Marissa sat straight up in bed, eyes popping open. He was at least a week early and bounding up the stairs like an overgrown toddler. A tiny squeeze of her heart followed. She’d missed Brendan so much.
Haddon rolled over with a grunt.
Oh dear.
“Haddon.” Marissa placed a hand on his shoulder. “Trent. Wake up this instant.” When he didn’t move, she shook him harder.
He turned his head, and one eye opened a slit. “For the love of God, Marissa, let me sleep. You’re insatiable for an elderly widow. I’m exhausted.” The eye shut again.
The heavy footfalls stomped down the hall in the direction of her room. Had she locked the door? She couldn’t remember. Her servants would never enter her rooms without permission.
Brendan had no such boundary.
Oh, this is very bad. I meant to break the news to him gently.
“Trent,” she whispered again in a panicked voice, throwing the coverlet over his naked body. “You must get up.”
He turned and tossed the heavy damask back off. “I know you’re always cold, Marissa. But I’m not.” His armed snaked out, fingers grabbing at her hip. “Come here. I’ll warm you.”
“No.” She slapped his hand away. The coverlet was flung over his naked body again. “Brendan is here. Now. Climbing up the stairs. You must get up and . . . put a robe on or something.”
“I don’t have a robe. And I will stop you now,” both eyes opened to regard her, “from suggesting I hide under the bed. I suppose I could conceal myself behind those draperies, but I don’t have the inclination to do so. Besides, haven’t we already—”
The door swung open. “Mother! Where did you find such a stuffy butler? Says you’re still abed. Are you ill? You never—” A vile curse erupted from Brendan’s lips as he caught sight of Haddon, who thankfully, had the lower part of his body covered.
“You’ve got to be joking.”
Marissa gave Brendan a weak smile. “Hello, dearest.” She looked to the lovely blonde standing behind her son. “Petra, I’m so happy to see you.”
Haddon smiled. At least he didn’t kick off the blanket. “Morning, Morwick.”
I hope you enjoyed Wicked Again. I think everyone deserves a happy ending especially a thrice-married widow like Marissa. If you liked the book I hope you’ll consider leaving a review.
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Notes from the Author
I’ve taken some artistic liberties (as my readers in the U.K. will probably notice).
Blue John, the source of the Pendleton wealth is a semi-precious mineral and a form of fluorite discovered by the Romans. In Britain, it can be found in one of only two places; Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern, both outside of Castleton in Derbyshire.
The Blue John mine which is the cause of Reggie’s death is purely fictional.
Also by Kathleen Ayers
The Wickeds
Wicked’s Scandal
Devil of a Duke
My Wicked Earl
Wickedly Yours
Tall Dark & Wicked
Still Wicked
The Beautiful Barringtons
The Study of a Rake (Prequel - coming soon)
The Theory of Earls
