The Masked Heart (Sweet Deception Regency #2) (30 page)

"First I desired you," he said. "I sought La Solitaire with the knowledge that together we would know passion unrestrained. Then, I found a friend in Lady Yates. I sought her out with the awareness that we enjoyed each other's company. In the woman at the inn, I found love, a combination of friendship and passion that will never grow tiresome or boring. I love you," Drew repeated simply and there could be little doubt of his feelings by the worshipful quality of his voice.

Blaine stared up at his dear face. Her eyes locked with his green gaze and together they searched each other's hearts. Pain, loneliness, anger and fear were shared and thus lost their ability to wound. Joy and happiness seeped into the dark places and erased the shadows of despair. Slowly, Blaine slid her arms around his neck, raising her face to accept the kiss that would bind them for all eternity.

Drew kissed her tenderly. His lips were soft, moving on her mouth with the subtle whisper of silk. His arms folded her against his chest where she could feel the beat of his heart echoing her own. She felt as if she had come home and she burrowed against him seeking the security of dreams she had never believed would come true. When he released her, she was content for the moment. They would have years to taste the further joys that had been promised in his kiss.

"Will you accept my offer, Blaine Margaret Meriweather?"

"Are you offering me marriage, Lord Farrington?"

Drew caught his breath, hurt that she would not trust him enough to know he could never offer her less. Brows bunched over narrowed eyes, he glared down at her, snorting as he caught the light of mischief in her golden eyes.

"Baggage!" he roared. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him. At the feel of her body, he pushed her away. "What in God's name have you got in there?" he asked, poking at her padded bosom.

"Stop that!" she said, slapping his hand away. "In order to prevent any further attempts to satisfy your curiosity, I will tell you. For your information, sir, it is bed pillows."

"Surely, my dear, we can find a better use for them."

Drew kissed her as a furious blush suffused her cheeks. This time he was not gentle. His mouth took possession of hers with a passion that was all consuming. She was breathless when he released her, holding him at bay with a hand on his chest.

"Obviously, Lord Farrington," she said, her voice disdainful. "I will have to marry you, now that you have taken such advantage of me." She spoiled the effect by giggling and there was such a magical quality to her laughter that Drew was totally entranced.

"If you look at me that way, my darling girl, we shall never leave this dreadful place," he growled. Then surveying the wreckage of the room, he said, "Remember for next time, sweetheart, that we must leave at least one chair standing. I am something of an expert in the field of lovemaking but this devastation may be beyond even my much-vaunted skills."

"Drew!" Blaine quickly raised her hands to her reddening cheeks.

"Come along, girl," he said, tugging her across the room. "Get your hat. We shall round up our merry little band of conspirators for the denouement of our play of the infamous kidnapping of Lady Yates. I would advise you to employ all your acting skills for the benefit of the servants at Portman Square for, I swear to God, Blaine, it shall be your final performance."

"Won't Lady Yates have to appear at Fleur and Robbie's wedding?"

"I absolutely forbid it," he said. Now was definitely the time for firmness.

"But I had such a perfect dress picked out. It was a dark blue brocade... ."

Lord Andrew Farrington ended the argument by the simple expedient of kissing all of the women he loved. The talented and desirable La Solitaire, the sharp-tongued and companionable Lady Yates and the adorable and exasperating Blaine Margaret Meriweather. And finally, for all times, his beloved Lady Farrington.

THE END

AUTHOR’S NOTE

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About the Author:

Karla Darcy lives with her husband, several tame geckos and an occasional friendly snake on the Treasure Coast on the east side of Florida. She has always felt she lived in the Regency period in a past life. Her early writings were musical comedies and humor columns so it was an easy transition to the romantic and humorous style of Regencies. Lovely dresses, masked balls and witty conversations which contained saucy double entendres were the perfect cup of tea for this author.

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Enjoy these other Karla Darcy Sweet Deception Regency Romances

(Click to buy or download a sample)

The Five Kisses

The Marriage Wager

The Scandalous Ward