Mine to Keep

Lady Elizabella Aldrich receives notice of an inheritance in Padua, Italy. Arriving from England, she discovers another heir lays claim to the castle. An unreasonably handsome Italian rogue stands between her and the castle she’s inherited.

Leonardo Da Mitri never met the noble who included him in his will. But after one look at Lady Eliza he relishes the challenge of defeating the beauty to make the castle his own.

Astonished to learn they must wed and remain married for a year, it soon becomes apparent someone does not want the nuptials to take place. As Eliza fights her growing desire for Leo, he fights for his life. Will he walk away from his inheritance—and Eliza? Or is he willing to risk everything to stay married to the woman who has claimed his heart as hers... to keep?

Rating: Spicy
Page Count: 121
Word Count: 31838
978-1-61217-301-6 Digital

Excerpt:

“Know you why I kissed you?”

“Because you are a beast?”

His chuckle resonated in her ears. “No, my beauty, I have yet to show you the beast I am. I kissed you because you did not speak my name. We are husband and wife. Formality is no longer warranted.” His gaze softened. “Truth be told, you are a pleasure to kiss, and I shall kiss you each time I am in the mood.”

Eliza snapped her posture into a straight line from her head to her seat. Her hip kept sliding to the man part bulging through his clothing. Sitting sideways on the same horse as Leonardo proved uncomfortable. She squirmed.

“If you do not cease your restlessness, I will be forced to seek out the nearest inn and consummate our marriage.”

She searched his features for a sign of playfulness. What she saw shimmied through her body like a graceful serpent. Serious he most certainly was. And proud, it seemed.

“Remember this, Leonardo. Our marriage will never be consummated. We must keep up the pretense of husband and wife for one year—”

“And a day.”

Eliza bunched her hands. “—after which you will go on your way and the marchese’s castle and property will become mine.”