Belong to Me

She wants to find her wayward husband and demand an annulment. He doesn’t want to give up his beautiful and charming wife yet. He needs her help to keep him from being arrested.

Charlotte Fairfax, weary of her husband's elusive ways, embarks on a journey in pursuit of him. Amidst the vibrant chaos of a masked ball, she stumbles upon him, hidden among the revelers. In a calculated act of revenge, she conceals her identity and ensnares him with her seduction. Yet, when his reaction diverges from her expectations, Charlotte's resolve hardens, driving her to seek an annulment and nothing less.

However, Ian Fairfax, framed for a crime he did not commit, finds himself grappling with the weight of proving his innocence. In the midst of his turmoil, Charlotte reappears, forcing him to confront her presence. As they navigate their tumultuous circumstances, an unexpected attraction simmers between them, complicating matters further.

Their journey takes an unforeseen turn when they seek refuge in the ancient halls of a castle, only to discover that its enigmatic owner harbors secrets of his own.

Immerse yourself in this enchanting Victorian romance, where delicate passion is gently woven, inviting your imagination to bring the story to life.

England 1854

The masked man in black glanced her way. Charlotte Fairfax held her breath as her heartbeat started a frantic rhythm. This was him... the very person she had come to seek revenge upon tonight.

Charlotte’s palms moistened inside blood-red gloves as she took deep breaths in hopes of calming her nerves. Amongst the couples crowding the ballroom, the mysterious man wearing black weaved around them, his cape flipping out from behind until he stood with a group of aristocrats. The way he moved and tilted his head reminded Charlotte of yesteryear. Now after three years, she’d be able to confront her absentee husband.

She’d been in a foul disposition since arriving in Bath three days ago because the rotten lout she’d married couldn’t be found. Finally, her friend, George Fauxley, discovered her husband would be at this very ball tonight, looking for a woman dressed as the She-Devil.

Charlotte grinned. Her plan was unfolding perfectly. Her truant husband would think she was his informant for his current investigation, but instead, he’d meet her... the wife he hasn’t seen for three years.

Dressed in midnight from the silk scarf covering his hair to the tips of his polished knee-boots, Ian Fairfax exuded confidence and charisma. When he had rescued her from kidnappers a few years ago, she’d fallen in love with him. And now, from across the room, those memories she’d stashed away assailed her.

From across the room, his gaze met Charlotte’s again and his lips curved into a grin. He moved away from the influential people he’d been conversing with, holding her attention the whole time. The crowd around her seemed to disappear from her view, leaving her staring only at him. The shape of his chiseled jaw and the structure of his muscular frame emphasized his build. His cape had been tossed over one shoulder, displaying his loose-fitting raven colored shirt and tight trousers. At first, she wondered if his costume was a pirate. But the long cape suggested otherwise. His intent stare through the mask made her heart’s rhythm increase triple-fold.

Charlotte’s chest hurt as if she’d forgotten to breathe. Insecurity spread through her, a feeling not experienced since she’d been a bookish girl. She whipped around and grasped her friend’s arm. Trying to breathe slower, Charlotte worked to regulate her quick heartbeat. “I don’t think I can go through with this.”

Mrs. Allison Archibald patted Charlotte’s hand. “Do not fear. Simply remain the She-Devil you’ve portrayed for the last half hour. Your husband will be swept away by your charm, I assure you.” Allison pulled away and eyed Charlotte’s costume. “And he’ll definitely be enthralled by your seductive attire.”

The tight-fitting, blood red gown squeezed Charlotte’s bosom. That could be the only reason she couldn’t breathe well. She ran a shaky hand down the silk waist, noting how the material molded to her curves almost like a wet cloth. A heart-shaped bodice showed more skin than she’d ever displayed, and she moved her hand up to cover herself. Red gossamer sleeves hung straight on her arms, gathering at her elbows, and the skirt flattened against her legs. Her attire was indecent, to be sure. Then again, this was a masked ball. Most everyone here wore something outrageous. Although her friend’s Egyptian gown was alluring, it didn’t come close to being as immodest as Charlotte’s costume.

“How can I seduce a man when I have not done this sort of thing before?” Charlotte’s voice squeaked as panic gripped her throat.

“Nonsense.” Allison flipped her hand through the air. “You were the hit of the Season not too long ago. Men from all over admire you… they still do, in fact. You have a way of melting them with your smile and your words. Albeit, this time you’ll be going a touch farther, but I’m confident you will turn out a great performance.” Allison grinned. “After all, you’ve had me as your teacher for two years.”

