The Bridal Contract
by Sandra Sookoo
Darrington Family, #3
Publication Date: September 16, 2014
Synopsis
When a bridal contract is struck, either parental outrage will void the arrangement or the love of a child will sweeten the deal.
Oliver Darrington—Viscount Tralsburg—wants nothing more than to hide out at the family property in Brighton until he can secure a sea-worthy ship and return to adventuring the world. However, being handed his former mistress’ child isn’t part of that plan. Neither is the sudden longing for his pretty Italian neighbor.
Eloisa Hawthorne is in dire straits. Her older brother has gambled away her sister’s hand to a horrible man. In order to save her sister’s virtue and her future, Eloisa needs a fast fortune—or someone who can immediately cover the debt. When her handsome neighbor offers a temporary engagement contract, she accepts with alacrity. Too bad she fell in love with his dark-haired offspring. How scandalous!
When the two attend his mother’s London dinner party, Oliver wishes the union wasn’t merely a lark. Eloisa fears for the adorable child’s upbringing in heathen locales, but what can she do? The contract is only for a month, and love was never an option. Something must be done to throw over convention before the moment is lost and matters of the heart are sacrificed.
EXCERPT
“Thank you, but why
would you put yourself out that way?” she asked, edging toward him then stopped
when a mere breath separated them.
“I’m a gentleman. When my contract
partner is in need, who am I to deny her help?” He slid a hand along her cheek
then cupped the back of her head. When Eloisa’s lips parted, he stifled a
groan. “Although, in some circumstances, I’m also a bit of a rogue without
explanation of why I do the things I do.” It took little movement on his part
to meet her mouth with his, and even less on hers as she met him at the same
time.
She uttered a small sound of
acceptance or encouragement at the back of her throat and he was lost. Scooting
as close as he dared, he settled Eloisa more comfortably in his embrace and
moved his lips over hers. Soft, pillowy and just as plush as they looked, they
welcomed him, cradled his lips as if meant exclusively for his use.
Blood rushed through his veins to
pool in his groin, tightening it. His knees knocked into hers, and with a snort
of impatience, he shifted, jamming one between hers and slightly parting her
legs. She sucked in a breath, but that only served as an invitation to the
deeper recesses of her luscious mouth as opened to him. He took advantage, God
help him he did, and searched out her tongue. With that first silky pass along
hers and the rapier thrust and parry of heated satin against satin, Oliver lost
all noble thought.
He slid his hands down her back.
Would that they were standing so he could feel her derriere and crush her
against his length or even better, if he were to lay her out on the settee.
“Eloisa, I’d like to—”
“Papa.” A tug on his tail coat brought
him crashing back to reality. “Papa,” said the little voice again. “May we go
on a walk now?”
“What?” He sprang away from the
woman beside him as if she were an Egyptian asp. “What?” With a monumental
effort, he focused on Daniela’s face as she stared at him with wide eyes.
“Right. A walk. Right.” He shoved a hand through his hair then shot a wry
glance at Eloisa, who sat, flushed and a tad disheveled, but with sparkling
eyes and a smile. “I promised the child I’d walk the shore with her.” If he
didn’t do something, he’d send the girl on her way and resume his attempt to
devour his mock-fiancée right there in the parlor.
About the Author
Sandra is a writer of romantic fiction. In the past couple of years she’s concentrated on funny contemporary romance as well as Regency-era romance, but she will, on occasion, write paranormal or sci-fi. Whether you like sweet or erotic heat levels, there’s something for everyone to fall in love with. She’s also a hybrid author, choosing to publish both with small presses and doing the indie thing.
Offered representation in February 2014 by Scott Eagan at Greyhaus Literary Agency for Victorian-era historical romances, Sandra’s been hard at work researching, planning and writing a new series. When not immersed in creating new worlds and engaging characters, Sandra likes to read, bake, taste new teas, watch The Big Bang Theory and Psych as well as Finding Bigfoot, and travel. Her favorite place to spend vacation hours is Walt Disney World: it’s where dreams come true and the soul can play. When she’s not writing or inventing new recipes, she spends time with her husband—goofing off and making moments count. Life’s too short to be serious all the time.
Sandra loves to hear from her readers. You can write to her at sandrasookoo@yahoo.com, visit her website at www.sandrasookoo.com, or look her up on Facebook and Twitter.
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