One Knight In Venice

One Knight In Venice
Tori Phillips

One touch of Venus was nothing compared to the magic in the hands of Jessica Leonardo. The mysterious signorina was a woman unlike any Francis Bardolph had ever known, for she alone could make him face his most dangerous secrets–and still have hope for love!Though Sir Francis played the man of leisure, Jessica saw through his disguise. The man was dangerous–in ways that thrilled the private places of her heart. But would his desire still run hot when her true self was revealed–and her secret shame unmasked?

“My lord, I am not worthy—”

He drew nearer to her, enticed by the lushness of her mouth. “You are more than worthy, madonna,” he whispered. “You have no idea who it is who asks you this favor. Please, call me by my given name.”

Her pink tongue darted out and moistened her lips. “Since you and I have concealed our true identities for tonight, I will do as you ask. But on the morrow—”

“Let the devil take tomorrow, sweet Jessica,” he murmured.

Desire, fueled by an overwhelming urge to protect her, rushed through him like a wildfire. Gathering her into his arms, he held her snugly in his embrace. “What is my name, Jessica?” he whispered into her black, silken hair.

Softer than a butterfly’s wing, her long eyelashes fluttered against his cheek. “Francis,” she breathed. Her rosy lips beckoned his kiss.

Sizzling fireworks exploded within him….

Praise for Tori Phillips’s previous titles

Lady of the Knight

“Ms. Phillips weaves an adventurous story…

a good, fast-paced read.”

—Romantic Times Magazine

Three Dog Knight

“Readers will be held in thrall…a gem of a tale.”

—Romantic Times Magazine

Midsummer’s Knight

“…a fast paced plot…fully and funnily

Shakespearean…wonderfully written…”

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

One Knight in Venice

Harlequin Historical #555

#556 THE SEDUCTION OF SHAY DEVEREAUX

Carolyn Davidson

#557 GALLANT WAIF

Anne Gracie

#558 NIGHT HAWK’S BRIDE

Jillian Hart

One Knight in Venice

Tori Phillips

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Available from Harlequin Historicals and TORI PHILLIPS

Fool’s Paradise #307

* (#litres_trial_promo)Silent Knight #343

* (#litres_trial_promo)Midsummer’s Knight #415

* (#litres_trial_promo)Three Dog Knight #438

* (#litres_trial_promo)Lady of the Knight #476

* (#litres_trial_promo)Halloween Knight #527

* (#litres_trial_promo)One Knight in Venice #555

Dedicated with much love to our family’s favorite aunt,

Katheryn Nink.

“In mine eye she is the sweetest lady

that ever I looked on.”

—Much Ado About Nothing

Contents

Chapter One (#udc30c43b-a6e0-5cb0-81a8-ff8ab13bdce5)

Chapter Two (#u4701cab1-e50a-5843-ab79-d31a31c1e67a)

Chapter Three (#u7b8c206b-3c99-58f4-ac63-26a7fd11282f)

Chapter Four (#u281f7101-390c-5833-b11d-a44bb42a7ece)