Wildfire Kiss Read online

  Contents

  Wildfire Kiss

  “I don’t like him. Dangerous fellow—not for you.”

  Also by Claudy Conn

  What reviewers are saying about Claudy’s books

  Copyright Page

  Dedication

  Author’s Note

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-one

  Twenty-two

  Twenty-three

  Epilogue

  Excerpt: Taffeta & Hotspur

  One

  Two

  Excerpt: Through Time-Pursuit

  Prologue

  One

  Excerpt: Hungry Moon—Quicksilver (unedited)

  Prelude

  About Claudy Conn

  Read more about Claudy Conn’s Books

  Wildfire Kiss

  “I don’t like him. Dangerous fellow—not for you.”

  “He wants you,” Otto pronounced after a moment’s silence.

  “Do you think so? I do not,” she returned on a laugh. “He would not provoke my friends if he wanted to curry favor with me.”

  “You are naïve,” the count said and clucked his tongue. “Just look at how he attends you. I have never seen him behave like that with any marriageable chit before. He is forever seeking you out and paying you considerable notice.”

  “You are mistaken. Sir Edward is not interested in me. For goodness sake, I have been out two seasons, so why should he suddenly decide to take an interest now? It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Just a moment, my girl … as I recall, Sir Edward was in Greece during your first season. He doesn’t hunt—so he wasn’t with us when we all went up to the riding country and the Quorn.”

  “But I was introduced to him last spring, and I can’t remember his succumbing to my many charms then.” She laughed and patted Otto’s arm.

  “Obstinate,” he said and tweaked her nose. “A man sometimes has to find his sea legs. No doubt he just wasn’t ready then … but as he saw more and more of you …”

  She batted her lashes at him. “He was overtaken and his heart stolen …” she said dramatically.

  “Mayhap you just don’t want to see, but remember,” he said, wagging a finger at her, “he means to have you—but what is worse, I think you rather like him.”

  “He is ever so attractive, Otto.” She sighed.

  “I don’t like him. Dangerous fellow—not for you.”

  “Why, do you think he will break my heart?” she asked curiously.

  “No … not that exactly, but he won’t make you happy. He is not for you. You need someone who will smile at your antics … perhaps curb you a bit … but never tame you.”

  “Oh, Otto … yes, I know, but who may that be?” she asked, sighing again.

  “Damn if I know,” he answered, and both eyed one another and laughed.

  Also by Claudy Conn

  Legend Series

  Aaibhe—Shee Queen (Novelette) Prince in the Mist (Novella) Prince Prelude—Legend Spellbound—Legend Shee Willow—Legend Trapped—Legend

  Free Falling—Legend Catch & Hold—Legend ~

  Time Series

  Through Time-Pursuit ~

  Shadow Series

  ShadowLove—Stalkers ShadowHeart—Slayer ShadowLife—Hybrid ~

  Risqué Regencies Myriah Fire

  Oh, Cherry Ripe Rogues, Rakes & Jewels Taffeta & Hotspur ~

  DarkLove (published by Wild Rose Press)

  What reviewers are saying

  about Claudy’s books

  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, hot 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

  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.
r />   ~ 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

  Wildfire Kiss

  By

  Claudy Conn

  Copyright Page Wildfire Kiss

  By Claudy Conn

  http://www.claudyconn.com

  Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn Edited by: Karen Babcock

  Cover Artist: Kendra Egert All rights reserved

  Published in the United States of America

  Smashwords Edition

  August 2012

  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.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

  Excerpt of Taffeta & Hotspur Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Excerpt of Through Time-Pursuit Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Unedited excerpt of Hungry Moon—Quicksilver

  Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

  Discover this and other titles by Claudy Conn at Smashwords.com:

  Legend Series

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

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

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

  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

  Time Series

  Through Time-Pursuit – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210166

  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

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

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

  Rogues, Rakes & Jewels – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/171997

  Taffeta & Hotspur – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/179452

  Dedication

  This one is for my editor, Karen Babcock,

  who always makes me smile.

  Author’s Note

  A reader recently remarked to me that women in the early 1800s simply did not behave as my heroines do in my regency novels.

  So not true. This was NOT the Victorian Era. This was the Regency Era, and during this time, hedonism ruled the society in which the ‘fashionables’ traveled.

  This particular era produced flagrant rule breakers, such as Lady Caroline Lamb [note 1], married and yet wild and free thinking. She would don the clothing of a lad and rush off to meet her lover, Lord Byron. She would burn his letters in public for all the world to witness.

  The unmarried Godwin sisters [note 2], one outrageous enough to publish articles about women and what their rights ‘should be’, bucked the system and became known for their ‘modern’ notions during the regency day.

