Taffeta & Hotspur

Contents

Taffeta and Hotspur

War it is, my lady, and to the victor go the spoils.

Also by Claudy Conn

What reviewers are saying about Claudy’s books

Copyright Page

~ One ~

~ Two ~

~ Three ~

~ Four ~

~ Five ~

~ Six ~

~ Seven ~

~ Eight ~

~ Nine ~

~ Ten ~

~ Eleven ~

~ Twelve ~

~ Thirteen ~

~ Epilogue ~

Excerpt: Netherby Halls (unedited)

~ Prologue ~

~ One ~

Journey

About Claudy Conn

More about Claudy Conn’s Books

Taffeta and Hotspur

War it is, my lady, and to the victor go the spoils.

His eyes stared into hers, and once again he was the man in her vision. Feral with desire … coming for her, and she was oh, so willing. She had to stop this. She couldn’t think of him like this. Maids were not supposed to—

Tarrant jarred these thoughts when he laughed and said, Let’s call a truce, you and I, shall we?

A truce, my lord? Were we at war?

He smiled, and she was all too aware of his magnetism. This one was dangerous. He had a killer smile and a singular charm to go with it. When he used them, a woman could forget he was a scoundrel.

He inclined his head. I don’t know why it was, but I think lunch was a sparring contest.

She eyed him warily. The devil was actually flirting with her. Does he think I would be an easy conquest? Ha! "A truce, then. I shall not throw my handkerchief, or cap, your way, and you won’t try to seduce me." She watched the devil glitter in his eyes, and it was most definitely intriguing. She had to keep him at arm’s length for certain.

He laughed again and answered easily, his eyes full with his amusement, I shall have to consider this … Without warning, he leaned over and lightly, easily managed to kiss her lips, parting them, and expertly found refuge there for his tongue.

She was startled by the unexpectedness of it. She was shocked by her reaction both in her body and her mind. The blood raced through her veins, calling all her nerve endings into action. Her heart begin to purr with anticipation. A spot between her thighs tickled her with heat and an itch to be touched.

His kiss was everything she had expected the rakehell Hotspur’s kiss to be. More, she realized, it was what she wanted it to be.

She went into battle with herself and somehow found the ability to pull away abruptly. She put up her chin. Am I to assume, then, we have not negotiated a truce?

His laughter resonated on the breeze, and she found herself smiling in spite of the frown she tried to maintain. He said, Must it be one or the other?

One or the other, she answered firmly.

Then I think not, he said brightly. War it is, my lady, and to the victor go the spoils.

Also by Claudy Conn

Risqué Regencies

Myriah Fire

Oh, Cherry Ripe

Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

Wildfire Kiss

Runaway Heart

Netherby Halls (coming in Jan. 2013)

After the Storm (coming in Feb. 2013)

~

Legend Series

Prince Prelude—Legend

Spellbound—Legend

Aaibhe—Shee Queen (Novelette)

Shee Willow—Legend

Prince in the Mist (Novella)

Trapped—Legend

Free Falling—Legend

Catch & Hold—Legend

~

Shadow Series

ShadowLove—Stalkers

ShadowHeart—Slayer

ShadowLife—Hybrid

~

Through Time Series

Through Time-Pursuit

Through Time-Whiplash

Through Time-Slamming

Through Time-Frankie

Through Time-Compulsion

~

Hungry Moon Series

Hungry Moon: Quicksilver

Hungry Moon-Destiny

Hungry Moon-Jodi

~

Dark Love

~

Lady X

~

Netherby Halls

~

Journey

What reviewers are saying

about Claudy’s books

5 out of 5 stars

Fanning the flames of Myriah Fire!

What was once an innocent, if rollicking, regency romance has exploded with passion as Claudy Conn revisits Myriah Fire to turn up the heat.

The addition of unbridled sexual passion to Myriah Fire’s strong story brings dimensions of maturity and depth to the struggles faced by Myriah and Kit, without diminishing any of the innocence, joy or charm found in the original story. This revised version of Myriah Fire allows Claudy’s regency followers to appreciate what her paranormal romance fans have discovered—mind-bending eroticism.

A truly captivating tale with a blast of added sizzle, Myriah Fire will kindle the flames of your heart and burn up the night.

~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

Love, love, love Myriah Fire!

It’s a brilliant, fast-paced, and ‘true to its title’, ‘going to catch you on fire’ romance. Looking forward to more! Hoping Claudy Conn plans to share more of her historical treasures with us.

