Stealing Abigail by Chloe Glint
When Abigail discovers a thief in her manor, she threatens to go fetch the police. The man, horrified at being caught, tells her about his daughter, Mary, he must feed. He begs her to let him leave. There is something strangely trustworthy about the way he speaks, and despite her better judgment, Abigail lets the man go. Little does she know that the thief will be back in her life before long. Not to steal the manor gold, but her heart.
Description
Find more from this author on:
About the author:
Chloe Glint is the writer of erotic romances. Her titles include A Gypsy’s Bridge, A Pirate’s Prisoner, and Love in Ribbons. Her short story has appeared in the Darkest Desires anthology. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys playing with her animals, running, and taking dance classes.
Here is a short sample from the book:
Chapter One
Edmund crawled through the window of the grand, three-story estate with an empty bag in hand. When his soles touched the floor with the grace of a cat’s feet upon the ground, he glanced around the darkened halls of the manor. Rich red rugs covered the floor and elaborate portraits hung upon cream colored walls. The ceiling had a mural painted upon it, though he could not make out the image. He smirked. If the people of this manor had enough riches to hire a grandeur artist to make their ceiling a work of art, then they were bound to have enough gold to keep his and his daughter, Mary’s, belly full for weeks.
With that thought in mind, Edmund snuck forward, then paused at a six foot tall case filled with decorative white and blue china. He stole a glance at the staircase which twisted tightly along a single pivot point and had black iron handrails to grip. Nobody was there. He turned his attention back to the decorative case, then opened one of the bottom drawers. Inside of the drawers was silver cutlery, cutlery fine enough that he could already imagine the money he would get in return for it. His mouth watered at the thought of putting a fat chicken upon the table and watching Mary’s blue eyes illuminate, turning her dark oceanic pools to bright, sparkling lights. He picked up the cutlery, then began to shovel it into his bag quickly, though being careful to not make too much noise.
Once Edmund had cleared the drawer, he reached up to seize china from their shelves. Just as he touched the black metal handle in order to open the glass pane display case, however, he heard the sound of rustling behind him and whirled around. There, standing with some sort of wooden club in hand, was a blonde-haired woman in a lilac nightgown with her face pink. Her chest heaved and a sheen of sweat covered her forehead. Edmund was so shocked by her sudden arrival that he froze. His stomach plummeted and his heart sped up. The woman, though she trembled with every footstep she made, headed toward him.
“Get away from my grandmother’s china,” the woman said. “Now.”
Edmund stepped away from the dresser, then dropped the bag of goods on the ground. His breath came in uneasy gasps as he imagined the police arriving in their carriages at the door. If he left Mary alone, she would die. Her mother, Bianca, had deserted them for a rich man and he had few he could call friends. His eyes dropped to the woman’s thin waist. The mousy creature couldn’t have been more than one hundred and ten pounds soaking wet. She was so small every bone in her body jutted out. It made him wonder who was the poor, starving person, she or him. Her smallness may have been a lucky break. He could knock her out and run.
But would you really be willing to do that? said a small voice in Edmund’s head. The answer was obvious. No. Edmund may have been a thief out of necessity, but he had never hurt another human being in his life. He wasn’t going to start with this thin, though strangely strong, woman who stood before him. Maybe he could reason with her.
“I won’t hurt you,” Edmund said. “You can put your weapon down.”
The woman shook her head adamantly. “So you can overpower me in a matter of seconds? I think not.”
I could overpower you whether you had that bat or not, lady. “Alright. If holding it makes you feel more comfortable, then so be it.”
The woman eyeballed him sourly, then glanced up at the staircase. She opened her mouth to yell, probably for a servant, and Edmund rushed at her and forced his hand over her soft lips. She trembled against him, then hit him on the back with her bat. It felt as though she was pummeling him with a twig. He pushed her against the wall and felt guilt and pity rush over him as he gazed into the woman’s startlingly green eyes. It pained him to see such fear in them.
