Miss Radley's Third Dare Read online

  She snuggled against him, wishing they could be truly alone and not just for a moment. “And in a few weeks I’ll be your wife.”

  He stroked down her back and her breath caught as his grip firmed on her hip. “I wish it could be tomorrow.”

  “Why is that?”

  He teased her cheek with his lips. “Because I’m in love with you and can’t bear to leave you even now.”

  Her pulse raced at his words. He’d said he loved her last night but she hadn’t liked to think too much about his declaration in case he didn’t mean it the way she’d hoped. “I never expected that.”

  “Neither did I, and I must say, I don’t mind saying it first.” He kissed her lips softly, just a tease to remind her of their attraction.

  Three weeks was such a long time to wait to be in his arms again. “What is it like to be in love?”

  “Wonderful.” He sighed as he tortured her with a lighter almost-kiss. “I think of you all the time. Wonder what you’re doing, what you think of things and people. Soon I will be able to ask you anytime I like. It’s an ache. I’m eager to be near you, and not just because of what we shared last night. I want you to be happy above everything and I think you will be with me.”

  She stilled in his arms and then raised her head. “That’s how I feel about you. I can’t wait to see what you will do or say next.”

  A pleased grin spread over his face. “Well then, I guess that means we were meant to be and perhaps I don’t even need to dare you to love me.”

  He looked so hopeful she laughed.

  “No. I really do love you without an incentive.” She threw her arms about his neck.

  Valentine hugged her tightly and then set her on her feet. “I’d best be going. Linus is getting suspicious about you being in my home so often.”

  “Gracious, does he know about last night too?”

  “No. Who else knows?” He groaned. “Surely you didn’t tell Imogen about meeting with me again?”

  “I didn’t have to tell them. They just knew.”

  “Who is ‘they’?”

  “Imogen and your sister, unfortunately.” She winced. “Melanie was upset at first. Very angry with you, but I believe I convinced her I was a willing participant.”

  Although he did not look pleased, he squeezed her bottom. “A very willing participant. I loved that you were fully engaged in our romp.”

  She blushed and pushed at his chest to put distance between them.

  “Tease,” he whispered before grinning wickedly. “Keep challenging me.”

  “Always, Mr. Merton.” She winked at him. “You can count on it.”

  The End

  Thank you so much for reading Miss Radley’s Third Dare. I hope you enjoyed it! Please consider leaving a review—either positive or negative. Reviews help others find a book that’s right for them.

  Miss Radley’s Third Dare is book 3 in the Miss Mayhem series. Book 4, Miss Merton’s Last Hope is next. ~ Heather

  About Heather Boyd

  Bestselling historical author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after, no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she weaves sizzling English set love stories that push the boundaries of regency era propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Brimming with new ideas, she frequently wishes she could type as fast as she conjures new storylines. While writing full time north of Sydney, Australia, Heather collects dust bunnies in all corners of the house and does her best to wrangle her testosterone-fuelled family into submission.

  Heather loves chatting to readers, so please catch up with her online:

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  Also by Heather Boyd

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  Chills

  Broken

  Charity

  The Distinguished Rogues Boxed Set – Part 1

  An Accidental Affair

  Keepsake

  An Improper Proposal

  The Wild Randalls Series:

  Engaging the Enemy

  Forsaking the Prize

  Guarding the Spoils

  Hunting the Hero

  The Complete Wild Randalls Boxed Set

  Miss Mayhem Series:

  Miss Watson’s First Scandal

  Miss George’s Second Chance

  Miss Radley’s Third Dare

  The Hunt Club Series:

  Almost an Equal

  Barely a Master

  Hardly a Stranger

  The Hunt Club Boxed Set – Part 1

  Just a Dream

  Never a Gentleman

  Novella/Short stories:

  One Wicked Night

  Wicked Mourning

  In the Widow’s Bed

  Love Me Tender

  Love Me True

  The Almack’s Alternative