Acknowledgments
I would like to thank the following people for their invaluable help and support:
All the wonderful people at Berkley for their kindness, for cheer-leading, and for helping make my dreams come true, including Cindy Hwang, Leslie Gelbman, Susan Allison, Leis Pederson, George Long, Don Rieck, and Sharon Gamboa.
My agent, Damaris Rowland, for her faith and wisdom, as well as Steven Axelrod, Lori Antonson, and Elsie Turoci.
Jenni Grizzle and Wendy Etherington for being such supportive, fantastic buds.
Thanks also to the wonderful Sue Grimshaw of BGI for her generosity and support. If I could clone you, I would! And as always to Kay and Jim Johnson, Kathy and Dick Guse, and Lea and Art DAlessandro.
A cyber hug to my Looney Loopies: Connie Brockway, Marsha Canham, Virginia Henley, Jill Gregory, Julia London, Kathleen Givens, Sherri Browning, and Julie Ortolon; and also to the Temptresses the Blaze Babes.
A very special thank you to the members of Georgia Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
My terrific book club buddies Susie Aspinwall, Sandy Izaguirre, Melanie Long, and Melissa Winsor for their kindness, friendship, and support.
And a very special thank you to all the men and women serving in our Armed Forces for the sacrifices you and your families make to keep our nation safe.
And finally, thank you to all the wonderful readers who have taken the time to write to me. I love hearing from you!
Epilogue
Although my vampire lover and I had to live in darkness, our existence was filled with the golden glow of love and white-hot beams of passion. Every night was a new adventure, and I knew I would love him for all eternity.
The Vampire Ladys Kiss by Anonymous
Two Years Later
Seated in one of the eight libraries in her and Logans rebuilt mansion in Berkeley Square, Emily lifted her champagne glass and smiled. Her emerald and aquamarine ring, which their footman John had found and restored to her, caught a ray of sunshine and splashed glittering reflections around the room. Heres to the Ladies Literary Society of London.
Carolyn, Sarah, and Julianne all raised their glasses, and the tinkle of delicate crystal rang in the room.
And heres to the publication of Emilys second vampire story, Carolyn added.
May it be as successful as the first story, Julianne said with a smile.
A pleased blush suffused Emilys cheeks. Thank you. I cannot wait to begin on the third installment.
We cant wait, either, said Carolyn with a grin. I want to know what that naughty lady vampire will be up to next.
We also have to decide what our next reading selection will be, Sarah said, pushing up her glasses. I have several suggestions
Her words were cut off when the door burst open, and a gaggle of giggling toddlers made their way toward them, followed by a quartet of smiling men. First across the room was Sarahs two-year-old daughter Daphne, who threw herself against Sarahs knees and grinned up at her. Julianne and Carolyns daughters, Frances and Beatrice, headed for their mothers open arms, where they were received with smiles and kisses. Last came Amanda, who resembled Logan so much that the mere sight of her brought a lump of love to Emilys throat. Amandas pudgy little hand clung to Logans index finger, her sturdy legs toddling unsteadily, and she favored Emily with a drooling smile and a heart-melting Mama.
Emilys gaze met Logans, and again her heart melted, just as it did every time she looked at him. A warm, intimate look passed between them, then he nodded toward the four toddlers and said to Matthew, Daniel, and Gideon, You realize what we have here. Its the next generation of the Ladies Literary Society.
Daniel gave an exaggerated shudder. Heaven help us. Im predicting mayhem in Mayfair for years to come.
Logan scooped up Amanda, who cooed with delight then promptly filled her fingers with his hair and yanked. Have you gentlemen noticed that we are hugely outnumbered?
God, yes, said Matthew. Nothing but females everywhere I look.
And here they sit, picking out another book to read. Gideon made a tsking sound. And you know what that means.
The four men exchanged a look and nodded. Trouble, they all said in unison.
But sometimes trouble is good, Gideon pointed out.
Sometimes very good, Matthew said.
Sometimes extremely good, Logan said. Which is why the four of us have decided to form our own club.
Emily hiked up her brows. What sort of club?
Since youve refused to allow us to join your Ladies Literary Society, weve decided to form the Gentlemens Takeover Society.
Emily and her friends exchanged amused glances. Oh? And what is the purpose of this club? she asked.
It is to encourage our wives to read their scandalous tomes faster.
And to then share the licentious details with their husbands, Daniel said in a very serious voice.
Every last detail, Gideon added, while Matthew nodded.
And if we refuse to meet these heinous demands? Emily asked.
Then we shall be forced to live up to the name of our club and take over. Spirit each of you away to a private destination until youre ready to give in and cooperate.
I can see Im going to need to do that right away, said Daniel. His eyes gleaming with love and the promise of passion, he held out his hand to Carolyn. She shot her friends a mock-dismayed look, and Emily suppressed a chuckle. Carolyn was still a horrid actress.
It appears Im leaving, she said, slipping her hand into Daniels and rising. Daniel swung his daughter into his arms, and with a wave they quit the room.
I dont know why youre laughing, Matthew said with an exaggerated frown at Sarahone that turned into an equally exaggerated leer. Youre next.
Sarah stood, settled Daphne on her hip, then lifted her nose in the air. Well, if you insist. Like a ship under full sail, they exited the room.
Julianne rose, picked up Frances, then looked at Gideon. I suppose you think Im just going to go quietly along with this plan of yours to spirit me off to do heaven knows what with me.
I suppose I do.
And what if Im not quiet about it?
Gideon grinned. Fine by me. I like it when you moan and
Lets go! she said, grabbing his hand, her face turning bright red. They quit the room, closing the door behind them.
Alone at last, Logan said with a slow smile.
She rose and watched him walk toward her, Amandas dark, curly head resting against his broad shoulder, her eyelids drooping.
He stopped in front of Emily and pulled her flush against him with his free arm. Their lips met in a warm, lush kiss that left her breathless. When he lifted his head, heat rushed through her at the desire burning in his eyes.
I suppose you have plans for me as well? she asked.
I do. Is that a... problem?
No, but I know that look in your eyes. Which means I know your plans will result in me ending up flat on my back.
He leaned in to nuzzle her neck with his warm lips. Again I must ask... is that a problem?
Not a bit. Indeed, Im curious as to what you have in mind.
Hmmm... I like that youre curious.
I like that youre bold. And adventurous.
He smiled down at her, his eyes filled with so much love and happiness and passion, she thought she would burst from it.
Emily, sweetheart, the adventure has just begun.