“I promise I won’t do anything to you.” Edmund knew that she would not believe his words, but he had to say them anyway. “I have a daughter. You have no idea what it’s like to be poor. You have no idea what it’s like to be on the streets and wondering how you’re going to feed your baby girl the next day. That’s why I’m doing this. I’m begging you. I’ll leave all of your things, but please let me go.”
As Edmund gazed into the woman’s face, he could see her brain stirring. Her trembling lessened, but only by a little.
“I’m going to let your mouth go, but you must promise not to yell for help.” Edmund gazed into her face probingly.
For a second the woman did not move, but then she nodded slowly, as if she was unsure of her answer even as she gave it. Edmund released her face, half expecting her to scream, but she didn’t. He stepped away from her, grateful he didn’t have to pin her against the wall anymore. He was sure the action hurt himself as much as it hurt her.
“You have a daughter?” the woman asked quietly, suspicion dripping from every word she spoke.
Frowning, Edmund nodded. Images of his brown-haired, blue-eyed daughter tangoed in his head. When Mary smiled, it was as beautiful as it was ugly. Her face was so thin her skin stretched out upon bone. Even imagining it made him shudder.
“Why should I believe a thief?” the woman asked. “I could call my servants or my father who would have the police here within moments. How do I know this isn’t just a story to make me let you go?”
Edmund stared at the woman, then began to dig around in his pocket. From within it, he pulled out a small rag doll with button eyes he had stolen from a fine black carriage earlier that day. The people hadn’t even realized he had taken it, and he knew it would bring some comfort to Mary, though not as much as a full stomach would. The woman laid eyes on the doll and stilled.
“I know this isn’t much proof, but why would anyone but a father have a doll in his pocket?” Edmund studied her face, praying to see kindness.
As the woman considered him, her green eyes narrowed. She released a sigh as she tugged on a strand of hair.
“I really shouldn’t believe you…” The woman sighed. “This girl of yours. What’s her name?”
“Mary.” Mary Ellen, named after her grandmother, Edmund thought.
“Mary. A Christian name.” Once again, the woman eyeballed him. The irony was not lost on Edmund. “How old is she?”
“Ten,” Edmund said. “And smart. Far smarter than me.”
The stare the woman shot him suggested she thought everyone was smarter, but he shook off the look. He stared into her green eyes which reminded him of the thick green moss in the forest and wished he knew what she was thinking. The woman, still shaking, tucked a strand of curly blonde hair behind one ear and then bit her lip.
“Alright. Alright.” The woman sighed, then hung her head go. “You can go, but only because you have a daughter.”
Relief washed over him. It was like sunshine after weeks and weeks of French rain. He released a shaky breath.
“Thank you,” Edmund said.
Deciding to leave before the woman changed her mind, Edmund turned toward the still open window and headed toward it. He had made it three strides before he heard the woman call, “Wait!” Edmund stilled, his stomach sinking with dread. Once again he imagined being forced backward into a police carriage where he would be carted off to court.
“Yes?” Edmund did not dare turn around.
“Take the china,” the woman said. “My grandmother was a nasty beast. I hate to be reminded of her anyway.”
For a second he didn’t believe the woman’s words. But when he saw the woman held out his bulging bag, he knew she meant what she had said. He took the china from her and fought down the urge to kiss both of her thin cheeks.
“I know you likely don’t believe me about Mary, but it’s the truth.” Edmund pressed the bag against his chest. “This will feed us for quite a while.”
The woman nodded at him, then headed for the staircase. Though the woman was all pale skin and jutting bones, he felt the fleeting fires of attraction as she began to climb the steps. He exhaled a sigh, fought down his confused emotions, and rushed toward the window, grateful for the only kindness this world had showed him in so many years.
Related products
-
Fourteen Shades of F*cked Up: an Anthology by ML Rodriguez
Fourteen authors have brought you stories of pain and love.
Struggle and dissonance.
