Her Wicked Proposal novel Chapter 68

Samir Al Zahrani mounted his horse and trotted down one of the main streets of Brighton. He muttered a string of curses at his black luck these past few days.

He'd learned where his prized horses were being kept, right alongside inferior English nags. But he could not retrieve them both alone. He'd also missed an opportunity to take Sheridan's wife in the woods by the lake. The house had been full of servants after that.

But today was the first day the couple had left the sanctuary and gone into Brighton, and he'd sensed a fresh opportunity. Soon his ship would arrive and he could leave this wretched isle. But first he had to acquire what he came for.

Foolish Englishmen and their pride, thinking they could not be attacked in a crowded city. What little they knew...

Sheridan and a companion with light blond hair had separated from Sheridan's wife, leaving her vulnerable. Exposed.

If I can kill her, it will leave Sheridan on unsteady ground.

He waited. In time, Lady Sheridan exited a dressmaker's shop and waved goodbye to an older matron before crossing the street. Samir kicked his heels into his horse's sides and the beast jolted forward...

A black stallion rushed at Anne from the side as she crossed the road. The horse reared and Anne screamed, stumbling to the ground.

The horse calmed and the rider, a handsome, olive-skinned man with dark hair and darker eyes slid from the saddle to help her to her feet.

"A thousand pardons. You crossed so quickly in front of me, I did not see you." His gaze ran the length of her body. "You're not injured, I trust?"

Flustered and smarting from her fall, Anne hastily shook her head. "No, no, I'm fine. Thank you." She tried to tug free of his hold on her waist. "Please, sir, let me go."

For a moment she feared that he had no such intention. But her fall had attracted the attention of a number of people who were also coming to check and see if she had been injured.

His hands dropped. "Again, my apologies. It has been some time since I've been in the presence of a lovely woman. It has made my manners lax." The gleam in his eyes now made her uncomfortable.

"Excuse me." She darted around him and back into the street. It was rude, she knew, but something about him...she didn't want to stay. She forced her ill thoughts off with a shrug, convincing herself it was nonsense.

Donaldson's Library was a timber-boarded building, freshly painted in white. A large verandah overlooked part of the circulating library. A group of ladies gathered like brightly colored birds in a small flock, gossiping beneath the verandah. Anne avoided them. Their chatter no doubt would lead to trouble later in the two popular Brighton assembly rooms, the Castle Inn and the Old Ship Inn.

Thank heavens Cedric wasn't one for balls and dancing anymore. Although, Anne had to admit she wished she could have danced with him, just once. Their first opportunity had been lost, and in the years she'd known him, they'd never had a chance to make up for it.

"And what exactly is so wonderful about it? I admit, I'm quite intrigued by your newfound eagerness." Ashton flashed her a wink, and she fought to contain a giggle.

Cedric leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers behind his head.

"There's nothing better than having the most beautiful creature in your bed at any time you please. Much better than a mistress. And I'm sure my wife would agree-access to me at all times is a benefit of leg-shackledom."

Cedric's smug tone sparked a reaction in Anne that was half amusement, half exasperation.

"Wouldn't you agree, lady wife?" Cedric chuckled and turned his head in her direction.

"Oh! You beastly man." Anne laughed and rushed over to him, swatting his shoulder with a gloved hand. When he tugged her over to his chair and onto his lap, she squeaked in surprise. "You knew I was there the whole time, didn't you?"

Cedric nodded, that playful grin making her melt. She adored the way he unleashed that smile on her without holding back.

"Your scent, remember?" He nuzzled her cheek. "It gives you away."