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

could have told you the truth of it, that I love him.” Her face softened as she glanced over to Sebastian. “That I love him more than I thought it possible to love someone.”

“You do?” Kat asked, her eyes intently searching Livie’s.

Livie nodded. “I certainly do.”

And whatever Lady Kaitlyn saw in his wife’s eyes must have convinced her, because she nodded before reaching over and hugging Livie tightly but gently. “Then I am happy for you, my dear friend. But I wanted to be sure, and I wanted to make sure he loved you, too.” She glanced over her shoulder back at him.

“I’m glad I pass muster.” Seb winked at them both.

“That is still to be determined,” Kat replied with an arch of her brow, but then her eyes narrowed upon him. “Be sure to protect her with your life, Colver. And protect her heart, or I will do as I promised.”

“What did you promise, Kat?” Livie asked, suspicion laced in her voice.

“Simply that I would do to him as he did to Edward Flintock. If he hurts you, it is the least he will deserve.”

Livie merely sighed. “Of course you threatened him.”

Kat shrugged. “You know I protect those I love.”

Livie shook her head but smiled. “That I do. Any luck on your trip?”

“No. But I have not given up hope.” Kat’s eyes turned fierce. “I will find the Chameleon and avenge Victor. But for now, I shall leave you both in peace, for my job in warning your husband is done,” she directed at Sebastian before returning her attention back to Livie. “Are you free tomorrow for me to visit?”

“Yes,” Livie answered. “That would be wonderful.”

“Good. I shall see you then.” Kat gave her a kiss on the cheek and then strode from the room, passing the fallen men she’d effortlessly tore through without a backward glance.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like your friend,” Sebastian murmured as he leaned down and breathed in the sweet scent of Livie’s freshly washed hair. “She’s, um…different.”

Livie laughed. “I did warn you. I do feel sorry for your men, though.” She glanced out into the room beyond, where his men were still moaning as they nursed their injuries.

“It’s rather impressive what she did to them, without breaking a sweat,” Seb replied. “I never would have thought it by looking at her.”

“That’s partly why Kat is so successful.” Livie shrugged. “Everyone always underestimates a woman.”

“I would never underestimate you, my love.” Seb kissed the top of Livie’s head before scooping her into his arms and carrying her over to the lounge by the window.

“What are you doing, husband?” She squealed as he sat down with her in his lap.

“I’m seeing that you rest your feet, my dear.” He gently rubbed his hand over her belly and thought about how truly blessed he was to have found Livie. Or rather, to have been found by Livie. “I really was lost before you came into my life,” he murmured against her ear.

“We both were, my love,” she replied. “But luckily we found each other.”

“Do you ever regret it?” he asked her. Though she wasn’t shunned by Society, he and her family had seen to that, she certainly wasn’t embraced by them, either, as she would have been if she’d married someone from her own ranks. “Marrying me? And not some earl or duke?”

“Not for even a second.” She reached her hand up to his cheek and stroked along the length of his scar. “I don’t need a title to be happy. Just your love, Sebastian Colver.”

He felt a kick under his hand and smiled at Livie. “Well, you certainly have my heart. And I promise I will protect you and our family with everything that I have. With everything that I am.”

“I know you will, my love.” She gently pulled his head down to her own and kissed him softly.

Sebastian breathed in deeply. Contentment filling him to his soul. “I love you and our unborn child so damn much, Livie. You are everything to me.”

“As you are to me, Sebastian.” She returned his smile with such love in her gaze, that Sebastian knew then that this woman who had stolen his heart would hold it until his last breath.

Who would have ever thought that the Bastard of Baker Street would find love with a duke’s daughter? And that she would love him in return?

Not for the first time, Sebastian thanked God for giving him Livie. His Livie, forever and for always.

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Acknowledgments

Firstly, I wanted to give a very special thanks to my amazing editor, Stacy Abrams, who has been nothing but supportive over what can only be described as a very tough twelve months for me. Her kindness and understanding was so very much appreciated and will always be remembered. Stacy, thank you, you are a wonderful editor and such a lovely lady. I’ll be forever grateful to you for your compassion and flexibility.

Secondly, I wanted to thank another equally amazing lady; my fantastic agent, Pamela Harty. Pamela, thank you so much for being there for me and always touching base to see how I’m going with everything. You really are an awesome person and I’m very lucky to have you as my agent.

And finally, a big shout out to all of the crew at Entangled Publishing, who work so hard behind the scenes to make fiction magic happen! A big thanks to you all, you are the glue that keeps everything together and your efforts are very much appreciated.

About the Author

Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison Michaels is a bestselling, award-winning Australian romance author who loves to write sexy history with a dash of mystery! Her debut novel, The Devilish Duke, won the 2019 Romance Writers of Australia Historical Romance Book of the Year. Maddison lives in Sydney with her gorgeous hubby and