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    One Wicked Christmas
    One Wicked Christmas
    One Wicked Christmas
    Ebook96 pages1 hour

    One Wicked Christmas

    By Amanda Mariel

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Lady Cristiana Kendal only wanted to feel alive when she welcomed Adam Brighton into her bed. Now she has a daughter she never plans for him to discover. That is until the Duke of Danby summonses Adam to Yorkshire for the Christmastide holiday, and he appears on her doorstep. Now she must choose between her desire for him and her determination to protect her child from the rogue who'd never claim her.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrook Ridge Press
    Release dateJun 20, 2019
    ISBN9781393881377
    One Wicked Christmas
    Author

    Amanda Mariel

    USA Today Bestselling, Amazon All Star author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.

    Read more from Amanda Mariel

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      Book preview

      One Wicked Christmas - Amanda Mariel

      Prologue

      December 1815, Yorkshire

      Adam twirled a strand of Cristiana’s silken hair around his fingers as she lay snuggled against his chest. He should leave her bed and return to Danby Castle. Never in his life had he remained to cuddle a woman after bedding her. Something about Cristiana felt safe, though. Perhaps the fact that she was a widow or more likely the fact that she did not desire a husband.

      He inhaled her scent of vanilla and lilac. Tell me about your husband? A sudden curiosity gripped him, and before he could stop himself, the question was out, hanging in the air between them.

      Cristiana stiffened for a moment before tilting her chin to look at him. What would you like to know?

      Adam smiled, rubbing her naked back and relishing the way she relaxed as he did so. Nothing, I suppose. It was just a momentary curiosity.

      She rose up on her elbow, her eyes narrowed in speculation. And now it has passed?

      Adam chuckled softly. I realize that it is none of my concern.

      Perhaps not. She dropped a kiss to his bare chest. But I shall enlighten you at any rate.

      You needn’t do so. He stared into her warm grey-blue gaze. He really shouldn’t have asked. I have no wish to make you relive unpleasant memories.

      It’s not as though he mistreated me. Cristiana lowered herself back to the bed, her cheek coming to rest on Adam’s chest. Ours was no great love affair, but we had a tender for one another all the same. Jonathan was good to me, and I to him.

      Then what prevents you from wanting to marry again? Adam found himself utterly confused. Most woman—all of the ones he’d meet—wished to be wed. If her previous experience had been pleasant, then he saw no reason for her to avoid a second marriage. Was she attempting to trick him? Dread sent cold chills through him as he awaited her answer.

      I said our union was pleasant, not ideal. Jonathan was a soldier. We married a fortnight before he was called for duty. On the occasions when he returned home, we had very little time together. It was a lonely existence…even more so now. As you know, he was killed at Waterloo.

      I can imagine how difficult such an existence must be.

      Indeed. Cristiana splayed her hand over Adam’s warm chest, her fingers playing with the fine hairs. Warmth replaced the previous chill he’d felt. After my mourning time, I determined to remain a widow. The state allows me a certain freedom and forgiveness not enjoyed by other ladies. Doing so ensures that I will never be lonely again.

      There was no sadness in her voice, she did not cry or curl tighter against him, and still, his heart ached for what she’d endured. Clearly, her marriage had left a scar despite her calling it pleasant. Had she been lonely as a child too? He’d not ask, for he’d already questioned her more then he should.

      Adam rolled until she was beneath him, then met her passion filled gaze. In that case, it is my duty to ensure you are not lonely tonight. He brought his lips down on hers, kissing her soundly as he pressed his cock into her wet center.

      Cristiana wrapped her legs around his hips, moaning softly as she met him thrust for thrust. She trailed her fingers over his back and kissed his chest, sending spirals of heat and desire through him.

      He increased the pace, her cries coming quicker as he took what he needed. Before long she moaned his name, her head dropping back to the pillow. She lay beneath him, gasping with a sultry grin on her face. Adam captured her lips in a searing kiss as he took his own pleasure.

      Rolling off of her, he pulled her back against him. He held her for long moments as they caught their breath, their hearts beating together. If he were looking to marry, he’d be looking for her.

      The thought terrified him, sending dread through his veins. This was a dangerous affair. One he needed to end. Cristiana.

      Yes.

      I will be returning to London soon.

      I know. She tightened her hold on him. I am soaking you up while I have you.

      Adam’s throat grew tight. He was finding it far more difficult to walk away from her than he should. I will be busy during the remainder of my stay…too busy to come to you again.

      What drivel. You told me you’d be in Yorkshire until after twelfth night. She stroked her fingers delicately over his abdomen. That’s a fortnight from now. Surely you will find a reason to sneak away and see me.

      Of course, he could, and the temptation she presented almost changed his mind. Bloody hell, why did he have to go and catch feelings for her? No choice remained other than to end their acquaintance before his feelings for her grew into something more profound. I’m afraid I can’t. Danby has many plans and demands my presence. In fact, I am required at the castle this evening.

      Cristiana did not argue as she rolled away from him, but neither did she appear pleased. She turned to him, her lips in a practiced pout. If you must, I will not attempt to stop you.

      He rose from the bed and dressed before turning back to her. I have enjoyed our time together. Never doubt it. He dropped a kiss on her forehead. Goodbye.

      She said nothing, only stared at him as he turned to take his leave.

      Chapter 1

      December 1817, Yorkshire

      Adam Brighton, Viscount Radcliffe entered the Duke of Danby’s study with a sinking feeling turning his gut. His great uncle had summoned him to Danby Castle a fortnight ago, leaving him no room for escape. Adam had done his best to avoid the Duke and managed to remain in London the previous year, but in this case, it was inevitable. Danby had promised to come to London if Adam did not arrive in Yorkshire. A risk Adam would not take.

      Adam settled into the chair Danby indicated then meet his great uncle’s gaze. He’d aged over the previous two years but still held his edge. And based on the mixture of concern and mischief dancing in his eyes, Danby planned to focus a considerable amount of attention on meddling in Adam’s affairs this Christmas season.

      "Tell me how

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