A Beastly Scandal by Shereen Vedam
A fairytale-inspired Regency romance from ImaJinn Books (now a line with Belle Books/Bridge Books)

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A First Kiss Excerpt

“What did you have in mind, my lord?”

“By your own words, you deny that you came to Clearview to trap me into marriage, but purport, instead, to be here on a ridiculous ghost-hunting expedition.”

“I came here only because your mother said she was concerned about a haunting at Clearview,” she said. “You think too much of yourself if you consider I would travel cross country just to appeal to your . . . your . . . Well, I did not. I am not interested in any man in that way.” She waved her hand at him in an effort to convey what “that way” meant. “After my experience with Jeffrey, I find the whole concept of marriage, or social interaction merely to lead to that vaunted state of nuptial bliss, unappealing.”

“Excellent. Then you should find this entirely abhorrent.”

Without warning, Lord Terrance’s lips descended on hers. His mouth teased her lips with a dance so seductive her mouth participated before receiving conscious consent. The kiss enticed rather than offended. His arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her so close and so high, her toes barely touched the ground. She had to lean against him for support as her mind whirled out of control.

His right hand descended to mold her to him in such an intimate manner that it rivaled the liberties he took with her mouth.

All of a sudden, she was set back on her feet as abruptly as she had been swooped up. She staggered and grabbed a chair back for support. Her breathing came out fast and unsteady.

Lord Terrance seemed in a similar state of unrest. His eyes had grown wide, and his face, no longer smiling, wore a shocked expression. He took a deep breath, and then another, which seemed to steady him.

She did the same, hoping for a similar result.

His gaze immediately fell to her bosom, and her breath caught in her throat. She turned to face the window. This could not be happening. She wrapped her arms around herself. Jeffrey had never kissed her like that. If he had, instead of being half relieved to be free when he asked her to cry off, she would have denied his request.