Page 20 of Lucy

“Sweet Lucy, if you continue to look at me like that, we are both going to be in a world of trouble.”

Henry’s raspy voice brought me back to the present. I had been staring. I loved the sexy stubble on his chin, and the way his body cradled mine. He was solid muscle and I felt safe and secure in his arms. But there was something more. I felt cared for.

“I hurt Marcus,” I said, my voice catching on a sob.

He blew out a soft breath before leaning down to kiss my forehead.

“Marcus is a grown man. He will work out his own demons. You did what you needed to survive, don’t apologize for that.”

“Is it always like that?” I whispered, turning my face into his shoulder.

“Like what?” he nudged me until I turned my eyes back to his.

I could feel the heat of my cheeks burning as I replied, “Intense.”

Small crinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes. “Sometimes it is far more.”

I couldn’t hold his gaze as I considered what far more might entail. I literally was out of my league with everything that had happened. I looked up at the gash that had started to heal on his neck. I should have licked the wound closed. Either way, he would heal, but at least he wouldn’t have bled so much. I felt like a naughty child.

“I really messed that up.” I tried to push my way out of his arms, but he held me firmly. “I want to get down.”

“I am not ready to release you,” came his quick reply to which I scowled and pushed again.

“Henry,” I said with a warning tone.

“Lucy,” he mocked, just as serious.

“Is there a reason you won’t release me?” I growled.

He nodded.

“Care to share it?”

Again, the crinkles appeared at his eyes, and I was momentarily transfixed by the sheer masculine beauty that he exuded. Men shouldn’t be so damned attractive, it was distracting.

I saw his lips begin to curl up.

“You are something else, Sweet Lucy.”

I had no idea what that meant or how I was supposed to respond to it. Just when I thought that he would never tell me why he insisted on holding on to me he spoke.

“I felt you transfer your life source to the child. I have never been more terrified of anything in my life. The thought of you dying, I just...”

He broke off, his voice husky.

“Just let me hold you a moment longer.”

And so, we stayed like that for several long moments. It wasn’t until I heard a knocking at the door and Veti calling my name that I did push out of his arms.

She raced to me with a pouch of blood and handed another one to Henry.

“You must come,” Veti insisted. “The council are threatening to revolt; Viv and Joanie need you.”

And with that, Henry and I raced from the room.

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