~ Candice Stauffer, author

Myriah has always been my favorite

This is a sweet, funny, charming romance. The characters are likeable and the story is well told. I loved all of the Claudette Williams (now Claudy Conn) books, but this one has always been my favorite. I hope she will put out more of her backlist.

~ lmjolicoeur on Smashwords

ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT

ShadowLove—Stalkers is filled with steaming action and dramatic tension … Claudy delicately plants the seeds for future development and characters without distracting from the excitement and romance of Stalkers. The result is that she has a paranormal, vampire series, of romance novels, which carries her own unique and spicy aroma.

ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT … and yes, I am blushing.

~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

Five Cups and a CTTR (Coffee Time Reviewer’s Recommend) Award

ShadowLove—Stalkers is a story that immediately hooks the reader. It reminds me of a roller coaster just beginning, only to plunge into speed, drawing the reader into non-stop action. Intense and spellbinding, this paranormal romance kept this reader engrossed until the conclusion. I loved the passion and chemistry between the main characters. With tremendous action and well thought out characters, this fantastic read sizzles and sparks like a firecracker.

~ Coffee Time Romance & More

Trapped Legend has my pulse skyrocketing!

A clever, fast paced, unpredictable blend of action, adventure, mystery, magic and steamy hot loving  … I picked it up and couldn't tear myself away from it until I read the last page.

I highly recommend each book in Claudy's Legend series. You're seriously missing out on some wonderful adventures if you haven't read the previous stories. It's by far one of the most exceptionally crafted, enchanting Fae series I've ever read.

~ Candice Stauffer, author

Five Stars for ShadowHeart—Slayer

This second in Conn’s Shadow series is filled with vampires, a vampire slayer, demons, wizards, a Fae prince and an unlikely romance. Claudy Conn does an excellent job of making this a standalone story while incorporating some of the characters from the first book and introducing us to several new characters. The war is still brewing and now the Fae are becoming involved. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

This is another one I couldn’t put down and read in a single sitting. I got so caught up in the action I was sad to see it end. Fans of the paranormal romance, urban fantasy and vampire genres should enjoy this as well.

~ Wild About Bones on GoodReads

One hot and thrilling book

I fell for all three of the main characters, fun loving Maxie, dark and brooding Julian, and one hot Fae, Breslyn. However, it wasn’t just the characters that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was the entire involved plot that included jealously, betrayal, magic, murder, and, of course, hot passion … The well-written out mixture of myth and legend, not to mention the characters, all in today’s world has me Joyfully Recommending Spellbound—Legend as one book you won’t want to miss.

~ Jo, Joyfully Reviewed

Taffeta and Hotspur

By

Claudy Conn

Copyright Page

Taffeta and Hotspur

By Claudy Conn

http://www.claudyconn.com

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Edited by: Karen Babcock

Cover Artist: Kendra Egert

All rights reserved

Published in the United States of America

First edition, July 2012

Smashwords Edition

Second edition, December 2012

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

Excerpt from Netherby Halls

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Excerpt from After the Storm

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Excerpt from Runaway Heart

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Discover this and other titles by Claudy Conn at Smashwords.com:

Risqué Regencies

Oh, Cherry Ripe – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135532

Myriah Fire – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/109011

Rogues, Rakes & Jewels – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/171997

Wildfire Kiss – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/221331

Runaway Heart – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/239110

Legend Series

Prince Prelude—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/159840

Spellbound—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96103

Aaibhe—Shee Queen – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110252

Shee Willow—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103389

Prince in the Mist – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104045

Trapped—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/112028

Free Falling—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92368

Catch & Hold—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124602

Shadow Series

ShadowLove—Stalkers – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63037

ShadowHeart—Slayer – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84350

ShadowLife—Hybrid – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/143173

Time Series

Through Time-Pursuit – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210166

Hungry Moon Series

Hungry Moon: Quicksivler – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/257284

~ One ~

Spring 1813, Nottingham, England

TAFFETA LOOKED OUT the window as their well-sprung carriage rumbled languidly over the country road. It was a cool spring day, and the air held a fresh, crisp scent. She looked at her brother and uncle across from her. Although she could see they hadn’t paid the least heed to the sweet breeze as it wafted through their open window, she breathed it in and prepared for battle.

Don’t pout, Taffy! It ain’t like you, and it won’t change my mind, snapped Lord Nigel in a tone obviously meant to be suitably firm and effective.

She wasn’t pouting, but she couldn’t pull herself out of her ‘dream’ to tell him. She was too deeply engrossed in the vision being enacted in her mind as though actors were on a stage right before her eyes.

