Well-bred and genteel, Valerie Johnson travels by train and stagecoach from Boston to join her husband three thousand miles away in Virginia City, Nevada, only to discover she is a widow. Low on money, unable to find respectable employment, she accepts a temporary position as a courtesan at Rosie's Parlor—an elegant Virginia City brothel.
When godlike Duke Dugan picks Valerie, they both wonder if it is lust or love at first sight.
Fascinated by the beautiful, flaming-haired prostitute he calls Red, Duke, wishing to learn more about her, takes her to dinner in Virginia City's finest restaurant. To her dismay, Valerie finds out that Duke is a rebel captain, who, along with his two brothers, is on a desperate mission for the despised Confederacy. She would tell the authorities, except there's one problem—she's fallen in love with him.
Reletively new version of slightly longer Fancy Lady & the Desperadoes. Currently has 4 reviews all 5 stars
Virginia City, Nevada, Rosie's Parlor House – November 14, 1865
The first time Valerie saw him, he took her breath away. Larger than life, he sauntered into Rosie's Parlor House—the common euphemism for elegant brothel—with his saddlebags draped over his shoulder and two younger sidekicks in tow.
The piano player paused at the man's entrance, apparently deciding it was a good time to take a break.
Big and strong, he threw the heavy bags on top of the bar. "Bartender," he bellowed, "I need a bottle, a bath, and the fanciest lady you have."
His gaze languidly circumnavigated the room, and she held her breath, her mind willing his selection. His fabulous azure eyes locked with hers, which caused her heart to race. When he yelled, "That one, she's mine," Valerie became light-headed.
The man grabbed the offered bottle and glass. "I need another one for the lady."
Cliff, the bartender, produced the requested glass, and the man threw a silver dollar on the bar. "Thanks. Set my companions up, too, would you?"
Cliff nodded and slid over to wait on them.
The man directed a devilish grin at her. Valerie's breasts swelled from the molten stare of his blue eyes and a perfect smile from faultless white teeth. After throwing the saddlebags back over his shoulder, he ambled, glasses and bottle in hand, toward her. She studied him. Unkempt, dark brown hair hung in mild, attractive curls from beneath his tan, weather-beaten hat. His jaw square with a cleft chin, a narrow mustache rested between his hawkish nose and narrow lips set within an angular face. He was beautiful…and he'd picked her.
He stopped two feet from her. "What's your name?"
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Portuguese
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Already translated.
Translated by Evelyn T M Martins
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Spanish
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Already translated.
Translated by ANGELICA DE SANCHEZ
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