study. “Too much time. Too many risks. Too much danger. My God, Decker, if I lose her…”
He could not finish the sentence. Could not bear to do so.
“Lady Sinclair will be well,” Decker promised him. “And you shall soon have a squalling, red-faced girl or boy child who hopefully takes after your wife when it comes to appearances…”
“Ha,” he bit out, momentarily distracted by his friend’s antics. “I shall tell you the same bloody thing when it is your turn.”
Decker glared at him. “Go to hell, Sin.”
It was Sin’s turn to raise a brow at his friend. “Already there, old fellow. Currently.”
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the study door.
“Enter!” Sin bellowed, desperate for word of Callie and their babe.
The door opened, revealing the Duchess of Westmorland, who was herself heavy with child. Westmorland was at her side.
Sin rushed forward. “How is she? How is the babe?”
The duchess smiled. “They are both well.”
Relief hit him.
Thank God.
“You have a son,” Westmorland added. “Congratulations, Sinclair.”
His relationship with Callie’s brother had improved over the last few months. Sin appreciated Westmorland’s protectiveness over Callie. Westmorland appreciated that Sin would do everything in his power to keep Callie happy.
The words echoed now.
A son.
He was a father.
He scarcely heard Decker congratulating him. Blood was roaring in his ears, and for a moment, he feared he would swoon like a milksop. But Sin gathered himself and focused on the duchess, who had been in the birthing room.
“May I see them now?” he rasped.
“Of course.” The duchess smiled. “Go.”
Sin did not need to be told twice. He was up the stairs in a blur. Jogging down the hall. Crossing over the threshold.
Drinking in the most beautiful sight in the world.
Callie looked tired but glorious, her dark hair tamed into a neat braid, a swaddled bundle nestled in her arms. He scarcely took note of Lady Jo, quietly excusing herself from the chamber. The doctor was already gone.
“Come, my love,” Callie said softly, “meet your son.”
He did not require further invitation. Sin’s strides ate up the distance between them, until he was at her side, gazing down at the perfect, pink face of their son. Awe and love hit him with so much force, his knees buckled. He sat on the bed at Callie’s side, reaching out with a trembling hand to gently touch the fine, dark hairs on the babe’s head.
“He is perfect,” he murmured, turning his attention back to his wife. “Just like his mama.”
“He is handsome,” Callie said. “Just like his papa.”
Sin stroked her cheek, filled with wonder. “How are you, sweet?”
“Happy.” She turned her head and pressed a kiss to his palm. “Happy beyond words.”
Sin could not resist covering her lips with his. “Thank you for loving me and for giving me a son, my darling wife. I could not be more content.”
Then, he kissed their son’s smooth little brow.
Callie caressed Sin’s cheek, love shining in her eyes. “Nor could I.”
Who would have thought this fiery, daring minx—a woman he had once considered his nemesis—would be the one to conquer his heart and make him whole again?
Not him.
But Sin was bloody well glad she had.
The End
Author’s Note
Dear Reader,
Thank you for reading Sin and Callie’s story! I hope you enjoyed this first book in my new Notorious Ladies of London series, all about daring ladies who know what they want and aren’t afraid to get it.
Please consider leaving an honest review of Lady Ruthless. Reviews are greatly appreciated! If you’d like to keep up to date with my latest releases and series news, sign up for my newsletter here or follow me on Amazon or BookBub. Join my reader’s group on Facebook for bonus content, early excerpts, giveaways, and more.
If you’d like a preview of Lady Wallflower, Book Two in the Notorious Ladies of London series, featuring Callie’s friend Lady Jo Danvers, handsome businessman Elijah Decker, and a very naughty list, do read on.
P.S. If you’re looking for the Duke and Duchess of Westmorland’s love story, you can find it in Fearless Duke.
Until next time,
Scarlett
Lady Wallflower
Notorious Ladies of London Book Two
By
Scarlett Scott
Lady Jo Danvers has declared war on her humdrum life. Armed with a list of ways to be wicked, she will step out of her role as never-been-kissed wallflower and experience passion. With the right gentleman, of course. She just has to find him.
Mr. Elijah Decker, the handsome businessman she cannot stop thinking about, is definitely no gentleman. And he is decidedly all wrong. Unfortunately for Jo, she has unwittingly given him her list.