fight, Sir John,” Lucien said with a low chuckle. “They cheat and therefore any measures we take are simply precautions to protect ourselves against the inevitable.”
His brothers nodded in agreement.
“They are ruthless,” Avery said in all seriousness.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Didn’t we pace it at fifty feet?” Lawrence asked. “I thought Avery said they wouldn’t be able to throw anything that far?”
“Or that heavy,” added Avery.
“Perhaps not that far,” said Linus. “One of them must have snuck up closer and we didn’t see them. Search the trees for scouts. Mother has a surprisingly powerful arm.”
Sir John’s lips twitched. “Do you mean to tell me that you lads purposely put the ladies at a disadvantage both physically and numerically?”
“Clearly you have never engaged our women in a snowball fight, Sir John,” Lucien said with a low chuckle. “They cheat and therefore any measures we take are simply precautions to protect ourselves against the inevitable.”
His brothers nodded in agreement.
“They are ruthless,” Avery said in all seriousness.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Why those wretched devils!” Audrey hissed as she crawled over to the trebuchet. “Quick, someone distract them while I add more counterweight.”
“But the balls will fly too far!” said Lady Cavendish.
“Not necessarily.”
Lady Rochester peeked over the edge of the fort, her face alight with a delightful smile.
“Tally-ho!” Lady Rochester whooped most inelegantly and waved her arms as she acted as a decoy so Horatia and Lysandra could return fire. Unfortunately the fifty feet of distance between the two forts seemed to ensure that their throws would fall short.
“See? We’ve nothing to worry about. They can’t even reach us!” Linus taunted as he stood up brazenly to take his time in aiming at his mother. Audrey meanwhile adjusted the aim of the trebuchet and with a curt nod at Lady Rochester, Audrey dropped the heavier counterweight and let fly their snowy vengeance. The women watched in glee as a snowball the size of a man’s head smacked Linus square in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
“What the deuce?” They heard feebly from behind the fort.
The ladies all burst out laughing.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“But the balls will fly too far!” said Lady Cavendish.
“Not necessarily.”
Lady Rochester peeked over the edge of the fort, her face alight with a delightful smile.
“Tally-ho!” Lady Rochester whooped most inelegantly and waved her arms as she acted as a decoy so Horatia and Lysandra could return fire. Unfortunately the fifty feet of distance between the two forts seemed to ensure that their throws would fall short.
“See? We’ve nothing to worry about. They can’t even reach us!” Linus taunted as he stood up brazenly to take his time in aiming at his mother. Audrey meanwhile adjusted the aim of the trebuchet and with a curt nod at Lady Rochester, Audrey dropped the heavier counterweight and let fly their snowy vengeance. The women watched in glee as a snowball the size of a man’s head smacked Linus square in the chest, knocking him to the ground.
“What the deuce?” They heard feebly from behind the fort.
The ladies all burst out laughing.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Oh yes. I keep thinking about that night at the Midnight Garden and how brave you were to face me. How sweet you tasted! And right now, I wish it had been me last night who had you alone in a bedroom at my mercy.”
Lucien nipped her bottom lip and the spot between her legs ached.
“Lucien, I’m always at your mercy.” Horatia brushed her hand through his dark red hair as he teased her further. “And you do have me alone in a bedroom.”
“Mmm, I do, don’t I?” He framed her face with his hands and plundered her mouth in a way that left her dazed and throbbing.
-Lucien & Horatia”
― His Wicked Seduction
Lucien nipped her bottom lip and the spot between her legs ached.
“Lucien, I’m always at your mercy.” Horatia brushed her hand through his dark red hair as he teased her further. “And you do have me alone in a bedroom.”
“Mmm, I do, don’t I?” He framed her face with his hands and plundered her mouth in a way that left her dazed and throbbing.
-Lucien & Horatia”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Horatia belonged to him, not Lawrence or any other man. And no one harmed what was his.
-Lucien's thoughts”
― His Wicked Seduction
-Lucien's thoughts”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Jane waited until she had her sons’ full attention once again and gestured for Avery to speak.
“Now, let’s get down to specifics, Mother. What do you expect us to do that will make him jealous?” Avery looked up at his mother with false wide-eyed innocence, the rogue wanted her to say it! He didn’t think she would be capable of laying out her scheme in explicit detail. He was quite mistaken.
“Don’t give me that sweet-as-a-lamb look, child,” Jane warned. “The three of you have sinned enough to fill the second circle of hell all on your own, and leave no room for others. You will do what you do with any gentle born lady. Compliment her. Seduce her. Fuel the fire deep within her. Lure her into passion. But do nothing to worry me in a month’s time. Understood?” Had she been in a better mood she would have laughed at the flush of embarrassment on their faces.
