"I first thought that it was an amusing pastiche of a Regency romance, but wow!--when I reached the middle of this story, I had to flip open my fan and flutter vigorously!"--Jean, FallenAngelReviews.com
"Covering Cinde Rella is a very erotic tale with a twist on the old-fashioned Cinderella story. The reader will feel as if Covering Cinde Rella is almost a contemporary story, and will get lots of enjoyment out of it."--Sarah W
"I was happy to see even in a short story I was still able to imagine and experience the passion leaping off the pages. This was an ardent tale of peculiar beginnings that lead to a blissful end."--Rachelle, Enchanted in Romance
"This eBook, although short (less than 100 pages), is a definite must have. The characters are interesting, the story line captures your attention from the beginning. The flow is good, and the characters believable. Fast pace, and sizzling sexual encounters."--Deb, MayReviews.com
"This is not the Cinderella we grew up with. Ms. Renn has created a sensually scorching version in this historical novella. Though there might not be any wicked stepsisters, the neglect Cinde receives is just as hurtful. Victor is in his own way is Prince Charming because he wants to protect and love Cinde. She is the only one who will want him for more then the blunt in his pockets. I found that Cinde and Victor affable characters who drew me into their story. Covering Cinde Rella is a decadent treat that will singe your senses."--Cassandra Buckles, Coffee Time Romance
Chapter 1
1799 London, England
Victor Van Helson waited until the footman opened the door, and then stepped from the landau. Arriving at the rented townhouse of his prowling partner, his thoughts turned to the youngest member of the household. Rebellious by nature, Cinde Rella refused to be bound by the dictates of society. In Victor's opinion, Cinde was a hoyden. It wasn't really the girl's fault; her stepmother, Juliette, had neglected the girl. Although she had been educated, she hadn't received proper training in the behavior of young ladies of society. Nor did she have a fitting role model to follow. Widow Rella drifted from one affair to another. She had wild parties, and the only reason Cinde wasn't totally corrupted was her stepmother locked her in her chamber on the nights of the parties. Not because she wished to protect the girl from unwelcome advances, but because she didn't wish to have the competition for lovers.
Still, the girl could not be ignorant. She had to know what was going on below stairs--the smell of sexual encounters always hung over the front parlor.
Her stepbrother, John, was Victor's best friend. They had met at Cambridge, and formed a relationship on the basis of desires. Both youths had longed for the wild sexual encounters that all male youths wanted. That desire had not changed since their school days. John and Victor were notorious rakes of the Ton. They seduced to satisfy their sexual lusts, gambled until the wee hours of dawn, and indulged all of their gluttonous desires.
It was a wonderful life of self-indulgence, and Victor didn't want to leave it all behind. But he knew he must conform and become respectable, as his responsibilities were pressing on him. He had to grow up, father an heir, and leave his childish pleasures behind. It was his duty, or so his family, upon learning of his father's imminent death, had told him. As the future Viscount Colebrook, he had obligations, which he was honor bound to fulfill. He had known all his life that one day he must assume the tasks, and responsibilities his father handled. Now the time was growing near, and he looked at the world with a new kind of longing. Perhaps he was clinging to his freedom, but he didn't think so. He merely longed to retain some bit of the excitement of the life he had now.
Holding his hat in hand, he smiled at Cinde as she opened the door.
Stepping back, she admitted him into the narrow alcove at the entrance. Taking his hat, she placed it on the side table, before turning to greet him.
Even Cinde, John's sister, was looking good to him. The material of her gown cupped her buttocks as she turned to place his hat on the table. Her brown hair was held back from a perfect oval face by combs, allowing a clear view of her delicate features; skin as smooth as porcelain had a slight blush on her cheekbones. A dimple peeked at the side of her mouth when she smiled, and there was as always a welcoming sparkle in her lovely eyes. Feathered eyebrows arched over green eyes and complemented her long eyelashes. The burnt gold gown she wore hugged her narrow waist, and the soft material caressed her round breasts and hips when she moved.
Devil take it, when had she grown up? Her body had filled out, and her face had lost the look of immaturity. She was a lovely young woman, now. That had happened right under his eyes, and he hadn't noticed. What a fool he was for overlooking her development into a touchable woman. Perhaps, he did need to get his head out of the bottle and take a sober look around, as he father had said.
Cinde greeted him in a soft musical tone that caressed his ears. Her sweet lilac scent drifted around her and filled his senses. Kissing her soft knuckles, he noticed how delicate her fingers were in his grasp. Victor greeted her politely, as always. She winked at him as he raised his head and offered an inviting smile, with pink kissable lips that looked as soft as a tulip petal.
Had he really seen her wink at him? Was her smile really encouraging him, or was it only wishful thinking?
His cock twitched in recognition of her physical attractions. He had to get his mind on something safe before he embarrassed himself by allowing his body to reveal his thoughts. Focusing his attention on the curl of her ear, he noticed she had a little point on the curve that reminded him of elf ears he had seen in a book. Amazingly, both ears had the points. It made her unique from the beauties that filled the salons of the city.
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