PETITION DENIED by Alyson Hale
DARKNESS CONSUMED by Ariel Marie
EXCITABLE by Brittney Coon
CONSENSUAL by Cristina Slough
F*CKING ADDICTED by J.A. Kerr
FOREVER PROMISES by J.L. Baldwin
A STRANGE AND DISTANT SAFETY by Jennifer Loring
WICKED GAMES by Lilly James
AFFLICTION by Marie Skye
STORY OF US by ML Rodriguez
HER MISTAKE by N. Mills
MISS X by Quinn
KILLER DOM by S. Valentine
ANOTHER LAST GLANCE by Zack Halford
Tall, Dark & Alpha Boxed by Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Paige Tyler, Sam Cheever, Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Eve Vaughn, Farrah Rochon, Delaney Diamond, Dawn Montgomery
“~ Top 100 Amazon Bestseller~
~ USA Today Recommended Read in Romance~
These HOT alphas are ready to take charge.
Are you ready for the decadence and allure of an alpha’s dark charm? The bad boys in these 10 sizzling stories will make your heart pound. Against these dominant seducers, the heroines don’t stand a chance. Prepare to fall in lust–and love.
Delve into the sensual worlds of award-winning authors: Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Sam Cheever, Delaney Diamond, Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Dawn Montgomery, Farrah Rochon, Paige Tyler, and Eve Vaughn. Immerse yourself in the alpha male experience.
***
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Rock My Boat by Afton Locke: Rhonda Simms embarks on a cruise to create an ad campaign. Instead, she lands a shape shifter who will do anything to be human again. Will she let him rock her boat?
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Silver Tongued Devils by Dawn Montgomery: Captain Na’varr and his executive officer, Brom, know they have a good thing when they capture stowaway hacker, Raesa, with her hot temper and dangerous curves. They want her, body and soul just as she wants them. But such trust endangers them in ways none of them can anticipate. Dare they risk it all?
Fight for Love by Delaney Diamond: Rafael Lopez, former professional wrestler and “”Sexiest Athlete Alive,”” is back and determined to hold onto the woman he lost, but still loves, and the son he never knew existed.
Crazy (Vampire Love) by Eve Langlais: Ella hears voices and they don’t like anyone. But not even poltergeists can stand in the way of a vampire in love.
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Sex with an Ex by Eve Vaughn: When these two divorcees reunite in the bedroom, the sex is hotter than ever. But can their hearts survive the second time around?
In Her Wildest Dreams by Farrah Rochon : When Erica Cole, owner of “”Your Wildest Dreams”” event planning, requests his help in creating a Valentine’s Day fantasy date for her clients, chocolatier Gavin Foster sees it as the perfect opportunity to show her just how sweet their reality could be.
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Player’s Challenge by Koko Brown: Sports agent Gemma Clarke must face the biggest challenge of her young career: represent her former lover and bad boy footballer, Devin Spencer. Their passionate love affair ended badly. Now he’s back to prove to Gemma he’s changed and convince her to give them one more chance.
Two Cops, a Girl, and a Pair of Handcuffs by Paige Tyler: Cilla Garner has it bad for hot cops Hayes Prescott and Reed Lockwood. If they both end up asking her out, she doesn’t know how she’ll choose. Having a threesome doesn’t even enter her mind until they hint at it, and then it’s all she can think about.
Chase and Seduction by Randi Alexander: Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. To Reno, Chase is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, but will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?
Tall, Dark and Apocalyptic by Sam Cheever: He’s a hunter in a world turned upside down. She’s his prey, a creature of dark magic. But the passion burning within them may be their undoing.”
Killer Romances: 10 Dark, Deadly & Delicious Suspense Novels by Dana Delamar, Tallulah Grace, Sandy Loyd, Kristine Mason, Dale Mayer, Nina Pierce, Chantel Rhondeau, K.T. Roberts, H.D. Thomson, and Susan Vaughan
Ten of today’s hottest romantic suspense authors have joined forces to bring you an amazing boxed set of ten full-length novels–all for one low price! Romance, mystery, and thrills abound in these dark, deadly, and delicious tales of lethally sexy heroes and the women who bring them to their knees. Love bad boys? We’ve got ’em. Love good guys? We’ve got them too! There’s something for everyone who picks up this red-hot bundle. Ready to dive in?
