[excerpt]

by Editor

  “Weddings—funerals, they’ll both be the death of you at some point. Oh, you’re welcome, Serina, for saving you.”

  “I wouldn’t have fallen if you hadn’t shown up. What do you want?”

  “What every mother wants, to walk her daughter down the isle and meet the new in-laws of course.”

  “I’ll be taking that trip down the isle with Serina, Livvy.”

  “How utterly inappropriate, Thomas.” The woman stomped her umbrella on the floor, hitting Father Butler’s toes on the last blast.

  Father Butler cast a scornful shot her way.

  “Oops!” Olivia gave Father Butler a side-glance, pulled her shoulders back, and said, “Let’s get this fiasco over with.”

  “To argue would only hasten the inevitable. ’Tis either her way or no way. Right Mum?” Serina looked at Father Butler with a grim face. “Shall we?” Serina held her hands to Father Butler and her mother. “This day started out so nicely.”

  “I’ll not ruin your wedding, Serina. I’m just curious.”

  “Curiosity killed the cat, Mum. How many lives have you got left?”

  “Enough!”

  Lucian, André, and Duncan stood at the podium, waiting…

  Within moments, Lucian caught sight of Father Butler as he escorted his blushing bride...And some strange woman dressed like the Grim Reaper’s mistress, down the garden path.

  Serina gave Lucian an ill-fated grin.

  Serina?

  Don’t ask, Lucian. Pretend you don’t see her.

  Hard not to. Serina?

  My mother.

  Splendid, I’d love to meet her.

  You say that now. Serina rolled her eyes and trudged forward trying not to allow her mother to mar her day. She set her sights straight ahead and focused on Lucian. He was the only person here who mattered.

  I did not think it possible for you to look any more stunning, beautiful, radiant, gorgeous…

  Flattery, my love, will definitely get you everywhere this night. Sorry I’m running a tad late. You see—I had a minor spill when Mummy popped in. Thank you for the note and necklace this morning. I can’t wait for this to be over so you and I can, well, you know.

  I do...Wait, that part comes in a few minutes. I know exactly how you feel, trust me.

  Serina could feel the color rising to her cheeks, and she didn’t want that to happen. She already had enough make-up on to paint her portrait. And that wasn’t the only place the heat pooled. The whole idea of not wearing any drawers to surprise her new husband may not have been in her best interest when she realized how very moist she’d become. Suddenly she didn’t think she could hold out until after the ceremony.

  Serina leaned over and whispered into Father’s ear, “Father, could we pick up the pace a bit?”

  “My dear child, did I not teach you patience is a virtue?”

  “Did you?” She laughed heartily. “I’ll work on the patience part; you work on your speed. Do we have an accord?” Serina gave Father a little tug.

  Father giggled as he quickened his step. “Come on Livvy, lose the hat and lighten your load.”

  “Thomas!” Olivia gasped as Serina jerked her forward to keep up with them.

  Serina laughed. “I can’t believe the way you speak to my mother and get away with it.”

  “Dear child, your mother has been my dearest friend since childhood. Right, Livvy?”

  Olivia peeked out from under her veil, her emerald eyes glistening. “The fool’s demented. He’s been around too many spirits, and I’m not referring to the holy ones.” She dropped her shield.

  A few feet from the podium, Father Butler stopped. He whispered to Serina, “I just want you to know how proud this old man is of you. You’ve truly been a great joy in my life, the best part of my life.”

  “That goes both ways, Father.”

  Olivia elbowed Serina.

  “What?” Serina asked agitated.

  “Don’t you have anything you’d like to say to me?”

  Serina lifted both brows to the woman. “If I’ve nothing good to say…”

  Olivia huffed, blowing the black netting on her hat out.

  With a shrug of his shoulders, Father Butler nudged Serina toward her new life. “How’s that, little girl.”

  Serina grabbed the portly man and kissed him leaving a set of peach lips upon his cheek.

  “I do believe, my dear, I’m the one who is supposed to kiss the bride.” And he did along with a hug that stole her breath. Then Serina turned to her husband-to-be.

  “Lucian, this is my mother. Mother, Lucian. We’ll do all the formalities after the ceremony, all right?”

  Lucian greeted her with a warm smile. “Pleasure to meet you.”

