Chapter 17
Seventeen
He loved her?
Oh, she wanted to believe that the words he spoke were true, but how could she.
He had never even indicated that they were more than friends, other than passionate kisses, so how could she trust in this sudden love, especially when his marrying her might be the only thing to save her family from Retford?
“Why did you not tell me before?”
“I know you do not return my affection.”
She practically snorted. “I asked you to seduce me.”
“It is not the same, Nicoll, and the other reason I rejected you.”
“If you loved me, would you not have wanted the intimacy?”
“Not when you did not love me.”
Nicoll closed her eyes and shook her head. “I made the request for the reasons stated, but also because I wanted to know what it would be like to be with you in such a manner. I wanted a memory to take with me because I also love you.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “You said nothing.”
“Because I am certain that there have been many women who have claimed to love a rake like you, and I did not want to be hurt and disappointed when you denied any emotion for me.”
Cecil pulled her into his arms. “We were both afraid.”
“I still am,” she whispered.
“Perhaps I am as well, but I would rather have you by my side as my mate, my wife and my helper as we face the fear together.”
Her heart warmed and swelled but she also couldn’t believe what he had told her. “You truly do love me?”
“Ah, Nicoll, I would never say the words if they did not come from my heart.” He then smiled. “In fact, I have never uttered those words in my life to anyone other than…” His smiled slipped. “I have never told anyone that I loved them before. Not even family.”
Peace and warmth filled her being. “Then I am honored to be the first person to hear them from your lips.” Nicoll then went up on her toes and pressed her lips against his. “I also love you, and outside of family, you are the only person I have ever said those words to.”
“And I plan on being the only one for the rest of our lives.”
About How to Save a Spy
As war wages in the Caribbean and preparations are made for a British invasion of French-held Martinique, Rhys McNaught is sent to the island to gather pre-invasion intelligence by The Lion Watch, a covert spy agency.
Even though he is aware of the danger if caught, Rhys also enjoys living on a tropical island far removed from a gloomy and cold England, and the peace of being alone.
After spending the Christmas holiday with family, Miss Tempest Driscoll and her five younger sisters set sail from Barbados to their home in Dominica on a British cutter owned by her uncle.
When their ship is attacked by a French brig and seriously damaged, the captain has Tempest and her sisters delivered to a Martinique beach for safety, where she is forced to find shelter for her siblings.
When Rhys returns to his home with gathered intelligence, he is stunned to find that six females have taken up residence in his home, a once-abandoned ramshackle hut beneath the shelter of the trees.
He wants them gone but also knows that he must protect Tempest and her sisters until he can get them off the island before they are discovered by the French or the British invade and they are caught in the battle.
When danger finds them, Rhys is willing to sacrifice himself while Tempest must choose between escaping with her sisters or following her heart to save her spy.
Dear Readers,
Thank you for reading A RAKE’S KISS.
If you’d like to keep up with my books, new releases and other news, there are many ways to follow me.
Sign up for my newsletter HERE:
Friend or follow me on Facebook at
Join my private reader group:
Follow me on BookBub:
Follow me on GoodReads:
If you enjoyed reading RAKE IN DISGUISE, please let me know and share it with others.
REVIEW IT – I welcome all reviews of my books, so please, share your thoughts with others by leaving a review on the site where you purchased the book and on Goodreads. Afterwards, please email me at JaneCharles522@ so that I can thank you.
RECOMMEND IT – If you enjoyed this book, please recommend it to others.
Books Featuring Driscolls
How to Save a Spy (Tempest)
A Rake’s Kiss (Nicoll)
Books Featuring Claxtons
The Ghost & Miss Miranda (Wesley)
Lady Lucinda’s Lords (Lucinda)
Courtship of Convenience (Violet)
Scandalous Wager (Vanessa)
Duke in Training (Tessa)
A Rogue’s Reckoning (Seth)
Rake in Disguise (Blythe)
A Rake’s Kiss (Cecil)
About Jane Charles
USA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels.
Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings.
Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey.
She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband.
She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.