Rafe wrapped his arm around her middle. “And your father?”
“He’ll either come around or…he won’t. But that’s his concern, not mine. I am quite satisfied with my choices.” So was Jane with hers. Their mother had felt horrible about the way they’d treated Jane and about the expectations they’d thrust upon Anne. That both her daughters had ended up happily wed was a gift for which she was most grateful. Her joy—and contrition—had been clear.
After several minutes, Anne turned her body so she could look at Rafe, nestling against his side. “You’ve gone quiet.”
“I can’t stop staring at the portrait.” He and Selina had spent the better part of the last hour studying it intently, as if it could reveal the answers to all their questions. “I want it to talk to me, but I know it can’t.”
“Really? I think it does.” Anne cocked her head. “It tells me your parents adored you—the way your mother is glancing toward you as she holds Selina so close. Your father’s grip on your shoulder and his loving smile. I can also hear, quite clearly, how much you loved those dogs.”
Rafe couldn’t help laughing, and it felt so good. “I’d forgotten about them. Yes, I loved them. I wanted them to sleep with me, but Mama said no. Papa let them anyway—once or twice.” He remembered their soft coats.
Anne rested her head on his shoulder. “Would you like a pair of dogs, my lord?”
“I think I would.”
“Excellent. When we have a son and daughter of our own, we’ll have a portrait painted just like this one.”
Rafe put his arm around her and kissed her head as a lock of her hair came free. He would never tire of her optimism and her fierce confidence that she would achieve all she wanted. “I suppose we should exert some effort toward having a son or daughter.”
She tipped her head back and arched a brow at him. “I think we exert plenty of effort.” Pressing her hand against his chest, she slid it up beneath his cravat. “On second thought, I think we can do better. I’m up to the challenge. Are you?”
He leapt from the settee and swept her into his arms. She let out a happy cry that was part gasp and part giggle.
“Let me show you how up I am.” He kissed her soundly as she curled her hands around his neck.
She sighed as he carried her from the room. “Do hurry.”
He doubled his pace toward the stairs. “As you command, my lady.”
Rafe feared his heart would burst with love, and he knew with sudden clarity that for the first time in twenty-seven years, he was safe.
He was home.
Ready for your next Regency passion? Welcome to the Phoenix Club, where London’s most audacious, disreputable, and intriguing ladies and gentlemen find scandal, redemption, and second chances. The Phoenix Club series starts with a prequel short story, INVITATION, coming March 2021! The first novel, IMPROPER, will be released May 25, 2021!
Thank you so much for reading A ROGUE TO RUIN! It’s the third book in The Pretenders series. I hope you enjoyed it! While there are no scheduled releases for upcoming books in The Pretenders series, there are some characters who have politely asked me if they could have stories. I probably can’t say no to them, so stay tuned!
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Need more Regency romance? Check out my other historical series:
The Untouchables
Swoon over twelve of Society’s most eligible and elusive bachelor peers and the bluestockings, wallflowers, and outcasts who bring them to their knees!
The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
Meet the smart, independent women who’ve decided they don’t need Society’s rules, their families’ expectations, or, most importantly, a husband. But just because they don’t need a man doesn’t mean they might not want one…
The Phoenix Club
Society’s most exclusive invitation...
Welcome to the Phoenix Club, where London’s most audacious, disreputable, and intriguing ladies and gentlemen find scandal, redemption, and second chances.
Wicked Dukes Club
Six books written by me and my BFF, NYT Bestselling Author Erica Ridley. Meet the unforgettable men of London's most notorious tavern, The Wicked Duke. Seductively handsome, with charm and wit to spare, one night with these rakes and rogues will never be enough...
Love is All Around
Heartwarming Regency-set retellings of classic Christmas stories (written after the Regency!) featuring a cozy village, three siblings, and the best gift of all: love.
Secrets and Scandals
Six epic stories set in London’s glittering ballrooms and England’s lush countryside.
Legendary Rogues
Five intrepid heroines and adventurous heroes embark on exciting quests across the Georgian Highlands and Regency England and Wales!
If you like contemporary romance, I hope you’ll check out my Ribbon Ridge series available from Avon Impulse, and the continuation of Ribbon Ridge in So Hot.
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Also by Darcy Burke
Historical Romance
The Untouchables: The Pretenders
A Secret Surrender
A Scandalous Bargain
A Rogue to Ruin
The Phoenix Club
Invitation
Improper
Intolerable
The Untouchables
The Bachelor Earl
The Forbidden Duke
The Duke of Daring
The Duke of Deception
The Duke of Desire
The Duke of Defiance
The Duke of Danger
The Duke of Ice
The Duke of Ruin
The Duke of Lies
The Duke of Seduction
The Duke of Kisses
The Duke of Distraction
The Untouchables: The Spitfire Society
Never Have I Ever with a Duke
A Duke is Never Enough
A Duke Will Never Do
Love is All Around
(A Regency Holiday Trilogy)
The Red Hot Earl
The Gift of the Marquess
Joy to the Duke
Wicked Dukes Club
One Night for Seduction by Erica Ridley
One Night of Surrender by Darcy Burke
One Night of Passion by Erica Ridley
One Night of Scandal by Darcy Burke
One Night to Remember by Erica Ridley
One Night of Temptation by Darcy Burke
Secrets and Scandals
Her Wicked Ways
His
