Rogues, Rakes & Jewels Read online

  Her lips parted for that kiss, his long-awaited, fantasized-about kiss …

  She just had to make it to the head of the stairs. She peered through the darkness as she reached for the railing to help her along, since she had not bothered to light and bring a candle. She was not expecting anyone to be up and about; Stanton and the housekeeper had retired at least an hour ago to their own quarters. Thus, as she reached for the railing she was totally startled and nearly screamed when a voice just before her softly said, “Now … whatever are you doing stealing about at this hour …?”

  Jewels steadied herself and managed to answer, hand to chest, “As to that, I can’t be accused of stealing about in my own home … and ’tis only about nine or so … and I might ask, what are you doing walking about in the dark, Ryker?”

  He had already spanned the distance between them, his voice low, husky, and hungry as he took her in his arms and whispered, “Thankfully … this …” And with that he bent and kissed her.

  Her lips parted for that kiss, his long-awaited, fantasized-about kiss. Kissing Ryker was a notion that had invaded her mind and had taken siege to the city. She threw herself into that kiss, surrendering her tongue to him with abandon. She didn’t think; she only felt.

  She lost herself in that moment to him and his all-consuming kiss. He was delicious, and her body tingled with excitement. She forgot all other purposes as she allowed his kiss to turn into another. His hand moved from her waist to cup her breast, and her body burned for more touching, more of him, and she couldn’t feel the floor beneath her feet … and … she had to stop … she had to get away. She was on a mission, she reminded herself. She pushed at his rock-hard, oh so beautifully formed chest. “Sir—you must not …”

  “No? Must I not?” he teased while nibbling at her ear.

  She broke away and ran from him without a word. Without looking back she went flying into her room and locked the bedroom door. There she leaned back against it and reminded herself to breathe. She had so much yet to do … and all she wanted to do was to climb back into his arms …

  Other books by Claudy Conn

  Legend Series

  Spellbound—Legend Shee Willow—Legend Trapped—Legend

  Free Falling—Legend Catch & Hold—Legend Prince in the Mist (Novella) Aaibhe—Shee Queen (Novelette) Prince Prelude—Legend ~

  Shadow Series

  ShadowLove—Stalkers ShadowHeart—Slayer ShadowLife—Hybrid ~

  Risqué Regencies Myriah Fire

  Oh, Cherry Ripe Coming soon—Taffeta & Hotspur ~

  DarkLove (published by Wild Rose Press)

  What reviewers are saying

  about Myriah Fire

  5 out of 5 stars

  Fanning the flames of Myriah Fire!

  What was once an innocent, if rollicking, regency romance has exploded with passion as Claudy Conn revisits Myriah Fire to turn up the heat.

  The addition of unbridled sexual passion to Myriah Fire’s strong story brings dimensions of maturity and depth to the struggles faced by Myriah and Kit, without diminishing any of the innocence, joy or charm found in the original story. This revised version of Myriah Fire allows Claudy’s regency followers to appreciate what her paranormal romance fans have discovered—mind-bending eroticism.

  A truly captivating tale with a blast of added sizzle, Myriah Fire will kindle the flames of your heart and burn up the night.

  ~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

  Love, love, love Myriah Fire!

  It’s a brilliant, fast-paced, and ‘true to its title’, ‘going to catch you on fire’ romance. Looking forward to more! Hoping Claudy Conn plans to share more of her historical treasures with us.

  ~ Candice Stauffer, author

  Myriah has always been my favorite

  This is a sweet, funny, charming romance. The characters are likeable and the story is well told. I loved all of the Claudette Williams (now Claudy Conn) books, but this one has always been my favorite. I hope she will put out more of her backlist.

  ~ lmjolicoeur on Smashwords

  Rave reviews for Oh, Cherry Ripe

  Five stars—A true keeper!

  Had me hooked from the first page. Beautifully written with a clever plot. For lovers of steamy hot regency romanance this it a true keeper!

  ~ Renee on Amazon

  Five stars—delicious

  If you love sexy fun regencies, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will love Cherry who just can’t accept the ‘rule’ of her day.

  ~ Parareader on Amazon

  Great story, good writing, and a novel that is sure to please

  A delightful, fun, sexy Regency romance with all the earmarks of good fiction writing and a story that will engage the imagination from beginning to the end. The author deals with the often repeated scenario where parents/guardians make marriage contracts for their daughters/wards without any consideration for their feelings. The heroine here made her own arrangements and was living life her own way. Great story, good writing, and a novel that is sure to please.

  ~ DrJ on Smashwords

  Praise for Claudy’s paranormal romances

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is filled with steaming action and dramatic tension … Claudy delicately plants the seeds for future development and characters without distracting from the excitement and romance of Stalkers. The result is that she has a paranormal, vampire series, of romance novels, which carries her own unique and spicy aroma.