She saw a huge, muscular, and beautifully naked man with dark eyes that burned through her as he looked right at her—at least the ‘her’ on the stage. His black hair fell in waves around his handsome face, and she watched herself as she glanced at him from top to bottom and allowed her gaze to linger on his ready manhood.

Lady Taffeta lived in the country and from time to time had witnessed a stallion breeding. This incredible man was much like a stallion. She felt herself blush and wondered who he could be—and why she wasn’t shocked in her dream vision.

She had to get out of this vision. It was wrong—all wrong. She sucked in air and broke out of the dream as she pushed her golden tresses away from her face and tried to concentrate on the present. She didn’t know where this vision had come from; she was sure she had never seen such a man—yet.

What did you say? Pouting? I … I am not pouting, she announced, doing a very good imitation of it.

Taffeta knew she had to direct her attention to the present. Sighing, she focused on the conversation at hand. Nigel, why you are suddenly taking on this attitude is more than I can fathom. You may be my uncle, but you are only two years my senior and not fit to tell me what I should or should not be doing.

Nigel turned to her brother beside him. She knew he was looking for help. Her brother, the young Duke of Grantham, had been more friend and confidant than nephew to Nigel since the first day they had gurgled together on the lawns of Grantham Castle, she’d frequently been told.

What are you grinning about, Seth? I should think you would lend me your aid in this. After all, she is your sister!

Taffy watched her brother as he eyed his uncle doubtfully.

Don’t look to me for help with the brat. Papa was the only one able to control Taffy, and this muddle is all your doing, you know.

Lady Taffeta eyed her brother ruefully and then her young uncle and guardian. She knew it had been difficult for him. Nigel had been born to his parents late in life. After his parents’ death, his care and upbringing had gone to his older brother, and he had grown up with Seth and her. The job of guardianship, therefore, was forever in conflict with the position he held as their confidant and friend. Scarcely a month in age separated her brother and Nigel, but that month had been enough to award Nigel guardianship of both her brother and her upon the death of their beloved father. She didn’t know what she would have done without both of them.

However, it was getting close to the day when Seth would be of age and take the reins of his own and her legal interests. It is sad really, she thought idly, how little women are allowed.

You know, Seth, when we started this thing with the Luddites, well … I allowed myself to be drawn into it, even allowed you to drag Taffy in, Nigel said.

This brought her out of her reverie, and she raised one brow as she eyed them. I wasn’t dragged.

Very well, I allowed Taffy to join in the thing because she—we—needed a diversion. We were all so glum when we lost your father, but dash it, man, I didn’t think it would go this far. It just isn’t the thing for Taffy to be involved in, he said irritably. "All of this just now is wrong. In fact, it is time for us to withdraw as well."

Taffy always gets into everything we do. Always has, Seth answered with a wide grin in her direction. "And we are withdrawing."

Well, fond of her, we are both fond of her—spirited thing, Nigel conceded, talking about her as though she weren’t there. And, yes, thank goodness, we are withdrawing.

You have always enjoyed having me with you before, Nigel, Taffy said with hurt in her voice.

As to that, don’t mind now—quite the opposite really. You have been helpful, in fact, but that isn’t the point, is it? Nigel answered impatiently.

That’s right. You’re a great ’un, and I’m proud to own it! answered Seth.

"Well, but you shouldn’t, Seth. You are a duke. One day you will owe it to the line to take a wife and beget an heir. Your sister needs to marry to suit her station and have a life. You should not be referring to her as a great gun!"

Bit out there, Nigel. Taffy has a life. Deuce take it, what maggot’s got into your head, with all this talk of marriage and heirs? None of us are ready for that.

That is just it—we should be getting ready for it. We all owe it to our names. Taffy may only be nineteen, but next month she will turn twenty, and she needs to attend the London cotillions and not have these escapades hanging over her head. They may rear up and haunt us.

Oh pooh, as though I care for such things, she said.

"Well, you should care for such things, replied her uncle. The job of guardian wears heavy on my mind lately."

I am happy here at Grantham with you and Seth. I don’t want to troll about for a man in London.

Her brother barked a laugh, and Nigel shook his head. "Troll about, indeed. Taffy, don’t you want to be courted?"

Have enough of that right here in Nottingham, she said with a giggle. "Your friends have been doing a bang-up job of courting me these last few months."

Really? her brother was moved to exclaim. Never say so, Taff—who?

"Trevor Harley for one. He has been making up to me for the last three months. And Sir Edward tried to kiss me in the rose garden yesterday, and Jeffry did kiss me the day