His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 67

Horatia was the most beautiful woman in the room that night after dinner. Lucien noticed this with a deep pang in his heart, regret and longing for a future he might never have now, left him quiet. All had enjoyed a wonderful feast marred only by Cedric and Lucien's silence towards one another. Now, family and friends were in the Russell ballroom dancing to a hired string quartet that performed Christmas music. The entire evening took on a greater importance to Lucien than ever before.

He danced with all of the ladies once, but kept returning to Horatia, as though keeping her in his arms would ensure that the night wouldn't end and dawn wouldn't have a chance to come. Cedric, for his part, kept his distance, allowing him this night like a final wish before the gallows.

Lucien's hand rested on the small of her back. He could feel the warmth of her body beneath his palm. Her gloved hand rested on his broad shoulder, fingers lightly curling in a tender possessiveness. Horatia wore his gown and it fit her perfectly, the embroidered silks clung to her in a way he wished he could. She held only radiant smiles tonight, and all sadness was banished by the merriment of the Christmas season. She had never looked lovelier in his eyes and he told her so.

"I am happy, Lucien. You made me so." She tightened her grip on his shoulder and his hand during their endless waltz.

"Would that I could always make you so happy, my love," he murmured too softly for her to hear over the music.

When at last the music faded Lady Rochester clapped her hands together.

"All right everyone, enough dancing. It is time for presents!" The announcement was followed by hearty cheers from the younger people in the ballroom. The group proceeded to the large parlor just off the ballroom where a roaring fire greeted them and refreshments of small Christmas puddings and freshly made wassail was ready to be drunk. Lucien's mind was not on Christmas puddings however. He did his best to ignore the concerned looks his sister kept shooting from across the room.

Just let me enjoy these last few hours...please, he beseeched fate helplessly.

Lucien felt almost reckless now, wanting to hold Horatia in his arms without a care as to who saw them. God, how he wanted her, how he loved her. Horatia seemed emboldened by the evening as they moved to a small settee. Under the waves of red silk from her gown his hand found hers and he gripped it like a man dying of thirst would a goblet of water.

From across the room Cedric's eyes were sharp, but he made no move against them. Lucien's body ached with the reminder of Cedric's righteous fury. Each breath, each twist of his body was a reminder of the animosity that had stolen Cedric's friendship from him like a cruel thief. It was agony, this choice which was no choice at all.

"Here, Lucien. This is for you," Horatia said in a breathless voice.

She looked as though she feared it would not be to his liking. Lucien smiled at her, thankful for the distraction as he took the package and opened it. In his lap he found a book titled Astronomy and Mythology. It was a history of the tales behind the constellations.

Grinning like the lovestruck fool he was, he opened the inside cover to find an inscription-Happy Christmas, Lucien, may we forever share the stars. He had never been one for poetry, but that single line had his heart both soaring and breaking. After the coming dawn there would be no more stars, no more tales, no more love...not without the cost of losing his best friend. The chances of dying in the duel were not as great as some made it out to be. That was the effect of pride on those who took part. But the truth was regardless of the outcome it would be devastating because it would tear the families apart. Horatia would lose him or her brother. No one would emerge from this unscathed.

"There's more." Horatia prodded with a cheeky smile as she pointed to the center of the book. He tugged a long slender strip of crimson silk out from the center pages. Too long for a bookmark, it was embroidered with silver stars and crescent moons.

"I thought you might find other uses for that." Horatia nibbled her lower lip with a gleam in her eyes. Damn the woman, she was perfect. Too bloody perfect.

The attention of the others in the room was diverted by Lucinda and Lysandra admiring Audrey's new fawn gloves.

"I love you," he mouthed silently

"I love you too," Horatia mouthed back.

"And this is your gift," Lucien said quietly, sliding her a small package behind the shelter of her skirts.

"But you already gave me mine," she said.

"When it comes to you, my love, I cannot seem to control myself." Lucien smiled as she began to unwrap the small gift, uncovering a velvet pouch. With a curious look she loosened the drawstrings and tipped it over. A slender bracelet of sapphires encircled by diamonds fell into her lap. Horatia's hands flew to her mouth.