How to Steal a Thief's Heart - Bree Wolf Page 0,120

had become in the past few weeks.

“Well, of course, she does,” Charlaine answered for his wife. “She’s an intelligent woman.” Her brows rose for emphasis as she looked at him inquiringly. “Are you not glad that she decided to pursue you?”

“Pursue me?” Pierce asked, thinking he had been the one doing the pursuing. Judging from the look on his wife’s face, he suddenly had his doubts. “Did you pursue me?” he asked, reaching for her hand.

Caroline sighed, exchanged a quick look with Charlaine, then smiled at him. “Of course, I did. Why else do you think I allowed you to interfere in my life the way you did?”

“You allowed…” Pierce’s voice trailed off as he looked at his wife, seeing the mischievous sparkle in those blue eyes, no longer encumbered by her thick spectacles. Those had been retired. Nevertheless, Pierce kept them close at hand, hidden in a drawer of his desk. And every now and then, he would take them out and turn them in his hands, remembering the moment he’d first laid eyes on his wife.

Without these spectacles, he might never have noticed her, noticed the uniqueness of her character, her daring spirit or her unfailing devotion. Indeed, it had been the moment her blue eyes had peeked over the rim of these spectacles that had captured his attention.

Never would Pierce get rid of them.

Never.

Always would he treasure them, but he was still relieved that Caroline no longer sought to hide who she was. After all, her daring revelation at the Hawthorne ball had set her free and revealed her to like-minded ladies. Indeed, it had been no other than Lady Brockton who’d promised her assistance in procuring funds for the children’s home in the future.

Thus, Caroline no longer stood alone in her fight to provide for the children of London. Of course, Pierce stood by her side as well. However, he knew that she was proud to have managed this on her own.

And he was proud as well.

“Well, is that a yes?” Charlaine inquired sweetly. Pierce thought he detected a note of anticipation in her voice. How much did Mr. Caswell truly mean to her? He wondered. Perhaps an extended visit was not such a bad idea. Perhaps it would give him ample opportunity to find out. After all, he had promised Pembroke to keep an eye on his brother while he was away, traveling around the world with his new wife. They’d both returned to England to attend his and Caroline’s wedding, but had immediately after set off once again.

“Very well,” Pierce finally said, feeling his wife squeeze his hand in agreement. “But,” he rushed to add as Charlaine jumped to her feet, excitement lighting up her eyes, “Mr. Caswell has to agree! You are not to lure him here under false pretenses, do you understand?”

Charlaine gave him a look of utter surprise. “I would never dream of it.” She shook her head at him. “What kind of woman do you think me to be?”

Pierce laughed. “The worst kind.”

Charlaine rolled her eyes at him, then turned on her heel and hastened back inside.

“Mr. Caswell would be fortunate to conquer her heart,” Caroline observed, her blue eyes meeting his, trying to determine if he agreed.

Pierce nodded, squeezing her hand in return. “Of course, he would be. However, I doubt the man would see it that way.”

Leaning closer, Caroline chuckled. “I have no doubt Charlaine will disabuse him of that misconception as well.” Her blue eyes lingered on his, and her teeth once more worried her lower lip.

Pierce grinned, then he gave her hand a sharp tug. Instantly, his wife flew out of her chair and onto her feet, and he pulled her down onto his lap. “The poor man will not know what hit him, I’ve no doubt,” he whispered against her lips as her hands snaked around his neck. “One day, he’ll find himself in front of a priest and not know how he got there.”

Caroline chuckled as her fingers tangled in his hair. “Is that how you feel? That I blindsided you? Trapped you against your will?”

Pierce captured her lips in a kiss. “Do I seem unwilling to you?” he murmured, kissing her again. “If so, I can think of a way to prove my willingness.”

“Is that so?” Caroline whispered as his hand on her back urged her closer against him. “Are you referring to our ongoing project?”

Pierce grinned. “Always,” was the last word to leave his lips until supper was served.

Tomorrow would no doubt bring unrest and mayhem. However, today was a perfect day.

A day like no other.

As was every day with his beloved wife in his arms.

About Bree

USA Today bestselling author Bree Wolf has always been a language enthusiast (though not a grammarian!) and is rarely found without a book in her hand or her fingers glued to a keyboard. Trying to find her way, she has taught English as a second language, traveled abroad and worked at a translation agency as well as a law firm in Ireland. She also spent loooong years obtaining a BA in English and Education and a MA in Specialized Translation while wishing she could simply be a writer. Although there is nothing simple about being a writer, her dreams have finally come true.

“A big thanks to my fairy godmother!”

Currently, Bree has found her new home in the historical romance genre, writing Regency novels and novellas. Enjoying the mix of fact and fiction, she occasionally feels like a puppet master, forcing her characters into ever-new situations that will put their strengths, their beliefs, their love to the test, hoping that in the end they will triumph and get the happily-ever-after we are all looking for.

If you’re an avid reader, sign up for Bree’s newsletter at subscribepage.com/signup_BreeWolf_01 as she has the tendency to simply give books away. As a welcome gift you also receive the exclusive prequel to the ‘Love’s Second Chance Series’ IGNORED & TREASURED – THE DUKE’S BOOKISH BRIDE which is not for sale anywhere. Find out about freebies, giveaways as well as occasional advance reader copies and read before the book is even on the shelves!

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