Hello, dearest readers and welcome to another First Kiss Friday. Today I’m featuring myself and my story To Claim A Lyon’s Heart. Part of the Lyon’s Den Connected World, this story features a brand new character Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton and a returning character as my heroine, Mrs. Moriah Henshaw. I had a lot of fun with this story that releases on June 21st. I hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

“Would you care to come in for a night cap?” Moriah asked while she ran her fingers over the sleeve of his coat.

Vincent took her hand, bringing it up to his lips. He was afraid to answer yes, knowing where the night might end up. They were only just now beginning to right the wrong that had been done to Moriah’s reputation. He would hate for all that they had accomplished to unravel because he couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

“I’m not certain that is wise, my dear,” he whispered, but when she bent forward and placed her lips upon his own, a part of him sprang to life and he could do little to calm the beast within him.

“It’s just one drink,” she murmured while reaching for the handle of the door. “You wouldn’t want to disappoint a lady now, would you?”

A chuckle left Vincent as though his mind had been made up for him. “Never!”

“Then please come in, my lord. I promise I won’t bite,” she said, laughing.

Challenge accepted, considering he never saw this playful side of Moriah, and Vincent followed her into her townhouse. She dismissed her butler Barlowe after bidding him a good night. Her swaying hips caused Vincent to follow Moriah’s every move as she made her way into her library. A fire in the hearth warmed the room lined with bookshelves, and a writing desk stood off to one side. Near the fire was a comfortable-looking settee, but Moriah made her way to a sideboard where several crystal decanters awaited her pleasure…and his.

“Brandy? Port? Or maybe whiskey? What is your preference, Vincent?” she asked as she picked up one the bottles and waved it in the air.

You, he thought, but for the life of him he couldn’t voice the word aloud. One would think the way his heart was beating a rapid staccato in his chest that this was the first time he had been alone with a beautiful woman. He was hardly fresh out of the schoolroom and his friends would laugh if they knew one of London’s renowned rakes was having a hard time remembering to be a gentleman.

“Whatever you are having is fine, Moriah,” he said, taking a seat near the fire.

“Brandy it is,” she said, pouring two draughts into glasses.

She gracefully slid onto the seat next to him and handed him his glass. “Cheers,” she said, clinking her glass with his before taking a sip. She set the glass down and took his hands. “I wanted some privacy between us so I could express my thanks for all you have done on my behalf. Without your help, I’d still be sitting here alone in this house with a tarnished reputation instead of being on the brink of being accepted again. How can I ever thank you?”

“There is nothing to thank me for, Moriah. I would do it all over again to ensure your happiness. But we are not done until we have your grandfather’s blessing. I must admit he will be hard to convince, but I am determined it shall be done.”

“You’ve done more for me than any other I have known,” she stated, once more running her fingers up the lapel of his jacket, “and you’ve asked nothing in return. Are you certain you are real and not just a figment of my imagination?”

“Your companionship has been more than I could hope for. Certainly, you must know I have come to care for you, Moriah.” Tears glistened in her eyes and Vincent brushed her cheek to wipe one that fell.

“Vincent…I care for you, too.”

The words rushing from her lips were like the sweetest sonnet and, before he could rethink his actions, Vincent bent over to claim her mouth in a searing kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck and his mouth took possession of hers. The kiss was as if they had been starved for one another their entire lives and perhaps, in Vincent’s case, this was true. He had never wanted a woman in his life as much as he wanted Moriah. Not for just a night of pleasure but as his wife for all time.

A moan left her lips and Vincent continued his exploration of this beautiful lady. Their tongues danced together in a common accord and he had to wonder how Moriah suddenly ended up in his lap. That she would feel comfortable with him to stay there told him much, but reason took over before they went too far. He took hold of her hands when she began tugging at his cravat.

---

To Claim A Lyon’s Heart
Lyon’s Den Connected World
By Sherry Ewing

A gambler’s bet. A widow’s burden. Will one game of chance change their lives?

Vincent St. John, Marquis of Saxton, knows full well his duties to the duchy. His responsibilities have been drilled into him since his birth. He has no chance of finding a bride who will see him for who he truly is; they only see the title, not the man. A bet with Mrs. Dove-Lyon, the Black Widow of Whitehall, is just a diversion. Losing may win him everything.

Mrs. Moriah Henshaw has known her fair share of despair. The death of her parents and later her husband left her destitute with no option but to become a man’s mistress. Years later, her tarnished reputation outweighs her excellent birth, and keeps her from being accepted back into society. When her friend pays an outrageous sum to Mrs. Dove-Lyon to find Moriah a husband, Moriah cannot believe she will win anything.

When Vincent meets Moriah, he becomes determined to return her to her rightful place in society. But one accident after another threatens Moriah’s life, and neither of them will win in the game of love unless he can find out who is out to harm her.

Release Date: June 21, 2023
Preorder for $0.99
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