Seven Wicked Nights (Turner #1.5)

“Why so formal?”


He took a step toward her. “Formal? I’m just savoring the sound of your name.” Another step. “Lady Westfeld.” Another step, and he slid a finger under her chin. “Lady Westfeld of mine,” he whispered.

“You’ll just have to be my Evan,” she said in response.

“With pleasure.”

And then, step by step, he drew her into the center of the room for a kiss—and another one—and another one after that. She took hold of his arms, and she didn’t let go.





About Courtney



Unlocked is a companion novel in the Turner series. The other books in the series are Unveiled, Unclaimed, and Unraveled. You can also get the entire series as a box set.

Courtney’s latest series, The Brothers Sinister, includes The Governess Affair, a prequel novella, The Duchess War, The Heiress Effect, The Countess Conspiracy, The Suffragette Scandal, and Talk Sweetly to Me. I hope you enjoy them all!

If you’d like to find out when Courtney’s next book comes out, please sign up for her mailing list at www.courtneymilan.com.





Other Books by Courtney





The Worth Saga


Coming late 2014


click here to find out more





The Brothers Sinister Series



The Governess Affair



The Duchess War



A Kiss for Midwinter



The Heiress Effect



The Countess Conspiracy



The Suffragette Scandal



Talk Sweetly to Me





The Turner Series



Unveiled



Unlocked



Unclaimed



Unraveled





Not in any series


What Happened at Midnight



The Lady Always Wins





The Carhart Series


This Wicked Gift



Proof by Seduction



Trial by Desire





Chapter One





IT WAS GOING TO BE A TERRIFIC STORM.

Gareth Cavendish, Duke of Wessex, surveyed the rapidly darkening sky as he stood on the steps of his country estate. Gray-violet clouds boiled up in angry billows and every few seconds thunder rumbled, as if the storm were clearing its throat, preparing to roar. But so far not a drop had fallen.

“I do hope they’re near,” he murmured, scanning the pristine landscape of his property. “The clouds may burst at any moment.”

The man behind him shifted his weight. “Sir William is a very punctual man.”

“Yes.” Gareth narrowed his gaze upon a far-off puff of dust, just visible beyond the stately oaks that lined the road leading to Kingstag Castle. A servant had been sent out to watch for the visitors’ arrival, but it was still over a mile from the main gates to the house. A moment later, a traveling chaise-and-four emerged around the last turn. “There. Just as you said, Blair. Very punctual.”

His secretary murmured a vague reply.

The carriage bowled smartly down the drive, drawing nearer. He stood a little straighter. It wasn’t every day a man welcomed his bride-to-be to his home. Miss Helen Grey, younger daughter of Sir William Grey and the toast of the Season, would be the Duchess of Wessex by the end of the month. Gareth was very pleased with the match. Her father’s best property marched with one of his smaller estates, and according to the marriage settlements, that land would be his one day, as Grey had no sons. It was a good match as well, for the Greys were an old and respected family, even if they had fallen on rather hard times of late. And the young lady herself was ideal: a serene, gracious manner, a lovely face and form, and a beautiful voice. Helen Grey would make the perfect Duchess of Wessex.

Gareth glanced again at the sky. He hoped the storm broke soon and blew over quickly. Guests were to begin arriving the next day, and he shuddered to imagine the chaos if everyone was kept indoors for the next week.

“Let us hope there are no lightning strikes, hmm?” He half-turned to flash a faint smile at his secretary, who nodded, stony-faced. Gareth took another look at the man who was not merely his secretary. James Blair was his distant cousin from a poorer branch of the family and superbly competent. He relied on him like he relied on his right arm. Normally they worked together in perfect tandem, Blair anticipating his thoughts and Gareth relying on his cousin’s uncommonly good judgment in all matters. No one was more closely acquainted with his business concerns or personal matters, nor a better friend. He trusted the man completely.

But now his secretary looked as though a funeral train were approaching instead of a bridal party. “All right, Blair?” he asked curiously.