“What? You expect me to play ignorant of such things? I gave birth to five children, and I assure you that I did not do that all on my own. Your father played a significant role in bringing your miserable existences about. There’s that little book from India I believe you all own? The one with all the illustrations. Don’t pretend you don’t know it, because I’ve read it as well.”
“Mother! For God’s sake!” Lawrence begged, cutting his mother off.
Jane allowed a smile to curve her lips.
“It isn’t as much fun when you are on the other end of unpleasant thoughts now, is it?” She clapped her hands together. “Now then, off to the ballroom. And remember, do what I charged you or you will beg for mercy, and I shall have none to give. I brought you into this world, and should you displease me, I shall happily remove you from it.” She made the threat in such a sweet tone that all three of her sons shuddered.
-Lady Rochester, Avery, Lawrence, & Linus”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Now, let’s get down to specifics, Mother. What do you expect us to do that will make him jealous?” Avery looked up at his mother with false wide-eyed innocence, the rogue wanted her to say it! He didn’t think she would be capable of laying out her scheme in explicit detail. He was quite mistaken.
“Don’t give me that sweet-as-a-lamb look, child,” Jane warned. “The three of you have sinned enough to fill the second circle of hell all on your own, and leave no room for others. You will do what you do with any gentle born lady. Compliment her. Seduce her. Fuel the fire deep within her. Lure her into passion. But do nothing to worry me in a month’s time. Understood?” Had she been in a better mood she would have laughed at the flush of embarrassment on their faces.
“What? You expect me to play ignorant of such things? I gave birth to five children, and I assure you that I did not do that all on my own. Your father played a significant role in bringing your miserable existences about. There’s that little book from India I believe you all own? The one with all the illustrations. Don’t pretend you don’t know it, because I’ve read it as well.”
“Mother! For God’s sake!” Lawrence begged, cutting his mother off.
Jane allowed a smile to curve her lips.
“It isn’t as much fun when you are on the other end of unpleasant thoughts now, is it?” She clapped her hands together. “Now then, off to the ballroom. And remember, do what I charged you or you will beg for mercy, and I shall have none to give. I brought you into this world, and should you displease me, I shall happily remove you from it.” She made the threat in such a sweet tone that all three of her sons shuddered.
-Lady Rochester, Avery, Lawrence, & Linus”
― His Wicked Seduction
“After what seemed like acres of endless white, Horatia spotted a dark shape in the distance. As she drew closer she realized with horror that it was Lucien’s body.
“Oh God!” she gasped. “Faster, damn you!” she shouted at the draft horse and it increased its pace.
When she was within a few yards she slid from the saddle and ran to Lucien. He was face down in the snow, cloak wrapped about him. Horatia rolled him onto his back and paled when she saw the bloody gash above his forehead. His eyes were closed and his pale lips parted.
She couldn’t lose him now, not after everything that had passed between them. Memories flashed across her eyes— the way he’d twist his lips up in a wicked smile, the brush of his lips against hers, the sweetly whispered words he’d spoken to her when they’d shared the room at the Midnight Garden.
“Lucien!” She bent her ear to his lips, praying to feel the warmth of his breath. It was there, but barely. Horatia put her palms on either side of his cheek, letting her warmth seep into his cold skin. Once her hands grew too cold she dragged his body into her lap and held him close, rubbing him, praying her body heat would have some effect. After what felt like an eternity, Lucien’s dark lashes fluttered. When his hazel eyes focused at last, it was not on her face but on her bosom, which was mere inches from him. He managed a weak smile.
“Heaven looks quite lovely from this angle.” The smile changed into a playful leer, even as Horatia’s eyes narrowed.
“I’ll ignore that because you are alive.” She cupped his cheek and pressed her trembling lips to his forehead in a thankful kiss.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Oh God!” she gasped. “Faster, damn you!” she shouted at the draft horse and it increased its pace.
When she was within a few yards she slid from the saddle and ran to Lucien. He was face down in the snow, cloak wrapped about him. Horatia rolled him onto his back and paled when she saw the bloody gash above his forehead. His eyes were closed and his pale lips parted.
She couldn’t lose him now, not after everything that had passed between them. Memories flashed across her eyes— the way he’d twist his lips up in a wicked smile, the brush of his lips against hers, the sweetly whispered words he’d spoken to her when they’d shared the room at the Midnight Garden.
