It’s always a pleasure when I can have an author friend return for my First Kiss Friday Blog. Let’s welcome Ruth A. Casie who has an excerpt from The Lyon’s Gambit. I love everything about the Lyon’s Den Connected World ~ both reading it and writing in this world. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies, and take it away Ruth!

Setting the Stage:

Mrs. Dove-Lyon has chosen Nathaniel and Louise as the perfect duo for this experiment, mostly because of their steadfast commitment to no commitments whatsoever. As a result, Nathaniel and Louise find themselves in a dance challenge.

Excerpt:

“Of all the couples who participated, only two received perfect scores—Reginald and Isla, as well as Nathaniel and Louise. However, we can only have one winner. Therefore, there will be a second dance challenge.

“The judges and I agree. The quadrille is too tame a dance. The waltz is what they’d like to see. Each couple will perform a passionate and alluring dance. I strongly suggest you not bring your inhibitions to the dance floor but rather demonstrate the chemistry and connection between you.

“The couple that receives the most enthusiastic applause and admiration from everyone else will be declared the winner. The couple that fails to captivate the audience will be given a blindfold to join the others who will entertain us later this evening after drinking a great deal of my champagne.”

Bessie went to the side of the room.

“This is unexpected, isn’t it?” Louise licked her lips and then turned toward him.

“Indeed, it is.” He glanced at her. “Nervous?”

“A bit. I know the quadrille, but I have little familiarity with the waltz.” Her voice trembled as she admitted her lack of skill. He must know she’s not from society. Should she confess right now? My lord, seamstresses do not waltz. We dress women in elegant gowns so you may waltz with them.

He leaned close to her and whispered in her ear. “Have no fear. I will lead you through the steps. Let the music carry you away,” with his finger, he gently guided her chin towards him, ensuring their eyes met, “and give yourself to me. I will do the rest.” His fierce gaze bore into hers, holding her captive with his intensity. His voice was soft, warm and mellow, sending shivers down her spine as her heart raced. She blinked to clear her mind and gather her thoughts. This was just like the card game, she reminded herself. A dance, nothing more.

As the musicians played the first measures of the waltz, a dance considered improper and daring, a hush fell over the room. All eyes focused on the two couples. Nathaniel placed his hand on Louise’s waist, his touch commanding and comforting. Her delicate hand rested on his shoulder as they prepared to move.

“Keep your eyes on me, no one else,” he whispered, his gaze smoldering and unrelenting. She nodded as her heart pounded loudly in her ears. As they began to move, she followed his strong but gentle lead. Louise responded to his every silent command; her body instinctively followed his.

They glided and twirled across the floor, their movements more fluid and synchronized with each step. Nathaniel drew her closer, their bodies fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. In the candlelit ballroom, their surroundings blurred, leaving only the two of them.

As they danced, the yearning for Nathaniel’s touch intensified with each passing moment. Louise’s heart raced with an inexplicable ache, her desire for him consuming her every thought. It was absurd, she knew, to feel this way so quickly, but she couldn’t help herself.

Afraid that he would see the depth of her emotions reflected in her eyes, she lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and desire. She dared not look up, fearing he’d see her thoughts clearly in her eyes. “To me,” he commanded in a whispered voice barely audible over the music.

She raised her chin, meeting his intense gaze. Her breath caught, and her legs weakened. But he held her closer, never missing a step. In that moment, with the world spinning around them, she realized with a sudden clarity—she wanted Nathaniel.

As the last chord of the music was played, they bowed to each other, their eyes locked in an unspoken agreement. The dance may have ended, yet a palpable connection between them remained. Several heartbeats passed while the air around them crackled with anticipation.

Nathaniel gently lifted her chin, his hands softly cradling her face. A rush of emotions flooded her being, overwhelming her senses. Their kiss began with a gentle sweetness but soon grew more intense, stirring her heart in a way she had never experienced. In that stolen moment, all worries vanished, leaving the two of them in harmony.

As the kiss deepened, Nathaniel suddenly stepped back, breaking the spell. He hooked her arm onto his and led her from the dance floor.

The audience erupted into applause, cheers, and even a few scandalous whispers, making it clear which couple won their hearts.

He directed them to the side of the room by the terrace doors and on the way secured two glasses of champagne.

“I must confess that I’ve always had a fondness for dancing.” Nathaniel’s words made her smile. “But not as much as this evening.”

She put down her untouched glass. It would wash away the taste of his lips, although nothing would ever take away the soft gentleness of his kiss. Her heart still raced.

“You’re quite good at it.” He gazed at her over the rim of his glass.

Was he referring to dancing or kissing?

---

The Lyon’s Gambit:
The Lyon’s Den Connected World
By Ruth A. Casie

In the glittering world of London, where society dictates everything, Nathaniel, Marquess of St. John, learned the hard way that playing by those rules doesn’t always guarantee a happy ending. Jilted by a woman chosen for him by his father, Nathaniel swore off marriage and embraced the life of a steadfast bachelor.

Louise Hartfield is a talented seamstress with a disdain for the ton’s rigid expectations. Trapped by her mother’s antiquated insistence that as the elder daughter, she must wed before her younger sister, Louise scoffs at the idea of conforming to such a preposterous rule.

When Nathaniel and his friends bet on whether love can transcend class, they turn to Mrs. Dove-Lyon, whose Lyon’s Den hosts their daring experiment. As Nathaniel and Louise navigate society’s expectations, they find themselves drawn together in a quest for true love. Will they defy tradition or succumb to its demands? In this high-stakes gamble for love, who will emerge victorious?

Buy Link: Amazon
The Lyon’s Gambit is currently on pre-order. The release is May 8.

About the Author:

RUTH A. CASIE is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Within the pages, you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense, mind-boggling drama, and heart-melting emotions featuring strong women and the men who deserve them. She currently has four historical series: The Druid Knight, The Stelton Legacy, and The Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, and sheparticipates in The Connected World of The Pirates of Britannia as well as The Lyon’s Den Connected World.

Ruth lives in New Jersey with her hero, three empty bedrooms, and a growing number of incomplete counted cross-stitch projects. Before she found her voice, she was a speech therapist (pun intended), client liaison for a corrugated manufacturer, and vice president at a major international bank where she was a product/marketing manager, but her favorite job is the one she’s doing now—writing romance. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after.  Ruth hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!

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