Books included:
Dana Delamar ~ REVENGE (Blood and Honor, #1)
Amazon Bestselling Author Tallulah Grace ~ Cliffs of Starsdale
Bestselling Author Sandy Loyd ~ Deadly Misconceptions
Kristine Mason ~ Shadow of Perception (Book 2 CORE Shadow Trilogy)
USA Today Bestselling Author Dale Mayer ~ Haunted by Death (By Death Series Book 2)
USA Today Bestselling Author Nina Pierce ~ Blind Her With Bliss, Book 1 of the Dangerous Affairs Series
Chantel Rhondeau ~ Love & Deception (Agents in Love – Book 1)
Amazon Bestselling Author K.T. Roberts ~ The Last Witness
Award-winning Author H.D. Thomson ~ Shrouded in Darkness – Book 1
Award-winning Author Susan Vaughan ~ Primal Obsession
SEDUCTIVE SUPERNATURALS: 12 Tales of Shapeshifters, Vampires & Sexy Spirits by Erin Quinn, Caridad Pineiro, Erin Kellison, Lisa Kessler, Chris Marie Green, Mary Leo, Maureen Child, Cassi Carver, Janet Wellington, Theresa Meyers, Sheri Whitefeather, Elisabeth Staab
Bad boys, tortured alpha heroes, and kick-ass heroines all come together in 12 steamy full-length paranormal romance novels and novellas from NY Times, USA Today, and national bestselling authors! Whether you’re looking for tantalizing dark tales or the humorous side of the supernatural, you’ll get werewolves, vampires, fallen angels, monster hunters, and ghosts—every one of them a hot temptation you won’t be able to resist…
DIABLO SPRINGS by Erin Quinn: Gracie Beck vowed that she would never to return to Diablo Springs, but the haunted town lures her back—along with the man who betrayed her years ago. Reilly broke her heart with his lies. Now, he wants a second chance to win her, but can they survive the ghosts of Diablo Springs?
VAMPIRE REBORN by Caridad Pineiro: Would you be reborn for love? Ryder Latimer, sexy Southern vampire, will have to make one of the most difficult choices in his undead life: Become human again or protect his new wife and child.
SHADOW FALL by Erin Kellison: Just discovering her magic, ballerina Annabella Ames didn’t mean to summon a dark wolf from Twilight, nor the tempting fallen angel Custo Santovari, who has no place in Heaven. The cunning wolf stalks them relentlessly, and danger seduces as they fight for redemption and love.
NIGHT ANGEL by Lisa Kessler: When Colin Flynn returns home to Ireland, the immortal Night Walker’s flesh has healed, but the scars hide a broken spirit. Juliana Duffy plays piano in spite of her deafness, challenging him to redefine himself and find the strength to battle an ancient enemy.
SHADOWS TILL SUNRISE by Chris Marie Green: Two monster hunters fighting a star-crossed attraction and one bloodthirsty phantom leaving a trail of death… Can love survive till the sun rises?
A SHADOW AT TWILIGHT by Mary Leo: They say Hotel Colorado is haunted, but when Dillon Spencer appears in his hotel room to find Hilly Thompson, his assistant, soaking in the tub, he begins to question whether or not he’s alive, dead, or caught in another dimension.
MORE THAN FIENDS by Maureen Child: At 32, Cassidy Burke discovers she’s a legendary Demon Duster. But she’s got bigger problems than some pesky demons. Like, Logan Miller–first love, baby daddy to her genius daughter is back. Then there’s Devlin Cole, a walking orgasm with too many secrets. Cassidy’s life is out of control and about to get way too interesting.
IMMORTAL POSSESSION by Cassi Carver: When Dr. Evelyn Vale is paired with Immortal Bounty’s sexy commander to go undercover and infiltrate a supernatural body-trafficking ring, she’s eager to get to work. Until she learns the catch… To crack this case, he’ll need to possess her body.
FOREVER ROSE by Janet Wellington: Tarot cards predict a dangerous journey for Taylor Rose, but she doesn’t expect to travel back to 1888 San Diego. What the cards didn’t predict was falling for a man bent on revenge, a helpful ghost, and spooky séances. Is she there to prevent a murder or to find love?