  Singular women with ideas of their own could not be beaten down, and they stood up for what they believed in and worked towards a time when women would demand the right to vote, the right to own and delegate their own property, the right to choose a mate, and, of course, the right to stand equal to men.

  It is because of those individuals that my imagination has been spurred to write about rule-breaking heroines. It is because of those women that I see so much more than the sedate woman content to simply do what she was told.

  My heroines just don’t do what they are told. They do what they feel, what their mind and heart drive them to do. After all, it truly was the rule-breaking women who allowed us to be who we are today!

  Note 1: Lady Caroline’s obsession with Byron would define much of her later life and as well as influence both her and Byron’s works. They would write poems in the style of each other, about each other, and even embed overt messages to one another in their verse. After a thwarted visit to Byron’s home, Lady Caroline wrote “Remember Me!” into the flyleaf of one of Byron’s books. He responded with the hate poem:

  Remember thee! Remember thee!

  Till Lethe quench life’s burning stream

  Remorse and shame shall cling to thee,

  And haunt thee like a feverish dream!

  Remember thee! Ay, doubt it not.

  Thy husband too shall think of thee!

  By neither shalt thou be forgot,

  Thou false to him, thou fiend to me!

  Note 2: Their mother, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, was an ardent feminist and author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, published in 1792. In this work, she spoke out vehemently against the position of women in society, most notably describing marriage as “legal prostitution”.

  Given her radical views, it is perhaps surprising that in later years she married. However, Godwin’s intent was to provide security for her unborn child, which she lacked when her older daughter, Fanny Imlay, had been born and her lover, Gilbert, had deserted her.

  One

  LADY BARBARA CURLED a long, thick tress of black hair around her slender finger and bit her full lower lip. A tear formed in one dark eye, but she held it back. She wouldn’t cry. Not one tear would she shed. He had reason to be angry, but she was not going to allow him to make her cry. She had done nothing wrong, whatever the world might think.

  She stood against his tirade and allowed him to finish.

  “And it is no use standing there looking for all the world like an innocent kitten, for we know that you are not! Don’t we?”

  “I have never claimed to be innocent, and I am certainly not a kitten,” she answered, knowing in advance this would fuel his irritation.

  It did.

  He spluttered incoherently before he finally shouted, “No, by …” He managed to stop the curse that sprang to his tongue; what followed, she knew, had been greatly tempered with admirable control. “Certes! You think yourself a tigress, don’t you? You think you are ready to take on the jungle out there all alone?” He didn’t wait for her to answer the question as he rattled on, wagging a finger at her, “Well, by God, you are not a tigress, and the jungle out there will slaughter you!” He turned his back on her as he made an obvious attempt to regain control of himself.

  Lady Babs watched him silently, believing more of the same was on its way.

  She was correct.

  He turned back to her, and said in a low, hard voice, “That you could have gone behind my back, without my knowledge, against my expressed wishes—”

  “Papa,” she cut in on a plea. “I used a pseudonym. No one will ever find out the true identity of the author. I have Mr. Murry’s word on it.”
br />   “Ha! What do you know of Murry? Who is to say he won’t reveal your name for a price?”

  “He won’t. Besides, Byron publishes through him, and Byron said he is to be trusted.”

  She watched her father as he struggled with his temper once more, and she fancied she saw spittle at his thin lips. “Byron? I don’t trust Byron! And that is another thing. I won’t have you in Byron’s pocket. The man is a libertine. Why, it is rumored that he and his sister—” He stopped himself, obviously realizing he shouldn’t speak of such things with her. Barbara chewed at her bottom lip to keep herself from smiling.

  “You will stay away from Byron!” her father finally commanded.

  “Papa, Lord Byron has always stood a friend to me.” Lady Babs felt her cheeks get hot in spite of the fact that she knew her father had a point. “I won’t gossip about him, and I won’t give up the friendship. The subject here is my novel and how well my secret may be kept.”

  “Your friend? Well, let me tell you, young miss, Byron was responsible for bringing Lady Caroline low … ruined her …” Lord Waverly persisted and leveled a dark frown at her.

  “I think Lady Caroline brought herself low. He did not ask her to make a cake of herself all over town.” Barbara sighed heavily, and then added, “Papa … we need the money, and Mr. Murry was kind enough to advance me for my book …”

  “And you are not supposed to worry about such matters! I would have found the blunt in the end …” His answer was sharp, and his ruddy cheeks took on even more color.

  “Of course, Papa,” his daughter answered dutifully. The truth was that her father had turned to gambling after her mother had passed on three years ago, and they were nearly wiped out of funds. “My book will probably sell only enough to make up the advance … and will soon be forgotten. The name I chose, Felix Gumble, is unknown and will be forgotten. ’Tis nothing to fuss about, and the advance will stave off the—”