Charlotte chuckled stiffly. “Indeed, but now the time is at hand, and I fear I may turn into a coward.”

“But the man in question is your husband.”

“Knowing that doesn’t ease my nerves one bit.”

“Think of it like this,” Allison said. “You are both in mask, and he doesn’t know who you are.”

“Not yet, he doesn’t.” Charlotte arched an eyebrow.

“Oh, my dear friend, where is your sense of adventure? Where is the bold woman who only a month ago suggested traveling to Bath to find that good-for-nothing Mr. Fairfax so she could exact revenge?”

Charlotte breathed deeper, trying to steady her heart once again. “You are correct. I shall put aside my worries for now and become the She-Devil I’m dressed to be.”

Before her doubts took control, heavy footsteps vibrated on the floor behind her. A mixture of spice and leather wafted through the air, stirring unknown quivers in her stomach. He was here! The time was at hand.

“Bonjour, Mademoiselle.”

His deep faux French accent sent heated tremors spiraling down her spine, and Charlotte shivered. She should hate him, but now, the only revenge she sought was to make him desire her, just as she had longed for him all these years. She would dangle her charms within reach but would not let him follow through with his desires. The final blow would be presenting him with the annulment papers.

Serves him right for breaking her heart!

Straightening her shoulders, she turned to face him. He stood dangerously close, and a soft gasp sprang from her lips. His tall frame and wide chest made her throat grow dry. The top of her head barely reached his chin.

Collecting her wits, she smiled. “Ye—” She cleared her throat. “Yes?”

His sculptured lips curved into a grin. “May I have the privilege of escorting you for the next dance?”

“Of course, but only because my partner has yet to claim me.” She laid her unsteady hand on top his and he led the way.

Heat from his powerful body radiated from his skin. He spoke not a word as he slid his arm around her waist and took her in the dance hold. When their feet stepped in time with the string quartet’s waltz, he pulled her body scandalously closer.

Under her hand, the smooth material of his shirt slid beneath her fingers. Flesh and sinew flexed under her palms. Tightening her lips, she held back the sigh that wanted to escape, reminding herself that this was revenge and nothing more.

“Are you aware of the spectacle you’ve made tonight, Chère?”

Shock trembled through her at his blunt words. Did he know who she was? Of course not. He wouldn’t know her true identity until she removed her mask. And even then she wondered if he’d recognize her.

“I don’t care what people think of me,” she admitted.

“You’re certainly the most provocative woman at this ball.”

She breathed a sigh. “You really think so? I’m not aware of this.”

“You’re certainly a temptress, luring to your side every man here.”

“And what of you, kind sir? Are you aware of how devastatingly handsome and mysterious you are?”

“No, my attention has been focused on one woman in particular, and I’m dancing with her now.”

She tilted her head, keeping her gaze on him. “Are you always this forward?”

“Oui.” He chuckled. “Are you?”

“It’s for you to find out.”

His dark eyebrows lifted. “Am I to believe you are this way because you’re tempted to taste the forbidden fruit?”

His charm hypnotized all of her senses, weakening her limbs. To keep from falling under his spell, she changed the subject. “What is your costume, kind sir?”

“What do you want me to be, Chère?”

Her heart knocked against her ribs. “That’s not a fair answer to my question.”

“The truth is, my She-Devil,” he replied, huskiness filling his voice as his fingers stroked her hand, “this costume was a last minute decision. So please, tell me what you think I might be, and it shall be so.”

She looked away from the shadow of his eyes peering through the mask and scanned his body. He fit in his dark and mystifying attire perfectly, so flawless it made her heart skip a beat. Too bad he didn’t want her as a wife three years ago. Perhaps she wouldn’t have thought she had wasted the last twenty-four months of her life.

“I don’t rightly know.” She shrugged. “Are you a night rider?”

“I have a better idea. Since you are the Devil, I shall be Hell.”

Lost in a dream, she gazed into his masked face. “If you are Hell, I’d gladly become wicked just to be with you.”

He tightened his hold on her and she brushed against his chest. They danced entirely too close, but she didn’t protest. It was as if a warm blanket of comfort had wrapped around her. All humor disappeared as longing crept into her, weakening her resolve. The foreign flutter in her chest uplifted her and gave her energy. Silently, she cursed her body’s weakness. This was not the way she wanted to react. She had to be in control—not him.

“Mademoiselle She-Devil? May I ask you a personal question?”

“What is that?”

“Are you by chance taken?”