“Lucien!” She bent her ear to his lips, praying to feel the warmth of his breath. It was there, but barely. Horatia put her palms on either side of his cheek, letting her warmth seep into his cold skin. Once her hands grew too cold she dragged his body into her lap and held him close, rubbing him, praying her body heat would have some effect. After what felt like an eternity, Lucien’s dark lashes fluttered. When his hazel eyes focused at last, it was not on her face but on her bosom, which was mere inches from him. He managed a weak smile.
“Heaven looks quite lovely from this angle.” The smile changed into a playful leer, even as Horatia’s eyes narrowed.
“I’ll ignore that because you are alive.” She cupped his cheek and pressed her trembling lips to his forehead in a thankful kiss.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Neither man spoke, both lost in thought. Lucien was visited by the awful memory of the day when Cedric’s parents died.
Lucien knew that Cedric had been watching over Audrey at the Sheridan townhouse on Curzon Street when a footman had come running. Cedric once told him that everything seemed to slow from that moment on. The footman was flushed and sputtered about a carriage accident and finally blurted out, “Dead, sir. Both Lord and Lady Sheridan are dead. Your sister suffered a broken arm, but is alive. Lord Rochester was nearby and helped in rescuing your sister.”
Lucien would never forget that moment when he’d brought Horatia home after the accident. Cedric had taken two steps towards the door and his legs gave out, sinking to his knees.”
― His Wicked Seduction
Lucien knew that Cedric had been watching over Audrey at the Sheridan townhouse on Curzon Street when a footman had come running. Cedric once told him that everything seemed to slow from that moment on. The footman was flushed and sputtered about a carriage accident and finally blurted out, “Dead, sir. Both Lord and Lady Sheridan are dead. Your sister suffered a broken arm, but is alive. Lord Rochester was nearby and helped in rescuing your sister.”
Lucien would never forget that moment when he’d brought Horatia home after the accident. Cedric had taken two steps towards the door and his legs gave out, sinking to his knees.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“When Horatia finally left Lucien’s study she did not find herself alone in the hallway. Lady Rochester was exiting the chamber across the hall.
“Horatia.” She waved for Horatia to come to her. Horatia swallowed uncomfortably as she approached Lucien’s mother.
“You’re blushing, my dear,” Lady Rochester observed. “You needn’t worry that I shall press you as to the reason why. I suspect that my son is involved.”
“Linus?”
Lady Rochester shot her a look that seemed to ask what genus and species of fool Horatia took her for.
“We both know that you’ve loved Lucien since you were a child. Let us not deceive ourselves in this any longer. Now, come this way. You and I are going to have a little talk.”
“But…” “Don’t protest, Horatia. I’m an old woman and I’m used to getting my way.”
Horatia tried not to show her incredulity. Lady Rochester may have been in her fifties but she seemed anything but old. She followed Lady Rochester to a room a few doors away to a small, personal chamber of Lady Rochester’s.
“Have a seat, Horatia. For heaven’s sake, try not to look so ill. I do not mean to bite you.” Lady Rochester seated herself in a pale blue chaise across from her.
“So you are still in love with my son.”
Horatia didn’t reply.
“Do you wish to win him?”
“I think it is fair to say that I shall never have any chance of winning him.”
Lady Rochester smacked her armrest with surprising force.
“Nonsense. He’s perfectly susceptible to being won over by the likes of you.”
-Lady Rochester & Horatia”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Horatia.” She waved for Horatia to come to her. Horatia swallowed uncomfortably as she approached Lucien’s mother.
“You’re blushing, my dear,” Lady Rochester observed. “You needn’t worry that I shall press you as to the reason why. I suspect that my son is involved.”
“Linus?”
Lady Rochester shot her a look that seemed to ask what genus and species of fool Horatia took her for.
“We both know that you’ve loved Lucien since you were a child. Let us not deceive ourselves in this any longer. Now, come this way. You and I are going to have a little talk.”
“But…” “Don’t protest, Horatia. I’m an old woman and I’m used to getting my way.”
Horatia tried not to show her incredulity. Lady Rochester may have been in her fifties but she seemed anything but old. She followed Lady Rochester to a room a few doors away to a small, personal chamber of Lady Rochester’s.
“Have a seat, Horatia. For heaven’s sake, try not to look so ill. I do not mean to bite you.” Lady Rochester seated herself in a pale blue chaise across from her.
“So you are still in love with my son.”
Horatia didn’t reply.
“Do you wish to win him?”
“I think it is fair to say that I shall never have any chance of winning him.”
