Teased: Possessed by the Earl (A Steamy Victorian Short Story)

Can true love rise from tragedy and claim the heart and body of an innocent maiden?

Catherine has loved her closest friend, Nicholas, for as long as she can possibly remember. Watching him grow into a dashing, handsome man full of strength and courage has done nothing to dissuade her from her fancy. Yet, it seems that only friendship is meant to linger where love could blossom. When Nicholas, or the Earl of Abernathy as everyone else knows him, offers Catherine a place to stay after a horrific fire destroys her home and wealth, a slimmer of hope shines. Could it be that this brilliant man, who could have any woman he wants, is interested in a now-penniless woman with no place to go? Even more so, can he be so bold as to ask her to marry him?

The Earl of Abernathy is a man of particular tastes. No woman seems to satiate his rumbling hunger. Except, perhaps, for the delicate Lady Catherine. Though inexperienced, she stirs something in him that few women manage to reach. When misfortune strikes Catherine, Nicholas sees his chance. Just one carriage ride with her clears all his doubts. She is the one he wants. The one he needs. And he will have her, body and mind.

Please note that this is a short story with plenty of steam! It can be read as a standalone.