Page 27 of Her Lord's Desire

Lucas could practically feel the cavities forming at the sweetness dripping from her, but he didn’t bite. “Well, I suppose that’s as good a name as any, Lucy,” he said, as he kept his eyes glued to hers. “However, little one, she might prefer a girl’s name as she is soft and tiny and beautiful.” He watched her eyes soften and her breasts heave a bit as he ran his fingertip over hers as if by accident. “This little kitten is definitely not a mangy tomcat.” He realized she’d been holding her breath but now saw her eyes beginning to flash as he teased her. That was not the sign of victory he was hoping for.

“Breathe, Lucy,” he said, and when she did, taking in a rather large gulp of air, he smiled and dropped his eyes back to the kitten. It really was a very appealing little thing. He found himself hoping that no matter where the kitten had come from, it had already stolen Lucy’s heart even if he was having a far harder time of doing so. “I was teasing,” he said. “Though Charles won’t work, how about a variation? Perhaps Charlotte?”

“No, she seems more… I don’t know… regal than a Charlotte does. What do you think about Cleopatra?” she asked, lifting the most amazing pair of eyes to him.

What Lucas thought was that perhaps she was finally tiring from the effort required to ignore him. Giving her a smile, he nodded. “I think that’s a beautiful choice,” he said. “Regal like the strong, fierce Persian line she comes from and yet innocent of the ways of the world, just like her new owner.” Hearing Louisa’s soft gasp and seeing the look of pleasure in Lucy’s eyes, he smiled. Not wanting to push his luck, Lucas stroked Cleo’s fur once more and then said, “Welcome to Wintercrest, Cleo,” before standing.

“Thank you, Lord Huntington,” Lucy said softly, looking up at him. “I… I hope Ed… I mean, my guardian… allows me to keep her.”

Lucas found himself extremely glad he was able to reassure her. “I’ve already spoken to Edward, Lucy. Cleopatra is yours if you want. Consider her a new beginning for us.” It might be questionable if she’d given a shiver of delight or a shudder of disgust at his suggestion, but Lucas knew for certain that the smile she gave lit her entire being as she scooped Cleopatra from her lap to bury her nose into her snowy fur once again. Lucas saw Louisa smile broadly at him and he winked at her. She clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle her giggle and he grinned just as broadly. “She is your responsibility as well, Lucy,” Lucas warned her. “I don’t want Mrs. Bremmer angry with us because Cleo causes her additional work.”

“Yes, sir,” Lucy said quickly. “I’ll do everything for Cleo, I promise.”

Lucas knew she would be as good as her word. He was more than pleased. Not only was it clear she adored his gift, she had called him ‘sir’ without her usual false connotation of politeness. His determination increased as he knew he’d never be content with hearing the word spoken so sincerely only this one time.

* * *

The girls were fussingover the kitten when Edward found them. He smiled as he drew Louisa away from Cleo to pull her onto his lap. After giving her a kiss, he bent to whisper in her ear.

“Should I get you a kitten as well, little lady?” he asked.

Louisa smiled and shook her head. She lifted herself to whisper in his ear. “No, Papa, I have you to cuddle.”

Edward smiled his pleasure at her response and she felt his lips pressing hard against hers. Louisa felt the familiar tingle of arousal flow through her body. Even as she returned the kiss, she had a moment’s thought as to how her sister had described her first kiss from Charles. She knew that only a few weeks ago, Lucy would have settled for almost anyone who could take her from Wintercrest. She prayed that her twin would no longer wish to do so. She deserved happiness and Louisa wanted her to wait however long it took until she found her heart truly captured. Her thoughts left her sister as Edward kissed her again.

* * *

Across the roomwhere he was standing by the bookcase where he’d plucked whom he’d first thought to be the lady of the manor from the ladder, Lucas smiled at the two. Edward might demand his wife be his child-bride, but it was obvious to anyone seeing the couple that Edward loved Louisa with all his heart.

The presence of Cleo did lighten the mood between Lucy and Lucas. She no longer went out of her way to avoid him. Lucas was pleased, but realized she was still accepting invitations from Charles. The man always seemed to be joining them for dinner and then escorting Lucy out for long walks and ice-cream cones. During one of his endless visits, one evening Charles had presented Lucy with the gift of a stuffed mouse on the end of a stick. Lucy was delighted but Lucas wanted to throttle the man. Lucy was his kitten!

“Just to be clear, the toy is meant for Cleopatra,” Charles had said, laughing when Lucy had pointed the stick toward Lucas before dangling it in front of her kitten.

Everyone except Lucas had laughed as Cleo immediately pounced on the mouse. His little kitten might believe she was playing with a rat, but it was time to discover that he too had claws.

Lucas found that his friend was not going to take sides, either. “I’ve known you forever,” Lucas said one evening over their after-dinner drinks in Edward’s study. “I know how you think, and, Edward, I can’t believe you have allowed your ward all this freedom. What happened to the stern guardian you used to be?”

Edward laughed loudly and slapped his friend on his back. “Don’t blame me for your failings, Lucas,” Edward said. “Feeling like you are fighting a losing battle, do you?” he asked.

Lucas shook his head knowing Edward was baiting him. “No, just wondering how long you intend this game to go on. I’m telling you, Lucy is not truly interested in that… that professor!”

Edward didn’t laugh this time. Instead he studied Lucas’ face for a moment before saying, “I’ve promised both Louisa and Lucille that I would not be quick to force Lucille to accept some man simply because I chose him,” Edward admitted.

Lucas was a bit surprised but nodded. “That’s admirable of you, Edward,” he said and then laughed. “Doesn’t do me any bloody good, but, hell, it is admirable. There aren’t too many men who would take the feelings of their wives much less their wards into account in making such a decision.”

“Well, we both know these two females are not like any others,” Edward said, and refilled his friend’s glass. “That’s what makes the battle worth the effort. After all, if one could simply pluck victory from the air, it wouldn’t be as sweet.”

Lucas had to agree, though he didn’t have to like it.

Chapter 11

Only a week was left before the opening ball. Edward decided to make his announcement that night after dinner. Once the four had gathered in the library, he pulled his wife down onto his lap. Louisa smiled and snuggled into his chest.

Edward was aware of his friend’s eyes on them and smiled. He was so incredibly pleased with how Louisa had not only accepted the role he desired, she thrived in it. Edward could not have chosen a more perfect mate. He saw Lucas’ gaze move to Lucille and smiled. If he had to guess, he’d wager the man was picturing how Lucille would look wearing a more childish dress, her hair loose and held back with a ribbon. How she would feel nestled in his arms, how she’d smile lifting her lips to his for yet another kiss. Perhaps he’d been a bit lax in helping direct his ward’s attention to a man he knew was so well suited for her. Yet, he had no intention of going back on his word. Childhood bonds were strong indeed, but the ties between a man and his wife were unbreakable. If Lucas wanted to ever discover the answers to the questions clearly written in his expression every time he looked at Lucille, he would need to up his game and quickly.

With that in mind, Edward began to speak. “Girls, I have an announcement to make,” he said and watched as both girls turned their full attention to him. “We will be attending the opening ball of the season on Saturday.”

Louisa squealed and clapped. “Oh, Papa,” Louisa said, “How wonderful! Who’s hosting? Where will it be held? What will we…”

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