Prologue

Prologue

H er anxiety had hit an all-new level. Eden Barrett, the Countess of Moreland, did not take risks. It went against her very nature to do so. Yet, that was exactly what she was about to do. She’d willingly accepted an invitation to the Duke of Sinbrough’s masquerade ball. It was literally entering into a den of iniquity. Sin itself would be on full display at this ball. The duke was famous for having the most debauched parties for anyone who wished to attend. It was rumored even the most strait-laced ladies would don a mask and join the festivities.

She should be all right. Shouldn’t she?

If she kept telling herself that then perhaps, she would be. She’d convinced her good friend, Mrs. Claudine Grant to attend the masquerade with her. She’d even commissioned scandalous costumes for them both. Eden’s gown was the pure white of innocence, but it was anything but that. It was made for sin, and she hoped she would live up to the invitation it presented.

Her mask was also white to match the gown, but it had ruby red feathers fashioned to it on one side. A little splash of color to show she wasn’t as innocent as the dress may suggest. Just in case the low-cut bodice didn’t do the job. She had left her golden blonde hair loose and flowing down her shoulders. Her mask kept them from going wild, but if it was removed then they might just become unruly.

“Are you ready?” Claudine asked.

“As I’ll ever be.” She smiled at her. Eden tried to embrace her inner wickedness, but so far it seemed to be hidden. “Someone is about to approach us.” She nodded slightly at the direction of two gentlemen making their way through the crowd. “I do believe the gowns are working.” She’d had Claudine’s gown designed in a decadent pink that nearly matched her friend’s skin tone.

Claudine grinned. “One of them is the man I hoped to see tonight. I’d recognize him anywhere.”

“How fortunate that he’s noticed you as well.”

When the two men reached their side Claudine’s love interest stared at her briefly before he held out his hand and said, “Dance with me.” Claudine went off with him willingly leaving Eden alone with the other gentleman.

“Would you like to take a spin around the floor.” The man said.

There was definitely something sinful about him. His hair was as black as his clothing, and his eyes were a very pretty green. She tilted her head to the side and studied him. “You’re the Duke of Sin aren’t you.”

“Was I being too obvious?” He grinned. “Would you like me to live up to that moniker?”

Eden wasn’t interested at all in him. He might be sexy as well, sin, but she didn’t find him all that interesting. She wanted to feel something. She didn’t know exactly what, just that he didn’t do anything for her. She shook her head. “No, thank you.”

Someone laughed from behind her. “Have you lost your touch old man.”

The Duke of Sinbrough frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous. That would never happen.” He wiggled his eyebrows at Eden as if that said everything. “We’re just becoming acquainted.”

Eden turned around to glance at the man who had just entered behind her. He didn’t wear all black like most of the men in the room. However he had not bothered to wear a waistcoat and jacket. He had on dark blue pantaloons and a stark white shirt, but no cravat. He had left his shirt open giving her a nice view his neck, and part of his chest. The gentleman was completely disheveled. His hair wasn’t nearly as dark as the Duke of Sinbrough’s. It was more brown than black, but his eyes were a similar shade of green. Where she had found the duke’s pretty, this man’s were filled with heat.

That heat spread over her like a whirlwind. She’d been looking for someone to spark something in her. Eden had started to believe that she couldn’t feel true passion. What was it about this man that made her want more? Was this desire? How had she never felt anything like it before. She took a step toward him and tilted her lips upward into what she hoped was a wanton smile. “Do you think you can do better?”

He returned her smile and it sent shivers right through her. “I know I can,” he told her. “Would you like me to try?”

“You mean you haven’t already?” She tilted her head to the side. “Wasn’t that what you were doing when you slid your way behind us?”

He chuckled softly. “You may be right.” He leaned forward and said in a demanding tone. “I want you?”

“Do you?” She licked her lips. “I might let you have me.” She stepped closer and trailed her finger over his collarbone. “But the night is still young. I have many options. What makes you my best choice?”

She’d never flirted like this in her entire life. Eden felt alive for the first time. The thrill of this was beyond even her wildest imagination. He stepped closer until her breasts rubbed against his warm chest. Her nipples tightened at the mere hit of his heat and the pleasure was intoxicating. He leaned down until his mouth was near her ear. His breath caressed her skin making her even hotter with need. “Darling,” he said in a husky tone. “You already decided. Don’t make me beg.”

Her throaty chuckle sounded foreign to her ears. Who was this wicked, wanton, widow allowing this unknown gentleman to seduce her? She didn’t recognize herself but wasn’t that why she’d come to this masquerade. She slid her hand down and pulled out his shirt from his pantaloons, then slid it underneath until her fingers met his naked flesh. She trailed her fingers up his chest and then around his waist. He yanked her closer. “You’re playing with fire, love.”

“But what a burn it’ll be,” she replied in a husky tone. “You did say you wish to play with me tonight. Dazzle me with your skills.”

“It’ll be my pleasure,” he said as he lowered his mouth. When his lips touched hers, she forgot everything, even her own name. Yes. This is what she had come to the masquerade for. She hadn’t known what she’d been looking for until he’d come near. Damn this was good, and she suspected as the night rolled on she’d experience more passion than she’d ever known in her marriage.

She wanted him, and she’d have him. Then after this night she would go back to the proper Countess of Moreland. She had to keep up appearances after all. There were people that depended on her. But for this one night she could have him and all the pleasure this kiss promised. No one else had to know. A lady never tells her secrets, and this one she would always hold dear.

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