The Wicked Beginning Read online

  Godric raised his glass and saluted the blond baron.

  “What should I bring? A mask? A pair of pistols? A single rose to leave behind as our mysterious calling card?” Charles rattled off his questions in excitement. The others rolled their eyes in exasperation.

  “Have you been reading those Gothic novels by Mrs. Radcliffe again, Charles?” Lucien asked with a tortured expression.

  Charles’s face flushed, betraying him. Godric and the others laughed.

  “Bring one pistol, for show. No mask. And be at my townhouse at eight o’clock tonight,” Godric told him.

  Charles’s face fell in disappointment. “No mask?”

  “Charles,” Ashton cut in with a bemused chuckle. “Women do not swoon at the sight of masked men. They scream and promptly faint. It’s rather frustrating, and it attracts attention. If this girl fights us, we’ll use laudanum.”

  Charles raised a brow with an equal measure of admiration and curiosity. “Just how many abductions have you been a party to, Ash?”

  “Enough to know how to do the thing properly,” Ashton assured him, but he said no more.

  “Everyone willing to do this?” Godric asked. He wouldn’t judge any of them if they didn’t wish to take part.

  A rumble of masculine voices echoed their agreement in their private room.

  Godric smiled. “Very well. Then if that business is concluded, why don’t you deal me in, Lucien?”

  It was the conclusion of another typical meeting of the League of Rogues.

  * * *

  Thank you so much for reading The Wicked Beginning! If you’re knew to the League of Rogues and want to see how Godric and Emily’s love story unfolds get their book Wicked Designs HERE!

  For you returning League fans, be sure to preorder The Earl of Morrey book 14 HERE !

  About the Author

  Lauren Smith is an Oklahoma attorney by day, author by night who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, and a Semi-Finalist award for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

  To connect with Lauren visit her at:

  www.laurensmithbooks.com

  [email protected]