The Bastard’s Forbidden Kiss by Lorena Owen

She was the forbidden desire he was never meant to fulfill.
Martin Barnwall returns to London to make a name for himself and get rid of the bastard’s title. But along with his business problems, seeing his childhood love again turns his head into a mess.
Lady Abigail Downing is desperate. Not only is her father’s health getting worse but her vile cousin who has arrived to claim his position as the future earl, gives her an ultimatum; secure a husband soon or he will arrange a marriage for her.
Yet, a mysterious kiss in a masquerade ball will distract her from her goal.
When Abigail’s cousin arranges to marry her to a much older baron, she will seek the help of her old friend. Only to find out that he is the enigmatic kisser she can’t forget.
Martin knows that his low position will never make him a good match for Abigail. Being with him would drag her into disgrace.
But with a ploy unraveling behind Abigail’s back, the chances of saving her from this union appear slim. For how can a bastard rule over a gentleman?
He felt unworthy of her love, yet he gave her what she always longed for…