The Fallen Earl's Sinful Salvation: Rogues Gone Dirty, #1

By Bella Moxie

It was only supposed to be one night of pleasure...

 

These two desperate strangers need more from each other than a passionate night. They need saving. But when identities are revealed and secrets uncovered, will desire be enough to overcome the pain of betrayal?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grace Street Publishing
• Release date: Dec 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215601549

Book preview

1

The dark, dingy alleyways that made up Vestry Lane hadn’t prepared Vivian at all for the ornate elegance that was Madame Loula’s entryway.

With parted lips, she blinked as her eyes adjusted to the warm glow of the candelabra and the flickering flames of the fireplace at the far end of the room.

The walls and furniture appeared to be draped in dark velvets and silk damask, while thick rugs covered the floors and muted the voices within.

She swallowed hard and adjusted her black, feather-covered mask.

She’d seen opulence before. As the daughter of a business tycoon and the recently widowed wife of a viscount, she was no stranger to the finer things in life. It was only finding them here in Vestry Lane that was the surprise.

This stretch of land between the upscale neighborhoods and London’s tawdry underbelly was best known as a refuge of sin. It was where the gentlemen of Mayfair could explore their vices and where the ne’er-do-wells from the dark alleys beyond could exploit those vices and earn a mountain of coin in return.

Like King, for example. The man who owned most of this land and who oversaw its runnings with the help of his enforcer known as the Beast.

Vivian shouldn’t have known about King and his Beast. Just like she shouldn’t be here at all.

But here she was.

A thrill of anticipation lit a fire in her belly. It was a heady mix of excitement…and nerves.

Ah, there you are. A tall woman with sleek black hair and a magnificent bosom came toward her with open arms.

Vivian smiled as she returned the other woman’s air kisses near her cheek.

Darling, I was beginning to fear you would not make it, Madame Loula said.

Madame Loula’s French accent sounded forced to Vivian’s ear, but then again, she had no doubt she was not the only one here wearing a mask—even if others’ masks were not quite so literal.

Come, Madame Loula said, turning to lead the way.

Vivian glanced around the darkened room, where the shadows seemed to writhe with couples.

Vivian swallowed hard as her eyes adjusted to the light, following in Madame Loula’s wake.

Loula glanced back, a smirk curving her red-tinted lips. "It is not too late to turn back, ma chérie."

Vivian forced a smile filled with more confidence than she felt. Nonsense. I’ve made my decision. I would not be here if I were not certain.

And indeed, her voice sounded certain. Her words sparked with determination. But her belly still tumbled and turned with nerves. Her mouth went dry as they passed a settee on which a couple was sprawled, the lady’s breasts spilling out over the top of her bodice as the gentleman below her suckled her like a babe.

Vivian tore her gaze away quickly just as the gentleman groaned, the sound so very salacious, Vivian’s legs trembled.

Loula chuckled up ahead. I hope you are certain, love. For soon enough it will be too late. One look at you, and the man I have chosen for you will not let you go. Mark my words. She stopped to turn, the teasing glint gone from her dark, slightly upturned eyes. If you wish to go, now is the time.

Vivian wet her lips, grateful for the warning. She’d always done best when facing a challenge, and now the brothel owner’s words stiffened her spine and strengthened her resolve. I shall not run away, she said.

Loula laughed again, louder this time.

Was that so amusing?

No, no, my dear. Just ironic considering the man I have in mind for you, she said.

What did that mean? Didn’t matter. It seemed to be a private joke. And then Loula was turning and leading the way down a darkened hallway and Vivian hurried to follow.

The last thing she wanted was to get lost in the maze of darkened hallways that made up this debaucherous haven.

Vivian swallowed hard. She was doing this. She was truly doing this. Following Loula around a corner, she nearly tripped over her own slippers at the sight of two men joined together, naked and grunting in an alcove.

Her breath caught at the shocking sight until Loula took her by the arm and led her further into this den of sins. "I told you, ma chérie. I cater to everyone here at my humble abode."

Vivian let out a choked laugh. Humble abode? It seems rather like a well-hidden mansion.

Loula turned to grin at her. "Merci. Though this is just one of my homes. And this is reserved for those who can afford the finer delicacies. Those who value their privacy."

Loula led her past an open door. Inside there were no less than three women frolicking on the bed as a naked gentleman puffed on his pipe and enjoyed the show. Next they passed a closed door where a woman was screaming with pleasure.

Vivian halted in her steps and gulped. At least, she hoped it was pleasure.

Madame Loula, you do know that I am, er… Her mouth went dry as she grasped for the right word. She’d been married, after all. She was no innocent. Inexperienced, she finally sputtered.

Loula’s smile gentled to something almost motherly as she reached for her hand. Which was odd considering that the other woman seemed to be around the same age as Vivian, if not younger. Darling, I only wish for you to be happy. I want you to seek that pleasure which you have been denied.

Vivian’s cheeks heated and she flinched at the memory of all she’d told the other woman during their fateful meeting in the park. Loula had found her crying, and though it had been clear from the start that the tall raven-haired beauty was no lady of the ton, Vivian had been desperate for a sympathetic ear.

And so, an odd new friendship had been borne.

And you’re certain no one will know? Vivian asked. Her voice sounded irritatingly small.

Loula tutted as she turned away. That is why they come here, darling. For anonymity. All who come here are seeking pleasure. An escape.

A niggle of shame ate at her as she thought of that gentleman with his pipe and the women he was ogling. But at what cost? she asked.

Loula turned back with arched brows. I was led to believe that money was no object.

Oh, no that was not what I meant, Vivian said, heat in her cheeks. She was not accustomed to speaking of financial matters. It seemed so crass. And yet…She looked around her. This was a business transaction, was it not?

Which led her back to the concern that would not abate. What I meant was… She cleared her throat under Loula’s watchful and amused gaze. Those p-providing this pleasure, this escape… Oh drat. Why was she stumbling over her words? Are they not being exploited? That is, are we pleasure seekers not taking advantage…

Loula’s expression softened with understanding and surprise.

I would not like to find my own pleasure at the cost of another’s, she finished.