Lady Rochester smacked her armrest with surprising force.
“Nonsense. He’s perfectly susceptible to being won over by the likes of you.”
-Lady Rochester & Horatia”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Are you all right?” he asked, pushing away from the wall and coming towards her.
“I’m fine.”
Lucien frowned and cupped her chin in one hand, turning her to face him.
“I can always tell when you lie,” he said, as if the knowledge of this surprised him.
“Yes. I hate that.” She needed to get away from him. She needed room to breathe.
He dogged her steps as she left and picked a room at random to try and hide from him. She shut the door and slid the lock into place, relaxing when he tried the knob and couldn’t get inside. Leaning back against the door, she listened to him walk away. Her heartbeat slowed in her chest.
Suddenly one of the study bookshelves swung open. Lucien emerged and eased the bookshelf back into its place, grinning. Horatia gaped. Rochester Hall had secret passageways? How had she not known about them? She truly ought to have been nosier as a child.
“Why do you hate that I can read you so easily?” he asked.
Horatia studied the room with a slight frown. This was Lucien’s study. His scent filled the air and a messy pile of letters littered his large desk. She couldn’t have picked a worse room to try and escape from him. He was everywhere. And she would not be able to hide from him anywhere on the estate. There were likely passageways all through the house connecting all the rooms.
“Lucien, could you please just leave me alone? You’ve made your peace with me, and I with you. Can we not leave it at that?” She turned her back to him but he chuckled, coming closer.
“My dear Horatia, I fear you and I are England and France. We quarrel and battle and therein lies the pleasure of our relationship.”
-Lucien & Horatia”
― His Wicked Seduction
“I’m fine.”
Lucien frowned and cupped her chin in one hand, turning her to face him.
“I can always tell when you lie,” he said, as if the knowledge of this surprised him.
“Yes. I hate that.” She needed to get away from him. She needed room to breathe.
He dogged her steps as she left and picked a room at random to try and hide from him. She shut the door and slid the lock into place, relaxing when he tried the knob and couldn’t get inside. Leaning back against the door, she listened to him walk away. Her heartbeat slowed in her chest.
Suddenly one of the study bookshelves swung open. Lucien emerged and eased the bookshelf back into its place, grinning. Horatia gaped. Rochester Hall had secret passageways? How had she not known about them? She truly ought to have been nosier as a child.
“Why do you hate that I can read you so easily?” he asked.
Horatia studied the room with a slight frown. This was Lucien’s study. His scent filled the air and a messy pile of letters littered his large desk. She couldn’t have picked a worse room to try and escape from him. He was everywhere. And she would not be able to hide from him anywhere on the estate. There were likely passageways all through the house connecting all the rooms.
“Lucien, could you please just leave me alone? You’ve made your peace with me, and I with you. Can we not leave it at that?” She turned her back to him but he chuckled, coming closer.
“My dear Horatia, I fear you and I are England and France. We quarrel and battle and therein lies the pleasure of our relationship.”
-Lucien & Horatia”
― His Wicked Seduction
“There is discipline and there is abuse and being a good parent is knowing the difference.
-Lady Rochester”
― His Wicked Seduction
-Lady Rochester”
― His Wicked Seduction
“That is blood.” Anne abandoned her muff and bent down to dip a finger into the nearest splotch. Her gloved fingertip came back bright red.
“Emily, you didn’t kill Godric did you? I mean, I’m sure you had a good reason, but it’s foolish to leave a blood trail.” Anne’s gaze swept the hall, seeking the truth.
“Murder? Heavens no, Anne. Wherever do you come up with such nonsense?” Emily tried to lead her away to another room, but Anne, who was fairly strong for a woman, pulled free and opened the drawing room door.
Emily froze behind her, fearing Anne would faint as she took in the scene of Godric tending to a half-naked Ashton. A bloody shirt lay on the ground near his feet.
“Oh my…” Anne exhaled in shock.”
― His Wicked Seduction
“Emily, you didn’t kill Godric did you? I mean, I’m sure you had a good reason, but it’s foolish to leave a blood trail.” Anne’s gaze swept the hall, seeking the truth.
“Murder? Heavens no, Anne. Wherever do you come up with such nonsense?” Emily tried to lead her away to another room, but Anne, who was fairly strong for a woman, pulled free and opened the drawing room door.
Emily froze behind her, fearing Anne would faint as she took in the scene of Godric tending to a half-naked Ashton. A bloody shirt lay on the ground near his feet.
“Oh my…” Anne exhaled in shock.”
― His Wicked Seduction
