around him when she came.
Tobias tugged her hair, glorying in the sounds of her pleasure as he poured himself into her. Breathing heavily, it was several minutes before he could form a coherent thought.
He clasped her against him and rose from the chair, carrying her to the bed where he laid her down gently. She gazed up at him, her dark eyes glossy with satisfaction—and love.
Removing his banyan, he climbed into bed beside her. She’d also tossed her dressing gown away and they snuggled together, nude, their bodies warm from their activity.
“I’m sorry we don’t have time to visit Horethorne before returning to London,” he said before kissing her temple.
“I understand. You have duties to attend. I am anxious to get back to Mrs. Tucket—and to see Prudence and Cassandra. I’m so glad they are together.” Tobias had sent a note to Lucien the night of the assembly and the matter of Prudence’s employment as Cassandra’s companion had been settled before he and Fiona had left for Scotland.
“I wish we’d been able to settle Mrs. Tucket.” Tobias had suggested sending her to Deane Hall or Horethorne, but the maid had insisted on waiting in London for Fiona to return. She was so proud of “her girl” and couldn’t wait to see her as a countess.
“For now, she’s quite content in her new first floor accommodations on Brook Street.”
“And we needn’t worry she’ll harass Mrs. Smythe. My grandmother will not allow it.”
Fiona chuckled. “No, I can’t imagine she would. She is a most proper dowager countess.”
“She’s also a fierce matchmaker. Without her arrival, I may not have realized the depth of my affection for you in time. You might have attended the assembly that night and found yourself married to another man entirely.”
She shuddered against him. “Never. I realized I couldn’t marry without love. Perhaps that was why I resisted your efforts to see me wed. I simply couldn’t countenance it. Until I could.” She looked into his eyes with love and joy. “Until you.”
Tobias gathered her close and kissed her.
“Rogue.” She kissed his chin. “Rake.” Her lips trailed along his jaw. “Scoundrel.” She snagged his earlobe with her teeth. “Reprobate.” Pushing him to his back, she rose over him. “Husband.”
“I am all of those things.” He cupped her face, love searing through his chest. “I am yours.”
Find out what happens when Lady Aldington demands her estranged husband give her a child, and they discover the secret desires that have lain dormant between them … in the next book in THE PHOENIX CLUB series, IMPASSIONED!
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Need more Regency romance? Check out my other historical series:
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The Untouchables
Swoon over twelve of Society’s most eligible and elusive bachelor peers and the bluestockings, wallflowers, and outcasts who bring them to their knees!
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The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…
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The Untouchables: The Pretenders
Set in the captivating world of The Untouchables, follow the saga of a trio of siblings who excel at being something they’re not. Can a dauntless Bow Street Runner, a devastated viscount, and a disillusioned Society miss unravel their secrets?
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Wicked Dukes Club
Six books written by me and my BFF, NYT Bestselling Author Erica Ridley. Meet the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough...
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Love is All Around
Heartwarming Regency-set retellings of classic Christmas stories (written after the Regency!) featuring a cozy village, three siblings, and the best gift of all: love.
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Secrets and Scandals
Six epic stories set in London’s glittering ballrooms and England’s lush countryside.
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Legendary Rogues
Five intrepid heroines and adventurous heroes embark on exciting quests across the Georgian Highlands and Regency England and Wales!
If you like contemporary romance, I hope you’ll check out my Ribbon Ridge series available from Avon Impulse, and the continuation of Ribbon Ridge in So Hot.
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I appreciate my readers so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Also by Darcy Burke
Historical Romance
The Phoenix Club
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Invitation
Improper
Impassioned
Intolerable
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The Untouchables: The Pretenders
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A Secret Surrender
A Scandalous Bargain
A Rogue to Ruin
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The Untouchables
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The Bachelor Earl
The Forbidden Duke
The Duke of Daring
The Duke of Deception
The Duke of Desire
The Duke of Defiance
The Duke of Danger
The Duke of Ice
The Duke of Ruin
The Duke of Lies
The Duke of Seduction
The Duke of Kisses
The Duke of Distraction
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The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
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Never Have I Ever with a Duke
A Duke is Never Enough
A Duke Will Never Do
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Love is All Around
(A Regency Holiday Trilogy)
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The Red Hot Earl
The Gift of the Marquess
Joy to the Duke
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Wicked Dukes Club
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One Night for Seduction by Erica Ridley
One Night of Surrender by Darcy Burke
One Night of Passion by Erica Ridley
One Night of Scandal by Darcy Burke
One Night to Remember by Erica Ridley
One Night of Temptation by Darcy Burke
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Secrets and Scandals
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Her Wicked Ways
His Wicked Heart
To Seduce a Scoundrel
To Love a Thief (a novella)
Never Love a Scoundrel
Scoundrel Ever After
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Legendary Rogues
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The Legend of a Rogue
Lady of Desire
Romancing the Earl
Lord of Fortune
Captivating the Scoundrel
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Contemporary Romance
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Ribbon Ridge
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Where the Heart Is (a prequel novella)
Only in My Dreams
Yours to Hold
When Love Happens
The Idea of You
When We Kiss
You’re Still the One
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Ribbon Ridge: So Hot
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So Good
So Right
So Wrong
About the Author
Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club newsletter for the latest updates from Darcy.
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A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, incredibly talented artist daughter, and imaginative son who will almost certainly out-write her one day (that may be tomorrow). They’re a crazy cat family with two Bengal cats, a small, fame-seeking cat named after a fruit, an older rescue Maine Coon with attitude to spare, and a collection of neighbor cats who hang out on the deck and occasionally venture inside. You can find Darcy at a winery, in her comfy writing chair balancing her laptop and a cat or three, folding laundry (which she loves), or binge-watching TV with the family. Her happy places are Disneyland, Labor Day weekend at the Gorge, Denmark, and anywhere in the UK—so long as her family is there too. Visit Darcy online at www.darcyburke.com and follow her on social media.