Fifteen Thousand Nights

Начало книги

Elizabeth “Beth” Darcy, nee Bennet, awoke suddenly from a deep slumber, startled by a strange sound in a strange place, and worse, a strange condition — she was without a stitch of clothing.

It took a moment to remember where she was, why she was there, and how she came to be undressed. Her confusion was understandable, for less than twenty-four hours ago, she was a maiden, living under her father’s roof on the Bennet farm outside of Long Branch, Texas. Now she was the wife of the owner of the largest ranch in the county, and her nudity was a result of her husband’s efforts to relieve her of her virginity—rather delightful efforts, she recalled.

Beth slowly rolled onto her back and carefully stretched her arms above her head. The counterpane slipped below her breasts with her movements, but thanks to the warmth offered by the fireplace in the bedroom, she paid it no mind.

The bed was large and sturdy, made in the Spanish style of dark wood with intricate carvings at the head and foot. All the furnishings were massive, but because of the size of the room, they did not overwhelm the space. Tall ceilings assured the place would be cool in warm months, while the fireplace was there for comfort in the winter. A source of heat in the bedroom was a treat for Beth, having lived all her life in farmhouses warmed by a single fire, blankets, and hot bricks. This was luxury indeed!

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