The Courtesan

The Courtesan
Julia Justiss

After years of dangerous fighting on the Peninsula, Captain Jack Carrington has returned home to take up family duties and find himself a wife.But his life is thrown into turmoil when he views a fencing lesson unlike any other. The talented student is no student at all, but a beautiful young woman, and the most infamous courtesan in all of London–Lady Belle. Who is the mysterious Belle? A jaded cyprian seeking her next protector? A kind friend helping those in need? Or a mistress of sensual delights that tempt a man to madness?Eager to uncover the true woman behind the facade, Jack wagers he can win a kiss from Belle if he bests her at fencing. And though Belle is a woman he can neither afford to keep nor dare to marry, he's willing to risk it all to win her to his bed.

“Would it not be prudent for you to tarry awhile? Your home is still several days’ journey north and I cannot be easy about you attempting the journey.

“Perhaps it would be…prudent to stay a bit longer.”

“Y-yes, more prudent,” Belle echoed. Though she knew it was not prudent at all.

Though Jack then spoke of mundane matters, she found herself leaning closer, listening intently as if each word were a clue. His lips fascinated her, and she felt an inexplicable need to touch them.

Have them touch hers.

Mesmerized by the golden flecks dancing in the irises of his dark brown eyes, she didn’t immediately notice that his lips had stilled, his voice had gone silent. His eyes narrowed, darkened with a heat she recognized only too well.

She waited, scarcely breathing, as his lips descended nearer, until his sigh mingled with her own.

She closed her eyes, every nerve tingling with anticiption. Awareness of him spiraled through her body, from her fingertips down.

How would he taste? she wondered.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOKS OF JULIA JUSTISS

Wicked Wager

“This book has everything lovers of Harlequin romances live for!”

—Old Book Barn Gazette

“Unique true-to-period characters, intrigue and up-to-snuff action makes for very enjoyable reading.”

—Romantic Times

My Lady’s Honor

“A compelling story of secrets and trust…I didn’t want to put the book down.”

—Romantic Times

“Julia Justiss has a knack for conveying emotional intensity and longing.”

—All About Romance

My Lady’s Pleasure

“Engrossing…the tension between the couple crackles.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Another entertaining, uniquely plotted Regency-era novel…top-notch writing and a perfect ending make this one easy to recommend.”

—Romantic Times

My Lady’s Trust

“With this exceptional Regency-era romance, Justiss adds another fine feather to her writing cap.”

—Publishers Weekly

The Proper Wife

“A spirited Regency-era romance that far outshines the usual fare…Justiss is a promising new talent.”

—Publishers Weekly

“If The Proper Wife is not a perfect love story, it comes darn close.”

—The Romance Reader

“Julia Justiss can definitely join the ranks of ‘Buried Treasures.’”

—All About Romance

Julia Justiss

The Courtesan

To the Evelettes for fun, friendship and your

support through all the crises of the

writerly life. I love you!

The Courtesan

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX