Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Kate

The moment Fulton's boat reached the dock in the quaint village of Irvine, Kate spotted her sister Isabelle.

Next to her was the scarred man that Kate knew was Isabelle's husband. But she could hardly attend a detail about the man at Isabelle's side.

All she could see was her beloved sister.

Next to her, Jack squeezed her waist. "Please make certain you explain to Isabelle that I only protected you."

"Are you afraid of my sister?" Kate teased him, taking his other hand in hers.

"No. But her husband is not the sort of man anyone would want to tangle with."

Kate looked back, noting that Isabelle was wildly hitting his arm as she bounced up and down.

Bode Armstrong might be fierce with everyone else, but she could already tell as her sister smacked him again, that he was a lamb with Isabelle.

And that was all that mattered. "He's a good man, though? Isabelle sounds happy. In her letters."

Jack chuckled. "He's the best. And he'd do anything for your sister."

Then he pulled her close. "Just like I'd do anything for you."

She smiled at her husband then, Triston's boat coming into view behind them.

She knew aboard that ship were several members of the Smith family.

Before them on the dock, were the two Lockton men and their wives. Pippa was James Bancroft's sister.

It was a reunion of sorts.

But it was also a planning session.

The Smiths had decided it was time for an exit strategy. Much as they'd made a fortune, they wanted legitimate businesses and an end to the trouble the gaming hells produced. They'd been attacked by one criminal after another and with growing families, their new goal was stability.

The boat finally reached the dock and Kate could barely contain herself as the plank was lowered. She raced down the narrow plank, throwing herself into her sister's arms. "Isabelle!"

"You're here! I can't believe it!" Isabelle cried. Kate could already hear the tears choking her sister's voice. "You're all right? Promise?"

"Oh, I'm better than all right," she pulled away to beam at her sister. "I'm married."

Isabelle's eyes flew to Jack, who gave a salute. "No," Isabelle whispered. "Jack?"

"Jack," she answered with a laugh. "But it's what you always wanted for me. Promise."

"Really?"

Kate nodded. "And even better, I'm the me I've always wanted to be."

Isabelle gave her a beaming smile. "That's when you know you've really found the right man."

It was.

She waved to Jack who started down the gangplank.

Anna had just reached the bottom and she tossed one arm around each of her sisters. "You didn't tell her my news, did you?"

"Of course not," Kate said with a laugh.

"I'm married too," Anna pointed at James, who had just scooped his sister Pippa up into a big hug, while Boyd Lockton slapped him on the back.

"You're not serious," Isabelle gasped. "My goodness. We're one big family."

They were.

And it was absolutely perfect.

Oh my goodness, that ends "The Lords of Temptation!" I have loved this series so much; I hope you did too. As I dry my tears, however, I have an announcement!!

I'm starting a new historical series! I'd very much like to introduce you to The Keeper of Secrets ! Book one of "The Duke Fraternity," these dukes are badder and bolder than ever….

I can't wait to share them with you.

Read on for a sneak peek.

What's worse than being ruined at a ball? Finding out the man who did it is your new guardian…

He's a scoundrel.

A wastrel,

A duke,

The man who just ruined her.

And worst of all…he's her new guardian.

The moment Ryker, the Duke of Helmsworth, meets Chloe Fairchild everything changes.

Not because with a single look, he falls in love. That horse s**t is for fairytales.

She's half his age and so sweetly innocent, she makes his teeth hurt.

She was meant to be a simple diversion. One little taste of decadent temptation in a world so dark and bitter.

But that was when he learned the truth.

Chloe wasn't just some random girl meant for fun, she was his new charge. The very innocent he'd been tasked with protecting. The one woman he should never touch.

Too bad he's had a taste. And Chloe…

She is delicious.

But keeping Chloe goes against every code he's ever followed for both his club, The Duke Fraternity , and his own personal plans, which have always aligned perfectly.

Never get caught.

Never marry.

Lucky for him…

He's the Keeper of Secrets.

Welcome to "The Duke Fraternity!" In this secret society of powerful dukes there is only one absolute… rules were meant to be broken.

Keeper of Secrets

Master of Games

Emperor of Fates

Summoner of Sins