The Eyes of Sin - S.D. Grady

Lady Entwhistle arrives at Entwhistle Farm armed with a new wardrobe, designed to entice her errant, irresponsible husband back to her bedchamber. Instead of finding him hard at work as promised, she is left with the remnants of his illicit liaisons and her marriage. Desperate, frustrated and angry, she turns to Brian Warrington, the earl of Croylton, one of the most notorious London rogues. In his arms, she discovers friendship, loyalty and desire. Before she can find true happiness, secrets long hidden by her husband’s family must be revealed.

“So, you caught him in an indiscretion?”

Marion looked at Brian. His hand rubbed at his chin, an eyebrow raised as he tried to understand the crux of her troubles.

“Not as such, merely the aftermath. Jeremy is not much of a housekeeper.”

He stood. Marion stepped back. “I must appear the perfect plum to be plucked.”

Brian shook his head. “Why would you say that?”

“Isn’t it unhappy wives that you save your favors for?”
 

The earl cleared his throat. “Usually.”

“Well, I am in no need of comforting.” Marion crossed her arms over her chest.

A chuckle heated her cheek. “No, you simply are sharpening your skills so you can skewer your erstwhile spouse upon his return.”

Marion jerked her head away. “I don’t know why I bother. He is clearly not returning.”
A finger traced the fading bruise again. “Lady Entwhistle?”

Out of the corner of her eye, Marion’s gaze riveted to his lips.

“You are possibly the most devoted, pretty and intelligent woman I have had the pleasure to meet this Season.”
Marion narrowed her gaze, her lips pursing again. She thought of the disastrous night with Jeremy. “And passionate?” she taunted. Anger swirled at her nerves.

“I don’t know,” he leaned close, his fingers lightly clasping her chin, “yet.”

Marion steeled herself for an assault. Instead, his lips settled over hers in a kiss of innocence. She wondered if it even happened. She blinked and met his questioning eyes. His grey gaze flickered with hunger. He leaned in again only to plant a benison upon her brow.

Unsure, uncertain, her hands shook. She grasped the hand that continued to steady her chin. “I don’t deserve this.”

His breathing hitched. “No, don’t belittle yourself. You, of all people I have met, are worthy of the love of a devoted husband. I am deeply sorry that didn’t happen.”

His lips danced over Marion’s cheeks, wiping away her tears. Fire licked at her soul. She leaned towards him. Brian’s other hand steadied her hip. A cry of agony escaped her lips. She wrapped her arms about his neck and pulled him towards her. “Kiss me, damnit!”

His tongue plunged past her lips. She breathed in his passion. Hard hands wrapped firmly around her back. Desperate to draw a breath, Marion pulled back only to have his lips and tongue tease and tickle his way down her neck. His fingers toyed with the top of her bodice—a light teasing touch. She shivered as goosebumps broke out across her body.

She drowned in the onslaught of his need and desire. Her knees gave way, only to have his embrace tighten and pull her closer. Her hips met his, Brian’s engorged erection riding urgently against her stomach.
“Tell me!” she demanded in a voice roughened with desire, “Tell me you want me!”

Brian’s head raised. Hands grasped Marion firmly about the buttocks and back. She felt the lacing of her gown loosen. “I need you, Marion, as a man needs a woman. As a lover desires another. Above all, because you are the only person alive that matters to me right now. Let me show you, my dear, what adoration is.”

Marion tried to calm the roaring in her ears. The clearly defined lines of right and wrong clouded, hidden behind a fog of raw emotion. Anger, revenge, desperation, joy, lust, and confusion warred with her judgment. “I…don’t know…”

Hands, agile and knowing, eased past her bodice, caressing her exposed breasts. “You are beautiful, Marion.” A finger danced lazily around a nipple, causing it to pucker. “You are courageous, Marion.”

Like wading through the dank water of a swamp, Marion struggled to dismiss the words she needed to hear.
“You are deeply passionate,” his lips covered hers again, igniting a conflagration of desire.

Marion pleaded into the dusk of the evening, “Love me, my lord. Love me, just once.”

* * * *

Author Bio: S.D. Grady is a lover of many things: men, movies, music, and fast machines. An award winning author, she shares her life with her college sweetheart and two cats. They live in the house on the hill and often vacation at NASCAR tracks in their RV. Visit S.D. Grady on the web at http://sonyadgrady.com
 

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