Epilogue

A fortnight later…

Bode stood next to the loch on Lockton's property, watching Isabelle walk toward him, wildflowers in her hands and decorating her hair.

She was lovely and he could hardly breathe upon seeing her glide through the property on her way to him.

Today was the day they wed.

He reached out a hand to her, slipping her fingers into his. He wished her sisters could be here to watch Isabelle's real wedding, but Lockton and his wife Annie stood with them as a white ribbon was tied about their hands, joining them together and making them husband and wife.

Bode knew that this fight was not over. Makem was gone but they had another villain with which to contend. Isabelle might still be in danger, but he had powerful allies in this fight, and he'd do whatever was necessary to keep Isabelle safe. She was the love he never imagined he'd have and the one thing precious enough for which he would give up everything.

Leaning down, he kissed her lips. "I love you, Isabelle Armstrong. I'll love you forever."

She squeezed his fingers, brushing a hand down his scarred cheek. "I'll love you forever too."

Behind him, Lockton cleared his throat. "Do we get to tell her now?"

"Be patient." Annie laughed, her dark hair looking almost blue in the sun as she slipped her hand into Lockton's.

"I've never been much for waiting on gifts," Isabelle said as she looked between them.

Tucking Isabelle into his side, Bode cleared his throat. "Lockton is a shareholder of the Smith empire."

"All right," she said, her brows furrowing a bit, an unasked question clear on her face.

"He's got extra land and property. One parcel in particular we might be able to purchase from him at a very reasonable price." His chest swelled with pride. "It's already got a nice little house on it."

Isabelle gasped. "You mean…a home of our own?"

"That's right. If you're willing to be neighbors with these two." He poked a thumb at the Locktons. He'd never imagined staying in Scotland, but the land was beautiful, and the idea of working the land filled him with satisfaction.

"That's not the gift," Lockton rumbled.

"It's not?" Annie's eyes went wide as she looked from Bode to Lockton.

"I've also got a run-down house near Dumfries that we could use to extend the women's refuges from England into Scotland. Annie and I have always wanted more than to just be farmers. This could be a good opportunity for all of us."

Isabelle stilled in his arms. She knew what it meant to him to help women in need. This was what they'd dreamed of. A life of their own, with land and purpose. "What do you think?" he asked, her silence filling him with tension. He'd only do all of this if it made her happy.

"I'll keep the books," Annie Lockton volunteered. "We can all help the women."

"We can travel to London to see your sisters whenever you wish, once the danger has been dealt with. I know how important your sisters are?—"

"Bode." She laid a hand on his cheek. "It sounds absolutely perfect."

"You won't miss London? Society?"

She laughed. "No. I love it here, with you."

He pulled her close, the sun glinting off the water as a summer breeze ruffled her hair. It was a perfect day, and he just knew that their future together would be bright.

Dear "Lords of Temptation" Readers!

Originally, I planned for two more "Lords of Temptation" books. But the truth is, I think Jack Wit and James Bancroft's courtships are going to happen simultaneously and so I've decided to place them in one book, A Treacherous Bastard! I hope you enjoy the double romance!

Keep reading for a sneak peek of A Treacherous Bastard…