Page 6 of One Wicked Kiss
Lucas took another step closer to her. He was drawn to her in ways he could never explain. Ever since he first saw her in the carriage he’d wanted to help her, and now he would claim her if she allowed it. He’d never understood why Edward was so drawn to Lady Marin, but now perhaps he might. Sometimes it just took finding the right woman to make things clearer. “I’m glad you consider me worth trusting.” He brushed his hand over her dark hair. “I would never hurt you.”
“I do believe you.”
“Come,” he said. “Let’s go downstairs. Aine said that they were going to have a soiree of some sort and tell tales. I’d be happy to spend the evening with you if you’ll allow it.”
She nodded her head. “I’d like that.”
They walked to the door and went down the stairs to head to the salon where the festivities were being held. The sound of laughter echoed back at them. How many people had been stranded by the blizzard? Suddenly, he didn’t really want to join everyone. At least not just yet. He wanted a few more moments alone with Lia. “I need a drink. Care to join me in finding one before we go into the salon?”
“They might have refreshments already inside…”
“True,” he agreed. “But not necessarily the ones I want. You can go ahead of me if that is what you wish.”
She glanced toward the salon and back at him. “I think I’d rather stay with you. I don’t know anyone in there.”
“You don’t really know me.” He smiled at her and tried his best to be charming. “I understand your apprehension.” Her eyes were filled with a mixture of kindness and fire, and a deep sadness he recognized in himself. Something had happened to make her so distrustful. Lucas wanted to protect her from anything that could ever harm her. “Follow me I have a feeling I know where I can find some good brandy.”
“I don’t like any spirits,” she said evasively. “But I’ll still come with you.”
“Most ladies do not care for brandy,” he offered. “A lot do like sherry though. Have you ever tried it?”
She shook her head. “In my experience anything that can lead to someone becoming foxed or light headed ends badly.” Lia smiled softly. “I’d prefer not to have any if it’s all the same to you.”
“Of course.” He looped his arm with hers and led her away from the salon. They walked down a hall until they reached another room. He pushed open the door and smiled. A library… Not a usual room for a brothel, but he was glad to find it. In the back of the room was a set of double doors leading outside and completely paned with glass. Sheer curtains hung over them. He led her over to the doors and pushed a curtain to the side. The snow continued to blow outside.
“How long do you think the storm will last?”
“No way of determining that,” he answered. “Are you in a hurry to leave?”
She turned away from him not meeting his gaze. He had been afraid she might be running from something but he couldn’t help her if she didn’t trust him with the details. There had to be a way to make her more comfortable with telling him her secrets.
“I’m sorry.” She turned away from him. “There’s only so much I can trust you with.”
“Whatcanyou tell me?” he asked softly. “I promise whatever it is it’ll stay between the two of us.”
She remained quiet for several moments. He wished there was a way to reassure her, but she was so skittish. Finally, Lia glanced up at him. “My father decided to betroth me to a man he does business with. I can’t marry him. So I ran away.”
That explained a lot. “You don’t love him?” He didn’t like the idea of her being tied to another man. Lucas wanted her for himself. He wasn’t sure if it would be forever, but he liked the idea of spending the rest of his days unraveling the mystery of Lia.
“I could never love a man as despicable as the comte. He’s an evil man.” She smiled, but her lips were wobbly. “He’d have left me to die on the side of the road. He probably wouldn’t have even stopped to see if anyone needed help. At his core he is a very selfish man.”
Lucas hated him already. “As long as you’re here with me I’ll protect you. He won’t find you and even if he does I’ll make sure he can’t take you away.”
“Thank you.” Lia’s voice was barely above a whisper. A tear fell down her cheek. “I am so glad to have met you.”
Lucas wiped the tear from her cheek then leaned down and kissed the spot it had trailed down. It hurt him that she had to endure so much. A girl like her didn’t deserve to be treated with such disregard. He might come to regret it later, but he had to kiss her. He’d regret it if he didn’t... Lucas pressed his lips to hers and tasted her. Her lips were sweet and tasted like the most decadent dessert. She sighed and her lips parted giving him the opportunity to deepen the kiss. When he touched his tongue to hers he felt as if he finally found heaven and she became everything good in his world. For her he’d fight any demon that crossed their path, and if need be he’d lay down his life to protect hers.
The kiss gave him a sense of purpose, of knowing, and in that moment with this hedonistic kiss he realized what he wanted—her. Lia needed him, and he did her in return. They could face the world together. No one would come between them. He’d see to it. Lucas lifted his head and met her gaze. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Her lips tilted upward into a contented smile. “Is it possible to fall in love in a matter of mere hours…?”
“Some say it’s possible to fall in love at first sight.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I’ve been smitten since the moment I stopped to help you out of that carriage. Maybe even before I realized who I went to aid—something spoke to me earlier. I don’t know if it was fate or another higher being, but I do believe I was meant to find you tonight.”
“It’s a wonderful sentiment,” she agreed. “Either way I’m glad it was you.”
Lucas couldn’t be certain what his future would entail, but he did believe she would be by his side for all of it. His heart beat for her and he intended to spend the rest of his days becoming more acquainted with her. “I think we should go to the salon now and listen to these tales they are telling.” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t trust myself alone with you without plenty of chaperones.”
She laughed lightly. “I like your kisses. But you’re right. We should go where all the guests are and join the festivities.”
