Nightfire — Leona Karr

SHE LED HIM ON

Working as a barmaid in a rough roadside tavern was no life for delicate Kallie Wainwright, so she jumped at the chance for a ride up the Natchez Trace. When a band of cutthroats attacked the coach and killed the orphaned Southern belle who was her traveling companion, Kallie saw another chance: she'd meet the unfortunate girl's guardian and take her place in his household -- just for a while. Then she'd flee again. But when the tall, handsome gentleman opened the carriage door to claim his ward, Kallie felt a thrill from the roots of her lustrous auburn hair to her shell-pink toes. How in the world would she maintain her deception and keep her wits about her when her heart was fluttering like a bird? And then he kissed her -- and swept her into paradise.

HE TOOK HER IN

Fate was mocking Miles D'Argent. He'd always relished his solitary life, unencumbered by responsibilities, but now an orphaned girl -- a distant connection of his aristocratic Southern family -- was being thrust upon him. Well, he'd do his duty and play guardian to the chit until he could find a convent to send her to. Then he'd go back to enjoying his freedom. But when Miles saw the blindingly beautiful young minx with the satiny curves and the ripe lips just longing to be kissed, he put all thoughts of solitude aside. He folded the pliant beauty into his strong arms, swearing that he would not let her go until he brought her to the brink of ecstasy!