Read an excerpt from the New Release The Wallflower, the Rake, and the Masquerade by Alanna Lucas

The Wallflower, the Rake, and the Masquerade by Alanna Lucas

After years of being treated as a little more than a servant, Portia Lamont overhears her half-siblings plotting to send her to Town and marry her off. Since she has a paltry dowry and little else to offer a prospective husband, she wonders if she’ll even find a half-decent match, someone who’ll share her love of intellectual pursuits.

Titus Beaumont, Lord Ravensworth, is an unwilling participant in this year’s Season. All his adult life, he’s managed to avoid marriage, becoming a seasoned rake because he dares not risk his heart again. However, at his aunt’s insistence, he must attend for his cousin’s entrance into Society.

In the ton’s hectic marriage mart, Portia is considered a wallflower, an experience made even more vexing when she catches sight of Titus, her beloved childhood companion—the boy who once told her, I will always be your friend, no matter what happens. But when she was sent away after her father’s death, she never heard from him again. And time, a ruthless master, has not improved her circumstances. It seems he still wants nothing to do with her.

Except at a masquerade, when he doesn’t recognize her behind her mask and kisses her…

Sometimes the best revenge is just being yourself.

Excerpt

Who was the goddess in a blue silk dress that accentuated her curves and shimmered against the dullness of those around her?

He gently pushed through the crowd, scarcely noticing those around him. Although the goddess’s face was covered by an ornate mask, her eyes pulled him, begging him to drink in their blue depths. Much to his delight, she did not move, but continued to hold his gaze.

As he reached her, the first chords of a waltz began to play. He offered his hand and was rewarded with a beautifully seductive smile. No words were spoken as he guided her through the steps across the ballroom. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony as lavender and lemon enveloped his senses, reminding him of a distant summer day.

Who was she?

He desperately wanted time alone with her, to discover her identity, to know if she felt the same intense attraction. Propriety dictated that he return her to her chaperone after the dance, but then again, he’d never been one for propriety. He wouldn’t do anything to ruin her, he just wanted a moment… alone.

As the music came to a soft end, he guided her toward the open door that led onto a small balcony. It wasn’t the quiet location he desired, but at least they were mostly by themselves. Only once they were outside did he attempt to speak.

However, for the first time in his life, words escaped him. All he could do was stare into her eyes that looked so familiar, and yet he was certain he did not know her. How could this be?

Music and loud chatter spilled onto the balcony, making it difficult for him to hear his mystery goddess’s soft voice. “Thank you for the dance.” She worried her bottom lip as she started to move away. “I should return to my relative.”

“Please don’t go.” He closed the distance, and then without thought for consequence, brushed a kiss across her lips. He rarely kissed women, believing it was too personal. And yet, he hadn’t thought twice about kissing this woman. When she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, savoring the essence of this vision who’d entranced him the moment he’d laid eyes on her.

Her lips were as silky as rose petals, and just as sweet. Her fingertips caressed the back of his neck in gentle circles, sending a wave of want down his spine. Their breath mingled as tongues intertwined in a seductive dance that had him begging for more. Never in his life had he felt such a connection to a woman. Never in his life had he thrown all caution to the wind and indulged in such a kiss. This was personal, passionate, intimate, and he wanted more.

As the kiss slowed, a lovely soft sigh escaped her lips. “That was…”

“Heavenly.” His cheek brushed across her mask, reminding him that he’d yet to discover her identity. “What’s your name?”

She jumped back, startling them both. Her eyes were wide with shock. “You… you don’t know who I am, Lord Ravensworth?”

His mind searched through the numerous women of the ton, and yet, he could not place the goddess before him. But he knew her. He knew he knew her.

“Of course, I do.” He stepped in closer, a breath away, wanting to feel the warmth, the desire emanating from her. “You are the siren of my dreams, the angel of my heart, the temptress of my soul.” Never in his life had he been so intoxicated by a woman, so enthralled.

That’s not true. The thought tickled his remembrances.

A bout of laughter rolled out onto the balcony, interrupting their interlude.

“I must return to my chaperone.” Although her words were quiet, they were laced with panic. Panic and sadness. Why should she be sad?

He reached for her hand, but she practically jumped out of reach as if just burned by fire. “Please don’t leave. Just—”

“I must.” And with that, she turned and rushed back into the noisy ballroom.

Titus followed, but no sooner had he reentered than he was waylaid once more by Lady Baldwin. Damn. The moment was ruined, but he vowed to discover the mysterious goddess’s identity. He would find her again.

“Lord Ravensworth, you naughty boy, you mustn’t keep running off. Many a lady wishes to dance with you, including my lovely daughter.” No sooner had the words left the unpleasant woman’s mouth than she pushed her offspring forward, practically colliding with Titus.

Those around seemed to take note of the occurrence. He sucked in a breath. He had two options, do his duty, or risk the gossip and Flora’s chances. He did his duty.

“May I have the next dance, Miss Baldwin?” he ground out with impatience. His evening had just gone from heavenly to hellish.

More titles releasing in April

Revenge of the Wallflowers