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#895 WESTERN WEDDINGS

Jillian Hart, Kate Bridges and Charlene Sands

You are cordially invited to three weddings in the Old West this May!

Three favorite authors, three blushing brides, three heartwarming stories—just perfect for spring!

#896 NOTORIOUS RAKE, INNOCENT LADY

—Bronwyn Scott

Her virginity would be sold to the highest bidder! Determined not to enter into an arranged marriage, Julia could see no way out—unless she could seduce the notorious Black Rake…. Harlequin

Historical is loosening the laces with our newest, hottest, sexiest miniseries, Undone!

#898 TAKEN BY THE VIKING—Michelle Styles

A dark, arrogant Viking swept Annis back to his homeland. Now she must choose between the lowly work that befits a captive and a life of sinful pleasure in the Viking’s arms! Viking’s slave or Viking’s mistress? Annis must choose in this powerful, sensual story!

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter One

Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory, 1880s

Alexa Quinn stood tensely in the doorway of the ballroom. Although the last half-dozen guests were milling about, her attention and her thoughts fixated on her father and Elliot Webster. The pair stood beside the fireplace, each with a drink in hand. Elliot had dogged Alexa’s steps most of the evening and she sincerely hoped he hadn’t pulled her father aside to ask for her hand in marriage. Dissatisfied as she was with her life, it would be infinitely more boring if she married Elliot. Even his dashing good looks, wealth and outward charm couldn’t overshadow the fact that Alexa didn’t like him.

She had learned to trust her instincts, as they pertained to zealous suitors, and they hadn’t failed her yet.

“You’ve done it again, my dear,” Benjamin Porter praised as he approached. “No one hosts a better party in Santa Fe. I’m sure your father is exceptionally proud of your skills.”

Alexa dragged her anxious gaze away from her father and Elliot Webster to nod graciously to the short, pasty-faced math whiz who was one of her father’s closest advisors. “Thank you, Ben. I appreciate that.”

The truth was that Alexa didn’t give a whit if she could organize a political or social function for her father and see that it ran smoothly. Harold Quinn might have fulfilled his ambitions as the territorial governor’s appointed director of finance, who also served in several other capacities, and was considered the governor’s most trusted counselor. She even understood that her father was preoccupied with his administrative duties to serve the greater good. Still, it was hard on her pride to know that her father saw right past her more often than not. Furthermore, he hadn’t realized her potential. That cut her to the core.