A Little Bit Sinful. Adrienne Basso

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       A LITTLE BIT SINFUL

      Sebastian leaned toward her, placing one hand on her waist and drawing her against his chest. His other hand cradled the back of her head, forcing her chin up. Gazing into his eyes, she realized he was going to kiss her.

      A torrent of conflicting emotions surged through Eleanor. Being in Sebastian’s arms made her feel like someone she wasn’t—daring, almost wicked.

      And she liked it.

      A half smile played on Sebastian’s full, sensual lips. “I’m going to kiss you now, Eleanor.”

      She felt her body tighten, her gaze roving over his face. His expression told her the truth—he was indeed about to kiss her. Her heart skipped in anticipation, certain that his kiss would be as possessive and hungry as the intense gleam darkening his eyes …

       Books by Adrienne Basso

      HIS WICKED EMBRACE

      HIS NOBLE PROMISE

      TO WED A VISCOUNT

      TO PROTECT AN HEIRESS

      TO TEMPT A ROGUE

      THE WEDDING DECEPTION

      THE CHRISTMAS HEIRESS

      HIGHLAND VAMPIRE

      HOW TO ENJOY A SCANDAL

      NATURE OF THE BEAST

      THE CHRISTMAS COUNTESS

      HOW TO SEDUCE A SINNER

      A LITTLE BIT SINFUL

      Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

      A Little Bit SINFUL

      ADRIENNE BASSO

      

All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

      ZEBRA BOOKS are published by

      Kensington Publishing Corp.

      119 West 40th Street

      New York, NY 10018

      Copyright © 2011 by Adrienne Basso

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

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      eISBN-13: 978-1-4201-2250-3

      eISBN-10: 1-4201-2250-9

      First Printing: January 2011

      10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

      Printed in the United States of America

       Dedicated with love to Ann White Braun

      From the girls we were, to the women we have become, our friendship has not only endured, but grown stronger. I will always treasure the years of memories, Annie—the joys, sorrows, laughter, and tears—and look forward to many, many more.

      CONTENTS

      A LITTLE BIT SINFUL

      Books by Adrienne Basso

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

       Chapter 7

       Chapter 8

       Chapter 9

       Chapter 10

       Chapter 11

       Chapter 12

       Chapter 13

       Chapter 14

       Chapter 15

       Chapter 16

       Chapter 17

       Chapter 18

       Chapter 19

       Chapter 20

       Epilogue

       Chapter 1

       Chaswick Manor, Kent, England, early spring, 1819

      “Everyone, please gather closer.”

      The minister’s voice, deep and solemn, echoed among the well-dressed group, shattering the stillness. Jaw clenched, eyes dry, Sebastian Dodd, Viscount Benton, took a step forward, swaying slightly as the bright sunshine momentarily blinded him. Following his lead, the sparse crowd of mourners standing behind him also moved, yet kept a respectful distance.

      How very wrong it all feels, Sebastian thought, shifting his stance to block the sun’s rays from his eyes. The weather should be chilly and damp and gray, with raindrops pelting their faces, the ground beneath their feet soaked and muddy. Instead there was warmth and sunshine, with a sky as blue as a robin’s egg, solid, thick green grass, and a profusion of exuberant spring wildflowers.

      Though he stood alone, Sebastian was mindful of the people gathered behind him. A few distant relatives, whom he wished had not bothered to make the journey, and an even smaller group of friends, whose presence made him feel a profound sense of gratitude.

      “The Countess of Marchdale was a noble woman, possessing a strong character and a charitable heart. She was a pillar of the community, a shining example of a fine and genteel female,” the minister proclaimed. “Heaven will most assuredly welcome this good lady with open arms.”

      Sebastian could not hold back his smile. His grandmother had been a feisty, opinionated woman who had ruffled more than her share of feathers, especially in the later years of her life. She would have laughed out loud upon hearing the minister’s words, and then rapped his knuckles sharply before scolding him for exaggerating. The countess was never one to suffer false praise. Even at her own funeral.

      As for her heavenly ascent, well, if such a place did exist, the countess’s admittance was hardly guaranteed. She had not led an angelic life, nor a particularly pious one. She had enjoyed fully the excesses and privileges of her rank and wealth as well as—Sebastian always suspected—the delights of the flesh. After all, she had buried three husbands, each younger than her.

      If, by some divine miracle, his grandmother did pass through the gates of St. Peter, Sebastian was