Into The Hall Of Vice
As joint owner of London’s most notorious gambling hall, The Underworld, Cole Hewitt spends his days surrounded by wealth – and looks every inch the debonair. But, unknown to most, he was born a bastard – and knows better than anyone the fine line between the elite and the slums.When he falls for the beautiful Lady Gemma Amberson, sister to the Duke of Kent, Cole knows that his past means he will never be considered worthy of her. But Cole has no intention of being cast aside again.But Cole’s attraction to Gemma hasn’t gone unnoticed – and there are those who wish to thwart his plans, for the darkest of reasons. Cole may be used to getting his own way. But the question is: how far will he go to get it?
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As joint owner of Londonâs most notorious gambling hall, The Underworld, Cole Hewitt spends his days surrounded by wealth â and looks every inch the debonair.
But, unknown to most, he was born a bastard â and knows better than anyone the fine line between the elite and the slums.
When he falls for the beautiful Lady Gemma Amberson, sister to the Duke of Kent, Cole knows that his past means he will never be considered worthy of her. However, Cole has no intention of being cast aside again.
But Coleâs attraction to Gemma hasnât gone unnoticed â and there are those who wish to thwart his plans, for the darkest of reasons. Cole may be used to getting his own way. But the question is: how far will he go to get it?
Into the Hall of Vice
Anabelle Bryant
Also available by Anabelle Bryant
Three Regency Rogues
To Love a Wicked Scoundrel
Duke of Darkness
The Midnight Rake
Regency Charms
Defying the Earl
Undone by His Kiss
Societyâs Most Scandalous Viscount
His Forbidden Debutante
Bastards of London
Den of Iniquity
ANABELLE BRYANT
began reading at age three and never stopped. Her passion for reading soon turned into a passion for writing and an author was born. Happy to grab a suitcase if it ensures a new adventure, Anabelle finds endless inspiration in travel, especially imaginary jaunts into Regency England, a far cry from her home in New Jersey. Instead, her clever characters live out her daydreams because, really, who wouldnât want to dance with a handsome duke or kiss a wicked earl?
Though teaching keeps her grounded, photography, running and writing counterbalance her wanderlust. Often found with her nose in a book, Anabelle earned her Masterâs Degree and is completing her Doctorate Degree in education. Thrilled to be an author for Harlequinâs HQ Digital line, Anabelleâs historical romances are character-driven. She strives to provide a heartfelt connection between her hero, heroine and the reader, believing the emotional journey on the path to true love is the most important bond. Clever secondary characters and lively conversation keep the pages turning.
Anabelle knows sometimes life doesnât provide a happily ever after, but her novels always do. She enjoys talking with her fans. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnabelleBryantAuthor, Twitter via @AnabelleBryant and join her mailing list via www.anabellebryant.com for the latest news concerning her upcoming novels.
Sincere thanks to my lovely and gifted editor, Clio Cornish. Without you my dreams could never come true and my stories would never become reality.
For teachers, librarians, and bookworms of every variety. Long live the beauty of reading romance.
Contents
Cole Hewitt eased lower on the velvet-backed bonnet chair and angled his hips a fraction to the right. Circumstances were glorious at the moment, not at all like the reality of his lacklustre existence. Especially here in a quality establishment like Lady Elizaâs House of Pleasure. Granted, Eliza was no more a lady than Cole was an earl, but the pleasure part couldnât be truer.
And that was why brothels existed, wasnât it? To help men ignore the harsh truisms of daily living until forced to bear the brunt of their decisions. Although harsh wasnât the correct word. As one of the proprietors of an exclusive London gaming hell, heâd established wealth and respect at the early age of twenty-four. Along the way, heâd obtained a fine apartment, purchased several superior thoroughbreds, and honed his pistol skill to crack shot at no less than thirty paces, all within three years.
Nevertheless, outward appearance and inward turmoil were at odds every day of the week. It was as though several different personalities lived within him, all embroiled in argument.
A delicious tremor of pleasure overrode his introspective considerations. He glanced down to where a silky auburn tress traced across his thigh. Threading his fingers in the length, he brushed it away and a groan escaped upon her deliberate downward stroke.
He was a son of a bitch, bastard by-blow, born on the wrong side of the blanket and comfortable with life among the jackals, card sharks, and common folk who composed his closest kin. Still he remained balanced on the fine line between bastardry and the realm, nimbly positioned on the cutting blade of a dagger, aware of unsavoury alliances, weaknesses of the peerage, and the unexpected damage that could be done if he did not tread with care. He asked little of life, his expectations few; he had long ago abandoned the notion that the normal privileges due respectable gentlemen were within reach. Family, love, loyalty; they existed for other men.
