The Accidental Princess - Michelle Willingham

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      ‘Tell me to stop.’

      But she didn’t. She had broken so many rules today.

      

      His gaze was heated, his eyes burning with a warning she couldn’t heed. Something about this man drew her in, tantalising her with the promise of physical pleasure.

      

      ‘Don’t stop. I need this…’ Hannah didn’t even understand what she was asking for.

      

      ‘So innocent.’ His mouth moved over her skin, caressing her with his warm breath. As before, her body came alive, needing him to touch. To taste.

      

      Michael pulled her against him, though he didn’t hold her tight. ‘This is your last chance to run away. I’m not above taking what’s offered.’

      

      ‘Show me what it’s supposed to be like,’ she murmured.

      

      The words were all the encouragement he needed, and he covered her breathless mouth with his own. Instinct took over and Hannah kissed him back, ignoring every warning that flew into her mind. She didn’t care. Soon enough, she’d never see him again.

      

      And, by Heaven, if she was going to be ruined after today she might as well have a memory to show for it.

      The Accidental Princess

      Michelle Willingham

      

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      About the Author

      MICHELLE WILLINGHAM grew up living in places all over the world, including Germany, England and Thailand. When her parents hauled her to antiques shows in manor houses and castles Michelle entertained herself by making up stories and pondering whether she could afford a broadsword with her allowance. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, with a degree in English, and received her master’s degree in Education from George Mason University. Currently she teaches American History and English. She lives in south-eastern Virginia with her husband and children. She still doesn’t have her broadsword.

      Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com, or e-mail her at [email protected]

      

       Previous novels by this author:

      THE WARRIOR’S TOUCH*

      HER WARRIOR KING*

       Also available in eBook format inMills & Boon® Historical Undone:

      THE VIKING’S FORBIDDEN LOVE-SLAVE

      THE WARRIOR’S FORBIDDEN VIRGIN AN ACCIDENTAL SEDUCTION**

      Author Note

      I’ve always loved princess stories, ever since I was a little girl. I devoured Grimm’s fairytales and other classics such as A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett and The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain. I wanted to explore the idea of a soldier hero, Michael Thorpe, who looks nearly identical to a crown prince. Throughout the book Michael must question his past and discover whether he was an illegitimate son or the true prince.

      Lady Hannah Chesterfield, the daughter of a marquess, is drawn to Lieutenant Thorpe, though she knows she can never wed a soldier. As Michael’s secrets unfold, Hannah is forced into a fascinating world of intrigue and royalty. Ultimately she must decide whether or not to face her greatest fear: surrendering to her hidden desires.

      

      I hope you enjoy THE ACCIDENTAL PRINCESS, and I invite you to try its companion book, THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS, about Hannah’s older brother Stephen Chesterfield, the Earl of Whitmore. You can also find behind-the-scenes information about my books on my website: www.michellewillingham.com.

      

      I love to hear from readers, and you may e-mail me at [email protected], or write to me at: PO Box 2242 Poquoson, VA 23662, United States.

      

      Warmest wishes.

       To Elizabeth, my own special princess.

      Acknowledgements

      I’d like to thank the library staff of the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Virginia, for their invaluable help in researching the interior of a steamship. In particular, thanks to Library Researcher Bill Edwards-Bodmer, who guided me in choosing the best steamship to use as a model for my own ship. I had a great time poring over old photographs and I was very inspired by the luxurious interiors of these historic vessels.

      Chapter One

       London, 1855

      She could feel his eyes watching her from across the room. Like an invisible protector, warning away anyone who would bother her. Lady Hannah Chesterfield smiled at one of the ballroom guests, but she hadn’t heard a word the woman had said. Instead, she was all too aware of Lieutenant Thorpe’s gaze and the forbidden nature of his thoughts.

      Though she’d only met him a few weeks ago, she hadn’t forgotten his intensity. Nor the way he’d stared at her like a delectable sweet he wanted but couldn’t have.

      He’d brushed his lips upon the back of her hand when her brother had introduced them. The unexpected kiss had made her skin flush, awakening the strange desire to move closer to him. He looked as though he wanted to kiss every inch of her, and the thought made her body tremble. His interest had been undeniable.

      It was nearing midnight, the hour of secret liaisons. More than a few ladies had disappeared into the garden with a companion, only to return with twigs in their hair and swollen lips.

      Hannah wondered what it would be like to indulge in such wickedness, feeling a man’s mouth against her lips, his hands touching her the way a lover would. There was something about the Lieutenant that was dangerous. Unpredictable. He didn’t belong here among London’s elite, and yet he fascinated her.

      She risked a glance and saw him leaning against the back wall, a glass of lemonade in one hand. His black tailcoat was too snug across his broad shoulders, as though he couldn’t afford one that fit. His matching waistcoat accentuated his lean form, while the white

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