The mission did not go quite as Robert Ware–known in society as the new Earl of Kirkland–planned. A spy in the service of His Majesty, Robert is a “guest” at a masquerade party as he retrieves vital information for a murder investigation. Until he’s quite unexpectedly interrupted by an exquisite, masked woman with glittering green eyes. And a pistol she has cocked and aimed right at him…
Lady Sophia Merrill has defiantly taken up justice’s shining sword, determined to expose the brigand who murdered her eccentric but brilliant father, and stole his latest invention. Now she must masquerade as Robert’s betrothed in order to infiltrate the Inventor’s Society and find the killer. But the undeniable potent attraction between them not only imperils the investigation, but Sophia’s reputation… and both of their lives.
Book 1 in the Crown’s Secret Service series
“We will waltz at the ball and convince everyone of our story. Shall we practice?”
Robert stepped close and put a hand on Sophia’s waist. Their eyes locked and her cheeks grew warm under the heat of his gaze. His shaving soap—a subtle scent of bay rum—teased her nostrils.
“We cannot,” she blurted out. “There’s no music.”
He captured her right hand in his. “No matter. We’re just practicing, remember? Put your left hand on my shoulder and follow my lead.”
Sophia slowly raised her arm, and her fingers grazed his shoulder. The heat from his body seared her fingertips through the cotton shirt. Her pulse skittered alarmingly.
He began to move, smooth and practiced. “That’s it, Sophia. One and two and turn…you have the basic steps. Excellent.”
Only it was far from excellent. She was highly conscious of his hand at her waist, his sinewy body inches from hers. A tingling began in the pit of her stomach at his nearness. She stumbled; he steadied her.
Robert looked down, his stare bold as he assessed her. “The ball will be a good test to see how well you can handle the deception.”
“I assure you, I can handle anything.”
“Anything?” He pulled her a fraction of an inch closer.
His touch upset her balance, and she inhaled sharply. He was purposefully trying to unnerve her. “Deception comes that easy to you?”
“It’s a requirement of my job.”
“I must keep that in mind when dealing with you, my lord.”
He stopped dancing, but his hand remained around her waist. “We are entering the enemy’s lair. I need to be certain you won’t panic.”
Her chin rose a notch. “I never panic.”
His voice was cold and exact. “Dispassionate control is required, or else dangerous mistakes can occur.”
“If you’re trying to intimidate me into backing out of the house party, then you’re failing. I have mettle, my lord. Your seductive tactics won’t work on me.”
He arched an eyebrow. “What do you know of seduction?”
“I’m not completely ignorant. I’m twenty-four years old, and despite what you’ve heard, I’ve attended numerous balls, danced with plenty of gentlemen, and strolled through moonlit mazes. I’ve been kissed before.”
Ocean-blue eyes studied her mouth. “Where?”
She frowned. “My lips and even once on my neck.” She pointed to a spot just beneath her chin.
His gaze dropped to where her finger pointed, then slowly lowered to the skin just above her bodice. Her pulse skittered.
“Then you won’t mind if I test your mettle?”
She stood frozen.
Looking into her eyes once again, he came close, moving slowly. He mouth brushed across hers, once, twice, a featherweight touch before she stepped back. Her fingers flew up to cover her lips.
“Just as I thought,” he drawled. “You lack experience. A few stolen kisses inside a dim maze are not sufficient.”
She bristled with indignation. “Not sufficient? Whatever else do you have in mind?”
“This.” Pulling her close, he swooped down and kissed her.
About the Author
Tina Gabrielle, an award-winning author, is an attorney and former mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. After multi-publishing for a prestigious Law Journal, she fulfilled her dream of writing fiction. She is the author of adventurous Regency historical romances, In The Barrister’s Bed, In The Barrister’s Chambers, Lady Of Scandal, and A Perfect Scandal from Kensington Books. Her books have been sold worldwide, including Spain, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, and the Netherlands. Publisher’s Weekly calls her Regency Barrister’s series, “Well-matched lovers…witty comradely repartee.” Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, Lady Of Scandal, was nominated as best first historical by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is hard at work on her novel. To enter her monthly contests and win free books and giveaways, visit her website at www.tinagabrielle.com
Thank you Beverly for featuring “A Spy Unmasked” on your blog today. I’m very appreciative!
🙂 It was my pleasure, Tina!!