WELCOME HOME, VAMPIRE by Theresa Meyers: Corporal Cole Wagner lost his humanity in war – literally. Turned into a vampire by the military’s Vector Force, he’s the ultimate weapon, but when he returns home to set the past right, will the enemy stop at nothing to get him, including threatening the life of the woman he loved, and lost, before?
VAMPIRE MAGIC (Blood Genie, books 1 and 2) by Sheri Whitefeather: Two tenderly romantic, wildly erotic stories featuring supernatural hybrids (vampires/genies) who grant wishes for the exchange of blood.
WILD NIGHTS WITH A LONE WOLF by Elisabeth Staab: A mandatory vacation lands Agent Sherri Walker in bed with a local werewolf. Asher Hughes walked away from his outlaw pack but couldn’t ditch the bad blood. Together they’ll have to pull off one hell of an act to get out of treacherous territory alive.
Top 100 Reasons to Love: 12 Book Boxed Set of the Most Popular Best Selling Shifter, Billionaire, Rock Star & Bad Boy Romances by Julia Kent, Aubrey Rose, Cerys du Lys, Adriana Hunter, Eve Langlais, Emma South, Marina Maddix, Deanna Roy, Dez Burke, Krista Lakes, Marian Tee, Michelle Fox
“Her First Billionaire & Her Second Billionaire by Julia Kent — Two secret billionaires. One curvy woman. Zero reasons to choose.
Me, Cinderella? by Aubrey Rose — A sweet BBW new adult Cinderella story with just a touch of spice.
The Billionaire’s Ultimatum: His Absolute Need by Cerys du Lys — Falling in love wasn’t supposed to be a part of Jessika’s temporary job description.
Taming the Alpha by Adriana Hunter — A contemporary BBW shifter romance.
Two’s a Couple, Three’s the Law by Eve Langlais — Bad boy werewolf or suave vampire? Why choose when the law demands she take on two?
Remember Our Song by Emma South — Can the lightning of true love strike twice after amnesia tears the perfect couple apart?
Laid Bear by Marina Maddix– Can true love survive when worlds collide?
Forever Innocent by Deanna Roy — Torn apart by tragedy. Reunited by chance. A love to never let go.
First Moon by Michelle Fox — A curvy beauty feels the bite of the wolf and heeds the call of the wild.
The Rockstar I’ve Loved for So Long by Marian Tee — A new adult billionaire rock star romance.
Skin Deep by Dez Burke — A scarred race car driver. A beauty afraid to take a chance. Can their love overcome?
Champagne Kisses by Krista Lakes — A contemporary romance with lost love & second chances.”
Thrones of Desire: Erotic Tales of Swords, Mist and Fire by Mitzi Szereto
Thrones of Desire is a place where lust and legend abound, and adventure, passion and danger entwine. Think mystical lands and creatures, kings and queens, knights and renegades, heroes and villains, warlords, maidens and princesses. Think battles and danger, honor and dishonor, good and evil. Most of all, think hearts filled with passion and secret desire. This is a place where romantic chivalry is alive and well, but so too is romantic wickedness. This is a place where the good do not always win, and the bad are often more captivating and desirable than their altruistic counterparts. In these lush and timeless landscapes, the battle for flesh can be as important as the battle for power. Intrigue, sorcery, revenge, lawlessness, dark secrets and mysterious elixirs; entanglements with supernatural beings — everything is possible in these magical mythical landscapes. Inspired by Game of Thrones these imaginative steamy tales transport the reader to fantastical realms. Featuring a special foreword from legendary fantasy author Piers Anthony.
Billionaire Romance Boxed Set (9 Book Bundle) by Julia Kent, Krista Lakes, Adriana Hunter, Aubrey Rose, Artemis Hunt, Liliana Rhodes, Melanie Marchande, Starla Cole, Cerys du Lys
99 cents for a limited time!
From powerful businessmen to dominating bachelors who won’t take no for an answer, this exclusive Billionaire Romance boxed set includes some of the hottest stories ever published by popular romance authors!
Download 9 scorching hot tales of seduction featuring wealthy men from all walks of life. These irresistible bad boys will take you on a wild ride that will leave you breathless!