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT … and yes, I am blushing.

  ~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

  Five Cups and a CTTR (Coffee Time Reviewer’s Recommend) Award

  ShadowLove—Stalkers is a story that immediately hooks the reader. It reminds me of a roller coaster just beginning, only to plunge into speed, drawing the reader into non-stop action. Intense and spellbinding, this paranormal romance kept this reader engrossed until the conclusion. I loved the passion and chemistry between the main characters. With tremendous action and well thought out characters, this fantastic read sizzles and sparks like a firecracker.

  ~ Coffee Time Romance & More

  Trapped Legend has my pulse skyrocketing!

  A clever, fast paced, unpredictable blend of action, adventure, mystery, magic and steamy hot loving … I picked it up and couldn’t tear myself away from it until I read the last page.

  I highly recommend each book in Claudy’s Legend series. You’re seriously missing out on some wonderful adventures if you haven’t read the previous stories. It’s by far one of the most exceptionally crafted, enchanting Fae series I’ve ever read.

  ~ Candice Stauffer, author

  Five Stars for ShadowHeart—Slayer

  This second in Conn’s Shadow series is filled with vampires, a vampire slayer, demons, wizards, a Fae prince and an unlikely romance. Claudy Conn does an excellent job of making this a standalone story while incorporating some of the characters from the first book and introducing us to several new characters. The war is still brewing and now the fae are becoming involved. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

  This is another one I couldn’t put down and read in a single sitting. I got so caught up in the action I was sad to see it end. Fans of the paranormal romance, urban fantasy and vampire genres should enjoy this as well.

  ~ Wild About Bones on GoodReads

  One hot and thrilling book

  I fell for all three of the main characters, fun loving Maxie, dark and brooding Julian, and one hot Fae, Breslyn. However, it wasn’t just the characters that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was the entire involved plot that included jealously, betrayal, magic, murder, and, of course, ho
t passion … The well-written out mixture of myth and legend, not to mention the characters, all in today’s world has me Joyfully Recommending Spellbound—Legend as one book you won’t want to miss.

  ~ Jo, Joyfully Reviewed

  Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

  By

  Claudy Conn

  Rogues, Rakes & Jewels By Claudy Conn

  http://www.claudyconn.com

  Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn Edited by: Karen Babcock

  Cover Artist: Kendra Egert All rights reserved

  Smashwords Edition

  June 2012

  Excerpt of Oh, Cherry Ripe Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Excerpt of Myriah Fire Copyright © 2011 by Claudy Conn

  Excerpt of Prince Prelude—Legend Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Excerpt of ShadowLife—Hybrid Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

  Discover other titles by Claudy Conn at Smashwords.com:

  Legend Series

  Spellbound—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96103

  Shee Willow—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103389

  Trapped—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/112028

  Free Falling—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92368

  Catch & Hold—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124602

  Prince in the Mist – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104045

  Aaibhe—Shee Queen – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110252

  Prince Prelude—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/159840

  Shadow Series

  ShadowLove—Stalkers – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63037

  ShadowHeart—Slayer – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84350

  ShadowLife—Hybrid – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/143173

  Risqué Regencies

  Myriah Fire – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/109011

  Oh, Cherry Ripe – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135532

  Contents

  Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

  Preview: Oh Cherry Ripe

  Preview: Myriah Fire

  Preview: Prince Prelude—Legend

  Preview: ShadowLife—Hybrid

  About Claudy Conn

  Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

  One

  “SOMEONE TOLD ME once that the road to hell was paved with good intentions. Fiend seize me if I am not just about to cut such a path!” grumbled the Marquis Ryker of Lyndhurst, kicking a well-appointed stool for emphasis.

  His cousin, the Honorable Oscar Robendale, gave him a rather blank stare and reached for his glass of sherry. He dared not question the volatile marquis when he was in such a mood.

  “She has tricked me again—bless her, Robby. She is the best of good mothers, but damn if I can take much more of this. I’d swear there is none sweeter or finer in all Albion, but … but …” He seethed, searching for a proper description of his present opinion of his only surviving parent.

  “Wants you neatly married—wants grandchildren, only natural you know,” offered his cousin unwisely.

  “Married—aye, she wants that!” said his lordship dryly. He moved to the great marble fireplace and placed his elbow on the mantle, touched his thumb and knuckle to his mouth, and lost himself in thought. His mother had presented him with yet another challenge—one that he had taken up only to find it irritating beyond endurance.

  The Honorable Oscar Robendale fell into studied quiet as he stared at the back of the marquis’ ginger-colored locks, but then he ventured a question. “Why so hot about it? After all, it isn’t the first time.”

