The Grumpy Count by Alix Nichols

Margot Nolan here—a feminist in a tight spot.
I’m currently working out of a London mansion, property of Count Jonas d’Alenq.
He took in my theater company after the previous host dropped us a week before the start of our show, “The Immersive Pride and Prejudice Experience.”
But, of course, there’s a catch.
Beneath his wealth, good looks and love for his young son, Jonas d’Alenq is an ogre with antiquated ideas.
An ogre who asked to play a part in the show. Not just any part, but that of Mr. Darcy!
His lordship is an amateur actor, you see.
To show her gratitude, our director said yes.
Big mistake! I play Caroline who fawns on Mr. Darcy. Flattering a macho man—whether he’s Darcy or d’Alenq—is no fun at all.
Even more annoying is that despite our clashes, my silly heart flutters every time that macho smiles.
And my unreasonable body melts when he kisses me…
On the verge of betraying everything I stand for, I realize he has a secret agenda.
What is our brooding host and his furtive visitors after?
Is Jonas a spy? An upper crust criminal?
Whatever he is, I’ll derail his plans.
And he’ll never have his wicked way with me again!

Well, maybe just one last time…