Page 39 of Lucien's Gamble

His mouth curved in a warm smile. “That’s because I’m looking at you.”

Her answering smile was fleeting. “What did Lord Fontaine want?”

“He wanted to pay off your brother’s debt. When I refused his money, he guessed my involvement with you.”

Julienne took a deep breath. “I see.”

“Don’t worry. He still wants you.”

“I’m not worried,” she denied, and then she dropped her head. “Well, perhaps that’s not entirely true. He’s been kind. I think, had I not met you first, I would have been content to spend my life at his side. It’s not his fault my affections are engaged elsewhere.”

Lucien leaned against the door jamb and crossed his arms. “I want to pay off all of your brother’s markers. No strings attached.”

“Beg your pardon?”

“I want you to decide between Fontaine and me with your heart, not with your brother’s welfare in mind. I’ll have my solicitor draw up documents stating all the debts are paid, regardless of which one of us you wed.” His voice lowered and throbbed with emotion. “I would give up everything I have, Julienne, to give you a choice.”

“No.” Julienne rose from her chair. “I don’t want you to do that. It isn’t money that will decide my mind.”

Lucien remained by the door with the greatest of effort. “If I told you I loved you, would you believe me?”

“Lucien …”

“Haven’t you wondered why your brother has allowed me to see you?”

“Well, yes …”

“Extortion.”

Julienne blinked.

“He owes me a great deal of money. I leveraged it against him to get what I want—time with you.”

She sank back into the chair.

“I warned you I wasn’t honorable, my love. I told you I wasn’t a gentleman. I’ll do whatever it takes to win you. Anything at all. I have no scruples or morals to hold me back.” Lucien watched her closely. “Now, if I told you I love you, would you believe me?”

“I don’t know,” she breathed. “But I want to.” She held out a hand to him, and that was all the encouragement he needed.

He reached her in two strides and pulled her into his arms. Heat swirled around them, as did endless hunger. He would never have enough of her, would always crave her. “I need you, Julienne.”

Her fingers entwined in his hair. “I’m here, my love.”

“Not just now. Forever.” His mouth traveled down her neck. “You are mine. You belong to me. I won’t allow Fontaine to have you.” He tugged at her bodice, releasing her breasts, then laved her nipples until she clawed at his back.

“Marry me,” he urged against her breast.

“Love me,” she countered breathlessly.

“Sweetheart,” Lucien said, smiling, “I already do.”

Chapter Twelve

Lucien watched Hugh La Coeur pace behind his desk in Montrose Hall. Unlike his own spacious and airy office, Montrose’s study was paneled in dark walnut, with parquet floors covered in Aubusson rugs. With red drapes so dark in color as to be almost black, the room was oppressive and forbidding, nothing like the jovial, irresponsible man who owned it.

Leaning back a little farther in his chair, Lucien released his breath in a quiet rush. Unfortunately, this meeting was going exactly as he had anticipated.

“You’re daft!” Hugh cried. “You cannot marry Julienne. It’s just not done, I tell you!”

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