  “Because I have had it, old boy—I have just had it. This time, she wants me to travel to the Isle of Wight of all places. Can you believe it?”

  Robby shook his head. “No … damn silly place to go.”

  “Aye … but that is where we are going.”

  “We? I’m not courting anyone. I don’t have to go—not going.” He shook his head emphatically. “Isle of Wight? Cuz, love you and all … but … there is just so much a man must do in the name of friendship and family.”

  The marquis ignored this and said, “She thinks that because I am about to turn thirty I am in my dotage and plagues me more than ever. What? Does she think I am about to dive into senility?”

  “No, no, dear boy. Don’t think m’aunt had senility in mind—really, old fellow,” his cousin stuck in hastily. “Told you, wants grandchildren … you being the heir … stands to reason, don’t it?”

  “Yes, and she shall get them when I am ready!” the marquis snapped.

  “The thing is, you will be thirty inside of three months …”

  “And what does that signify?”

  “Might not be so easy, as you get older. Look at Foster—he got married at forty and couldn’t have a one … not one brat did he have. And then there was Merriweather—although you are the very broth of a man, fitter than most …”

  “Thank you, Robby …” The Marquis sighed. “But as it happens, I have agreed to her scheme, because I have a scheme of my own that will see us through a day or two, and then we will be able to make our way back to London.”

  “Really?” Robby’s hazel eyes widened. “How will you explain that to your mother?”

  “Won’t have to—we will do as she asked, get through a few days, and be off.”

  Robby sighed. “Time you should tie the knot though … owe it to the name.”

  “The devil you say. Tie the knot, indeed. Noddy! How you came to be in the family is beyond me …”

  “Shouldn’t be—thought you understood. Your mother and mine are first cousins—that makes us …”

  The marquis eyed him for a long moment before he burst out laughing and patted his shoulder affectionately. “Never mind, cuz … we’ll do, you and I.”

  “Will we?”

  “Yes, for, as I said, I have a plan.”

  “Do you? Well, you were ever a knowing one, Ryker ol’ man.”

  “Here is the thing—Mama expects me to travel to the Isle of Wight to introduce myself to this little country child, and I have agreed to do so.”

  “Upon my soul—seems an odd thing to do, go to the Isle of Wight. I mean, plenty of chits to meet right here in London.”

  “To appease the old dear, I have accepted, so we shall. We’ll do the polite and get the devil out of there as soon as we may.”

  “We’ll go? What do you mean, we’ll go?”

  “You will enjoy yourself immensely.”

  “No, I won’t.” Robby was frowning darkly.

  “There is, I think, a gaming house …”

  Robby brightened. “Never say so … well, upon my word—perhaps it won’t be too bad then. At least I don’t have to court any young thing …”

  Two

  HENSHAW HOUSE WAS situated at the top of a clear knoll. Only scattered elms and pines broke the starkness of the landscape surrounding its Tudor lines. What had once been a magnificently maintained park was now being allowed to run to weeds, for its present inhabitants had not a penny to their name.

  However, young Sir James and his sister, Jewelene Henshaw, were optimists at heart. They never allowed the shabbiness of the home they loved to weigh them down for more than a moment or two, and both worked
toward reviving its previous glory.

  Sir James, who was eighteen months younger than his twenty-one-year-old sister, had some time back hatched up a scheme, a scheme the orphans thought would serve to save their home.

  They sat dressed in shabby buckskin jackets and breeches upon the fence line and watched as their old groom, Jonas, led a magnificent black Arabian stallion toward them.

  “I say, Jewel … he’ll do!” exclaimed Sir James, thwacking his knee for emphasis.

  Jewelene brushed her long, honey-gold hair away from her eyes and cooed to the horse. The stallion flicked his ears and nodded his head, which made her brother laugh. “Look at that … he knows us!”

  “He should—after all the training we’ve given him,” she replied with a smile.

  “Aye, that’s the truth,” he agreed.

  She glanced wistfully above his curly, light brown hair. “If only we can get a win at Derby … oh imagine, Jimmy, just imagine how much we could make with Lightning as a breeder …”

  “Aye, trouble is, he is ready, but we ain’t. Face it, Jewel … we still don’t have the blunt it takes to meet the entrance fee.”

  “We shall. If I have to marry that wretched creature Omsbury to get it—”

  “I’d sell my soul before I’d let you marry that devil. What a rum touch that one is!” Jimmy shouted, his face taking on a reddish color.

  She laughed and touched his hand. “I didn’t mean it, Jimmy … I don’t think I could, for it would mean I would have to … you know … go to bed with the bloke, and I think I would have to kill myself before I could do that.”