Read Fearless (Scarlet Suffragette, Book 1): A Victorian Historical Romantic Suspense Series Online
Authors: Nicola Claire
“They have agreed to assess my skills,” I told him, hardening my spine. “I should not have to take the course in its entirety, God willing.”
“Your father taught you well,” Kelly agreed.
“There is always more to learn, Inspector.”
“And you shall master that too, I am sure.”
“Andrew,” I said in warning, unable to continue this conversation a moment longer. It hurt, when it shouldn’t have. He had never been mine.
“It’s all right, Anna. I understand.” He looked sad and desperate and lost all of a sudden. He rubbed the back of his neck and then shifted the weight off his bad leg onto the good.
“Take care, Inspector,” I said, making to turn.
But I didn’t make it. In the next heartbeat I was wrapped up in his arms, his lips pressed to mine, our tongues dancing as I fisted his lapels and clung to him for dear life. Each of us lost to the other. His fingers cupping my nape so carefully, even as his arm around my waist pulled me hard against his frame. I felt everything.
The wharf melted away around us, the world ceased to exist but for this one moment.
His lips. His touch. His desire.
“I love you,” he whispered against the side of my neck, his hot breath washing over sensitive skin. “I have no right to, but I do. So help me God, I’m so very much in love with you.”
He pulled back and looked down at me, and I saw it there, written in the tears of his eyes.
He loved me.
But…
Andrew drew in a long breath of air, lifted his head and looked towards the steamer.
And then said, “I just wanted you to know before you left.”
It wasn’t what I wished to hear. It wasn’t a promise or a vow. It wasn’t Andrew Kelly telling me he’d be with me, no matter what.
I almost said it. I almost laid myself bare.
Come with me. Forget your wife. I don’t care. Just you. That’s all I need. Just you and me and to hell with the rest of the world. Come with me, please. Be mine.
But he wasn’t, was he? And the Andrew Kelly I loved would never give himself so freely if he had not that right.
I smiled; it crushed me. Then I straightened my shoulders, lifted my chin, and walked toward the ship.
I loved him. And he loved me.
But he was not mine.
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A Word From The Author…
So, writing Fearless was a blast. A blast from the past, you might say.
I've always had a thing for history; it was my favourite subject at high school, courtesy of a history teacher who absolutely rocked, (thanks, Mr Taffs!), and I also went on to study it at university, so writing a fictional story set in the past seemed like a logical step.
It took some work to get it right, but I'm inordinately pleased with the finished product. A gripping story (hopefully) set in a gritty world (fingers crossed) with authentic characters as well (IMHO). ;)
Fearless is part of my heritage in a way, and the fun I had researching Auckland City at the end of the 19th century made me realise how lucky I am to live in this relatively young but extremely adventurous country.
I did write a rather lengthy and lovely little blurb here for you all, about what was correct historical fact and what had been embellished by my very imaginative mind. But I didn’t want to ruin the mystique.
However, for those of you who
are
interested in facts and want to know a bit more about what forms this historical world, then sign on up to my Scarlet Suffragette Readers’ Group and take a peek. I’ve not dissected everything, just noted a few little points that I found kinda worthwhile.
Oh, and there’s also a link to my Pinterest Page where you’ll get all the goss via pictures! You won't believe how cool Queen Street looks. And the clothes! Oh, my. Love me a bustle or two and those cravats... yum!
The history behind
Fearless
-
sign-up & dive on in here!
❤ Nicola
About The Author
Nicola Claire lives in beautiful Taupo, New Zealand with her husband and two young boys.
She's tried her hand at being a paramedic, bank teller and medical sales representative, (not all necessarily in that order), but her love of writing keeps calling her back.
She has a passion for all things suspenseful, spiced up with a good dollop of romance, as long as they include strong characters - alpha males and capable females - and worlds which although make-believe are really quite believable in the end.
There's nothing better than getting caught up in a compelling, intriguing and romantic book.
When she's not writing or reading, she's out on her family boat at Lake Taupo, teaching her young boys to fish, showing them the beauty that surrounds them in nature and catching some delicious trout for dinner.
Creating rich worlds with dynamic characters and unexpected twists that shock and awe has been pure bliss for this author. And just as well, because there's a lot more story yet to tell...
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