Afraid to make a sound, she held her breath. Should she lie to him? Yet it was too soon to tell him the truth. With a firm decision, she buried her secret deep inside her, and would not give a hint to her true self. “No, I’m not taken.”

“Who is the man that was with you and your friend?”

Her heart flipped with the knowledge he’d been watching her. “Which man?”

“The one dressed as an ancient God.”

“He’s my friend’s escort.”

The music came to an end and she leaned into him, not wanting to leave his arms. Warm, peppermint breath breezed across her cheek and tickled her.

“I’d like it very much if you belonged to me tonight.” His words came out as a request, but his tone held more of a command.

Charlotte’s heart soared. Never in her life had a man’s voice or touch affected her like this, and although it scared her, the new sensation stirred something from within. She wanted more—wanted him to feel the same urgency flowing through her right now. The three days after she’d married him, her body had never reacted with such a demand like it was doing now.

“I think, sir, you are indeed the devil and not I, for your words are tempting me far greater than I expected.”

His face moved forward and she thought he meant to place a kiss on her cheek, which she’d gladly accept. Instead, his lips brushed her earlobe, sending chills down her spine.

“I’ll show you sin if you’ll let me,” he whispered in her ear. “Give me the word, Chère, and I’ll take you to a most pleasurable place.”

Without waiting for her to answer, he withdrew and escorted her back to Allison. Charlotte’s heart pounded with every step. She’d never experienced this passionate longing, and heaven help her, she wanted it with her husband, this devilish, seductive man. She wanted him to love her, wanted him to be the father of her children... the way it should have been when they’d repeated their marriage vows.

Chiding her thoughts, she quickly pushed them from her mind. That would never happen. She didn’t want a man in her life that had trampled her heart.

“Until we meet up again, my sweet She-Devil.”

He bowed over her hand and gallantly kissed her knuckles, and then leaned into her ear. “We have much to discuss… later.” He pulled away then turned and left.

She glanced at the spot his lips had made on her gloved hand. Her mouth turned cotton dry.

Allison clutched onto her arm. “Good heavens, Charlotte. Is he not absolutely wicked?”

Charlotte’s gaze followed her husband through the crowd. “You cannot fathom how close that is to the truth.”

“What happened?”

Charlotte smiled. “He made me feel things I’ve never felt before.”

“Did you charm him?”

“I highly doubt I could accomplish such a feat with a man like Ian, but his words touched deep within my soul. He was certainly charming me. I may not have to work too hard tonight to get him where I want him.” She met her friend’s stare. “Which reminds me, did you secure a room for me?”

“Up the stairs, the third door on your left. The room will be vacant and nobody will disturb you.”

Charlotte breathed a little easier. “Splendid. I’m grateful you have connections here. Everything seems to be falling into place now.”

“Then I shall not worry about you for the remainder of the evening.” Allison winked and left Charlotte’s side, wandering toward George Fauxley who stood with a group of men.

Charlotte waited anxiously as the next hour slipped by. While she turned suitors away who’d come to ask for a dance, her attention remained on her husband. As Ian swept from person to person in conversation, his lithe movements held her captivated. His deep laughter filled the air and sent her heart into an erratic rhythm. People seemed to like Ian. Since leaving her side, he hadn’t danced with anyone, and she smiled from the knowledge.

Earlier, Allison had assured her that Charlotte could charm Ian. She’d had doubts, but no more. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her and she couldn’t stop watching him. Closer than she realized, her goal was finally obtainable.

The night wore on and he periodically looked her way. Even though the mask shadowed his eyes, she suspected his thoughts were indecent. The prickly sensations racing up her spine made her ever so conscious of the desires pulsing through her.

Why had she waited so long to experience this? Her widowed young friend, Allison, had led the wild life, moving from one lover to the next, which Charlotte had thought she’d wanted once upon a time. But the more she watched her lonely companion, who had never found true love, the more Charlotte wanted a family. She yearned for Ian to see the woman she’d become, and yes, heaven help her she wanted him to suffer as she had suffered.

As if examining a painting, she studied her wayward husband. He carried himself like a gentleman and his genuine smile charmed many. Holding his drink, his lean fingers caressed the stem of the champagne glass.

He turned and captured her stare—and held it. Time stood still. The tinkling of laughter dimmed, and she felt as if she were floating. She couldn’t stop herself from remembering his scent, his voice, and especially his touch. Without breaking their stare, he placed the glass on the tray as the butler passed and then moved in her direction. With each step he took toward her, her heart pounded until he stood in front of her yet again.