Read Online B00Q5W7IXE (R) by Shana Galen - Free Book Online

vellum.
    “Exactly. Our old friend Bonaparte plans an unauthorized excursion to the Continent.”
    “Someone will have to put a stop to that.” She raised a brow at him then slid her gaze to Helena. “I suppose you aren’t up for it.”
    He ran a hand up and down Helena’s arm to keep her warm. She didn’t appear frightened—much more annoyed—but an icy breeze pierced the warm carriage through the open hatch above.
    “I have other plans this Christmas.”
    “I’m sure you do. Sorry to interrupt, but it’s a pleasure to finally meet your wife.” She held a hand up. “No need for introductions. We frown upon that sort of thing in the Barbican group.” She jumped onto the squabs, and Blue frowned at the dirt her boots left on his velvet seats. Bonde grasped the edges of the hatch and prepared to pull herself up.
    “How did you know she was my wife?” Blue asked.
    Bonde gave him a weary look. “Because I’m the best.”
    Blue was of the opinion that he was the best, but Bonde was no one to scoff at.
    “You didn’t think me a...resident of Sodom?” he asked, curious as to how much of her knowledge was from investigation and how much skillful deduction.
    “Actually, I thought you could go either way.” She pulled herself through the hatch and onto the roof—a feat of strength that would have taxed him and been impossible for most women. Her head appeared in the opening again, snow now sprinkled over her hair.
    “Happy Christmas,” she called down.
    Blue reached up and slammed the hatch closed.
    Helena fumbled for the curtains, peering out into the dark night. “But how will she get down?”
    “Oh, she’s part ape. And why the devil does everyone think I’m a—I prefer baritones?” He looked down at his evergreen coat, the velvet trim flecked with snow, and his rumpled violet waistcoat. “Is it my hair?”
    Helena bit her lip, no doubt suppressing a smile. “It’s not your hair, darling.”
    He patted it, the lace of his sleeves brushing against his forehead. “Perhaps I should wear it shorter. Or longer. Or more tousled...”
    With a laugh, she curled up against him, resting her head on his shoulder. “Don’t change a thing, my love. You are perfect just as you are. And Blue?”
    “Yes?”
    “When we are finally home and in bed, we lock the door.”
    He heartily agreed.

Acknowledgments
     
    Thanks and appreciation go to Abby Saul for her copyediting, Joanna MacKenzie for her editing, and Molly Foltyn for her help with the blurb.
    Reader, if you enjoyed this novella, it’s due to Joanna MacKenzie. I called her on November 6-ish and said, “I have a crazy idea.” She didn’t think it was crazy, and a month later, here’s the finished product.

About the Author
     
    Shana Galen is the bestselling author of passionate Regency romps, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman . She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making. Shana loves to hear from readers, so send her an email or see what she's up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.
     
    Visit her website at www.shanagalen.com .

Excerpt from Earls Just Want to Have Fun
    Coming February 2015 from Shana Galen
     
    Dane stared out the window of his coach and wondered what the hell had possessed him to lend it to Brook. How was staring at a street in Cheapside more interesting than Lady Yorke’s soiree?
    Oh, very well. Just about anything was more interesting than Lady Yorke’s soiree. Watching grass grow was more interesting, and sitting in his carriage for the last hour, circling the same street, was about as interesting as watching grass grow. He sighed and massaged his temples. He might as well sit here. It wasn’t as though he had anything better to do, since Parliament did not sit tonight. He