This is a steamy historical romance short story (word count 6,319)
Marcus, the Earl of Cranmer, has a dark reputation for being a dangerous rake, but this does not stop Lydia taking up employment with him as his housekeeper when she finds herself desperately looking for somewhere to hide from her old troubles. She is able to keep the earl at arm's length and avoid any growing attraction between them, until a face from her past shows up bringing drama into her life once more. The earl becomes unwittingly, entangled in Lydia's affairs, as he sets himself up as her savior and protector. Causing Lydia to see the earl in a new light once more, and breaking down all her defenses against him, she realizes she is not impenetrable, to his charms. It is now only a matter of time before they give into their passion for each other at long, last!
Warning: Sexual content included within the story.