This boxed set collection features stories from popular authors including: USA Today & NY Times Bestsellers Julia Kent, Aubrey Rose, Adriana Hunter, and Artemis Hunt, Top 100 Kindle bestsellers Krista Lakes and Melanie Marchande, and Bestselling Authors Starla Cole, Cerys du Lys, and Liliana Rhodes!
HER FIRST BILLIONAIRE by Julia Kent
Caught between two men- literally- who turned out to be roommates and secret billionaires, Laura makes a startling discovery about her own capacity for passion.
THE WOMAN OF THE BILLIONAIRE’S DREAMS by Krista Lakes
Tracy has been stepped on all her life, but when a car accident leaves her with the ability to enter other people’s dreams, an opportunity arises. Will Tracy be able to break out of her shell in order to seduce billionaire Paul Hayes?
SHATTERED by Adriana Hunter
Curvy Katherine is tired of the daily grind. She craves something new… something exciting. There is one thing that she does look forward to every day- the meetings with her ruggedly handsome billionaire boss, Matt Donaldson. Known for his impossibly good looks and unbelievable wealth, he’s loved by many and hated by many more. Katherine never thought Matt noticed her until he comes to her rescue. That sets the pace for a dangerous game of complete submission.
ME, CINDERELLA? by Aubrey Rose
One kind deed can change your life forever…
Brynn has spent her life trying to forget her desires, and Eliot’s deep wounds have taken nearly a decade to heal. After so much hurt, will either of them be able to open their hearts again?
THE PRETEND BOYFRIEND by Artemis Hunt
Samantha is clumsy and totally in need of a new boyfriend by this weekend. Her younger sister is getting engaged. Enter Brian Morton. He is gorgeous, rich, snarky, and utterly promiscuous. He was also the bully who made Sam’s middle school life a living hell. A series of bizarre events results in Brian losing a bet. His punishment? To be Sam’s slave for the weekend… and do anything she wants.
NO REGRETS by Liliana Rhodes
Life hasn’t been perfect for plus sized Deborah. Working in a department store isn’t great, but it has its perks and she meets one in the form of a man she calls “Mr. Sexy”. William King isn’t just any man though, he’s an ultra-private billionaire heir. When Will’s mysterious past puts the two lovers in danger, will the truth bring them closer together or finally tear them apart?
I MARRIED A BILLIONAIRE by Melanie Marchande
Maddy has given up on marriage- and men. But when her rich (and sexy) boss Daniel Thorne proposes an arrangement of convenience that would allow him to stay in the country, and Maddy to never work another day in her life, she might get more than she bargained for. By the end of their sham relationship, Maddy finds herself wondering if the money will be enough to repair the cost of a broken heart. But Mr. Thorne may have a secret in store…
THE EXHIBITIONIST by Starla Cole
Erik, a BDSM master Syria met at a bondage exhibition, offers her an opportunity to join his life of beauty, wealth and power as his personal escort and exhibitionist. But on Christmas Eve, Syria will have to choose between a life of luxury sans love, and the Santa stripper who just may hold her heart.
THE BILLIONAIRE’S ULTIMATUM by Cerys du Lys
Falling in love wasn’t part of Jessika’s job description. Nor was being asked by billionaire CEO Asher Landseer to become an egg donor and surrogate for his infertile wife. All Jessika wants to do is help, but is she setting herself up for heartbreak in the process?
Perfect Need – Seven Tales of Love and Passion by Barbara L.B. Storey
Close your eyes.
Fall in love.
Stay there.
~ Rumi
You never know who you’ll fall in love with, or why, or whether it’s a good idea – ask Rowan in A Star, A Stone. A sudden rainstorm – Stormy Weather – or even an exercise class – The Queen of Heaven – can be the spark that creates abandon and exhilarating passion between two lovers. In Dolce, a full-course Italian meal prepared with love whets . . . other appetites.
The stories in Perfect Need explore what love and passion can become, how they can affect two people for a moment, or for a lifetime; when they tumble into a love they never expected; when they decide it’s worth the risk to stay . . . or not.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.