Page 56 of Lucas
But Philipe had ended the conversation, preferring Fiona to be in attendance before anything more was revealed. So, the topic was paused until the customary drinks before dinner. And that gave Lucas too much time to think.
“You don’t have to ask approval,” I’d told him once we got back to our room.
“It’s not approval. I want them to be aware of the situation.” His tone held an edge, and he punched the wall before leaning his forehead against it. “Ever since I heard of theDe første dage, and Cressa asked about the Renaud libraries, I’ve thought of nothing else. Until now, it’s been nothing but a rumor, just like the dreamwalkers. But once we learn the truth and hold the book in our hands, there won’t be a question of civil war."
It was rare to see Lucas so upset, but he was passionate about the topic and seemed to think it all rested on him. I pressed my body against his back and wrapped my arms around his waist. “You’re not the one making the decision on sharing the contents of the book to vampire society. Devon. Colantha. Hamilton. The Wolf. They’re all ready for this next step. The book is just one piece.” I stepped back and grabbed his hand, turning him toward me. “Even if they weren’t involved, and you learned about the book and dreamwalkers on your own, you wouldn’t be able to keep it to yourself for long. You always do the right thing. That’s what I love about you most.”
He hugged me for the longest time. Then he picked up his cell and walked out the door.
I slipped into the bath and breathed in the mixed floral scent, reveling in the warm, silky feel of the water. I let my mind wander as I considered the days we’d chased the book while vampires hunted us. Almost losing Lucas had shaken me to the core. But something good came out of it. I learned more about him, parts of himself he kept hidden. There was so much more for us to learn about the other.
Then I smiled as an idea began to form. Maybe Santiga Bay wouldn’t be our next stop.
An hour and a half later, I completed the last touches of makeup and tugged at a few tendrils of hair that a housemaid was kind enough to put up for me. I was still in my bra and panties when I strolled out of the bathroom and jumped when Lucas walked out of the closet.
I plastered a hand against my chest. “You scared me.”
He grinned. “Sorry. I didn’t want to disturb your hair and makeup session. Besides, I wanted to see the end result. You look rather delectable.” He stepped close and pulled me to him.
“Don’t mess up my hair.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.” He pressed a kiss to my neck and then my collarbone before pushing a knee against my upper thigh. He knew all my hot buttons.
“That’s not fair.” I pushed him away.
“Put on your dress. I want the full effect.” He wore a deep-chocolate suit, and his blond hair and beachboy look made me gooey inside. It was going to be a long evening before we could be alone. He worked on his tie while I disappeared into the closet.
The housemaid had hung the dress on a nearby stand along with the matching shoes. She’d laid out gold dangling earrings on the dressing table next to a long slim black box. Curious, I opened the box and took a step back.
A small gold charm in the shape of a dagger lay in black satin. It was strung on a thin, gold, twist-chain necklace.
I finished dressing and put on the earrings. I rolled a finger over the charm. Interesting.
Lucas turned when he heard me behind him. His gaze glowed with the force of the beast—bright electric blue. My nether regions heated instantly. This would definitely be a long night.
I held out my hand with the necklace in it. “I found this in the dressing room.”
He stepped toward me, reaching for the necklace. “Turn around.” His voice was deep and lustful, and I did as he asked.
He fastened the necklace and turned me around. “The dress is a perfect color on you, and I can’t imagine anyone filling it out like you. But this necklace…” He picked it up and rubbed a thumb over the dagger. “This was made with you in mind.”
“I don’t understand.”
“This isn’t part of Renaud’s collection. I had this made in Fayetteville. Let’s just say between an amazing jeweler, Rom, and a little persuasion, I was able to have this fashioned. I noticed you wear charms on a chain and thought I’d add a new one.”
“But why now?”
He didn’t answer and appeared to be weighing the correct answer. In the end, all he said was, “Can’t a guy buy something nice for his girl?”
I threw my arms around his neck. “As often as he wants.”
He kissed me, his lips soft and gentle and full of promise. “As beautiful as you look, I can’t wait to strip that dress off you.”
His words, so similar to my earlier thoughts, made me shiver.
“Why are you in such a good mood? Did Sergi and Devon give you the advice you were looking for?”
“I didn’t call them.”
