His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 73

Her brother chuckled. "I hope to God next year we have the dullest holiday ever."

Audrey returned with a maid bearing a tea tray, her eyes still red and puffy.

"Anyone care for some tea?" she asked with a falsely bright tone that might have fooled a small child.

Cedric moved to sit up. "I would love some."

When he released Horatia, she joined her sister to help with the tea tray. Audrey's hands trembled so badly that Horatia took the offered cup and saucer before it rattled to pieces. Horatia prepared Cedric's tea just as he liked before she returned to the bed and reached for his hands. She placed the cup in his open palms and he slowly raised it to his lips. He sipped carefully so as not to spill.

"Well...that was easier than I expected. Thank heaven for small favors," Cedric remarked. The maid returned and addressed Horatia.

"His lordship is awake and is asking for you, ma'am."

Horatia looked at her brother's face, and even though he could not see her, he must have sensed her gaze upon him.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Go and see the man." Cedric shooed her out of the room. "Lucien abhors tardiness."

Horatia rushed back across the hall into Lucien's bedchamber. He was sitting up, his bare chest bandaged around his lower waist. His hazel eyes lit up like topaz stones when he saw her.

"Thank God you're all right," she said.

He held his arms out for her and she curled up in his embrace as though she'd never left him. He grunted and winced.

"That might be overstating my condition a little." He chuckled.

Lucien kissed her gently, a compassionate expression of his love, but it soon burned hotter, threatening to consume them both. After a long delicious moment he freed her lips and just held her close.

"Cedric has given us his blessing. If you still want me..." Horatia was suddenly uncertain. Maybe Lucien would not want her because of all the trouble she'd been. Duels and assassins were not exactly easy obstacles to dodge.

"After all I've endured to have you? If you think I'll just let you escape after that, you are quite mistaken. I plan to marry you as soon as possible and if that requires tying you to my bed I most certainly will." Lucien's hands slid down her back to cup her bottom teasingly. Horatia tried not to grin.

"You already have tied me to your bed, and I quite enjoyed that experience. Should I feign escape to ensure that you do it again?" She stroked his chest, relishing the feel of his warm skin. She would never get over how easy it was to be with him, to tease and play in a way she'd always longed for.

"That sounds like a game I should certainly like to play, as soon as I am no longer at the mercy of my mother." Lucien winced. "Or the doctor."