The Bachelor Bargain (Secrets, Scandals, and Spies) by Michaels, Maddison (short books to read TXT) 📕

I love you. I would give my life for you, and I will do all in my power to protect you and love you for the rest of my days,” he swore to her, before bending down on one knee and taking both of her hands in his. “My heart is yours, and only yours, forever more. Will you marry me, Livie? Will you make me the happiest bloody man in the world and be my wife?”

She stood staring down into his eyes. Eyes that were usually so closed off from any emotions, but now were so vulnerable with love for her that she felt even more moisture well in her own eyes. “Yes, Sebastian Colver, I will marry you.”

“You will?” A smile spread across his face, but there was still a hint of doubt in his voice.

Reaching a hand to his jaw, Livie cupped his cheek and leaned in toward him. “Yes, I will. I love you, Sebastian. There’s nothing in the world I want more than to be your wife and spend the rest of my life with you. These past few weeks without you have been torture, and I never want to experience such a thing again.”

“Absolute torture,” he reiterated.

And then, without a care for their audience, Sebastian stood and captured her mouth with his. It was a brief kiss, but one filled with such promise that Livie held it close to her heart, knowing that no matter what they had to face in the future, if they were together, they could face anything.

“I love you, Sebastian Colver. More than I could have ever imagined,” she whispered to him.

He grinned. “And I love you, my beautiful Olivia. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone. You have my heart, and I promise to love you every single day and to treasure your love in turn. And you know how I keep my word.”

“That you do, my love. That you do.” True happiness and contentment filled her with the knowledge that yes, the Bastard of Baker Street most certainly always kept his word.

Epilogue

Six months later

Dear Gazette Patrons,

Today marks a milestone. Not only is it the six-month anniversary since the release of the first edition of what has swiftly become London’s most popular publication, but it also heralds the monumental occasion of selling over 500,000 copies. And that is all thanks to you, dear patrons, who have supported our humble publication with such enthusiasm and passion!

And what a tumultuous time it’s been for the bachelors in society since the debut edition… Such scandals unearthed, such villainy exposed, and so many innocent women saved from such scoundrels! Eighteen men have been critiqued thus far, and of those, fourteen have fled to the continent, shame and disrepute following in their wake, with the remaining four imprisoned for their crimes! A result to be celebrated by us all and heeded by those who still believe they are immune to any consequences for their malevolent deeds.

For rest assured, dear patrons, the Bachelor Bounty Gazette will continue to expose those in Society who seek to deceive and use women for their own satisfaction or gain, caring naught for who they hurt or destroy in the process. Those bachelors will be brought to task, their acts laid bare to one and all. And in that regard, the six-month edition promises to reveal even more salacious scandals and will name six bachelors instead of three…but who, oh who, will those bachelors be? Well, only one more week and then you shall all see.

Sebastian finished reading the latest teaser the Gazette had released in anticipation of next week’s release and smiled. He could already anticipate this edition was going to sell the greatest amount of copies so far. His wife had been right, it was indeed a sound investment.

The muffled sound of thuds and grunts had him glancing up toward his closed office door.

Rowan, who was seated in the chair across from Seb’s desk, put his papers down. “I’ll find out what’s going on.”

But before he could stand, the door burst open and a lady with red hair stormed into the room. She was tall and agile, dressed in clothing that was of the highest quality and looking completely calm as she held a pistol in her left hand. She scanned the room in the blink of an eye, before turning her pistol to point directly at Rowan, who was closest to her, though her eyes remained steadily upon Sebastian.

Beyond her, Seb saw several of his men rolling on the floor, nursing injuries and moaning aloud. This woman had done that to his men? Essentially barreled through them as if they were a bunch of skinny school boys, instead of the burly ex-boxers that most were.

“Unless your friend wishes to become a eunuch,” she said in the tones of a lady born and bred, as she deftly lowered her pistol to aim directly between Rowan’s legs, all without removing her eyes from Sebastian’s. “I would suggest you tell him not to reach for his pistol.”

She said it as if she were suggesting they have tea.

Rowan’s hand immediately stilled in midair, a look of profound surprise on his face. “Who the hell are you?” his friend asked her.

Sebastian couldn’t help but smile. “I’m guessing Lady Kaitlyn Montrose,” he answered. “Am I correct?”

Her eyes narrowed. “You know of me?”

“I do,” Sebastian answered, reclining back in his chair. “Your reputation precedes you. I doubt there are many ladies adept at using pistols and knives, and even fewer who carry them on their person.” He glanced down at the knives she had strapped in sheaths on her belt.

“Good, that will make matters easier,” she replied, pulling out one her knives and spinning it in her free hand, all the while keeping her pistol steady on Rowan with her other hand. “For you know what I am capable of.”

Seb couldn’t help but be impressed with her skills. She was indeed a weapon, just like