  “You say that now,” Olivia retorted. She nodded, and Serina ducked avoiding the ridiculous obstacle atop her mother’s head.

  “Your daughter has your sense of humor. Would you remove your veil so we might meet eye to eye?” Lucian asked politely.

  “My lord, ’tis vanity that shields me this day. Seeing my only child wed has taken its toll on me. Another time, perhaps.” Olivia realized if they recognized her there would hell to pay, and she did promise no trouble today. Olivia leaned close to Lucian’s ear and whispered, “Break her heart once, and it shall be yours I replace it with.”

  Caught off guard by the woman’s bold remark, Lucian took a step back. “’Tis a great thing you are here with us today, Olivia. We both have Serina’s best wishes in our hearts.”

  Serina looked at Lucian curiously.

  Not now, my lovely bride.

  Father Butler cleared his throat and placed Serina’s smaller hand into Lucian’s, their fingers entwined and the ceremony took place.

  Just before Lucian placed Serina’s wedding band on her finger, he asked her to read the inscription inside the ring.

  Serina held the tiny gold band in front of her and read, “Eden 1896.”

  Lucian laid a gentle kiss upon her hand and placed the ring on her finger. “This is inscribed because since I’ve met you, I feel as if I’m in the most mystical garden on earth.”

  Not a dry eye in the bunch could be found.

  When it came time to kiss the bride, Lucian was all lips, literally. He arched Serina backwards and dipped her low to the ground. He whispered, “I love you, Serina St. James,” just before he claimed possession of her soul and her heart.

  Lucian’s kiss left Serina lying in his arms wanting him to finish what he started right there, crowd or no crowd, mother or no mother blocking out every ray of sunshine with her bonnet.

  “You and I have unfinished business, my dear husband. I love the sound of that.”

  How long can you wait, m’lady? Can we at least share some champagne with our family or would you prefer I escort you out of here like a caveman, saying nothing? Shall I throw you over my shoulder and drag you off? Your choice. Lucian held a hungry grin for his new bride.

  Oooh…definitely like a caveman!

  “Champagne sounds divine, Lucian.” Serina bent her head back and waited for him to close the distance again.

  He accommodated her in one long, hard-pressed tonsil-tickling kiss.

  “All right you two, I can see my timing on the chat came a day late,” Father Butler interrupted. “Let us toast to your new lives together.” Everyone held up champagne glasses as Father blessed their marriage. “Lucian and Serina may the wind always be at your back, the heavens at your gate, love in your heart, and more children at your feet than you can remember their names. Cheers.”

  Olivia patted her chest and cleared her throat.

  Bags packed and ready to get her honeymoon underway, Serina scurried to Father Butler, with a grin that Father recognized as trouble ―for him.

  “You, dear old man, lost a bet we made. Remember betting me I’d never find meself a man in this century? I even had four years to spare. All my gardening tools are in the greenhouse. I know you know how to weed even if you’ve never done it, you’ve
seen me do it a thousand times. Watch out for the thorns and bees. Love you.”

  “Serina Spencer!”

  “’Tis St. James now,” Serina corrected.

  “You honestly expect me to keep your roses alive?”

  Teasing him she said, “You’d better. I’ve got a few spells up my sleeve me mum taught me.”

  “Blackmail, child? I never thought I’d see the day.” Father swatted Serina’s bum. “Go now to your husband, my girl. Enjoy your new life.” Father grabbed Serina and hugged her once more. “I love you.”

  “Love you more.” Serina’s fingers lingered on his chubby cheeks before she left.

  Lucian watched Duncan and Molly dance, holding each other closely. Lucian would treasure that sight forever.

  Now he had to see his sister as happy. He watched her with Payton, laughing, cuddling with him. He felt good about that one giant step.

  He kept wondering, what would have happened if he and Raven had never been attacked? He would never have met Serina. In a strange way, Lucian was thankful for that fateful night.

  He sought out Serina’s mother to get better acquainted, but the woman and her hat had vanished.

  He glanced around for André and found him with Father Butler.

  Lucian waltzed across the veranda, grabbed his new bride, tossed her over his shoulder, and headed for the train station.

  Chapter Ten

  The carriage ride to the station allowed no time for even the quickest little tryst...but then there was the ride to Virginia Falls. Between the Pullman Limited Express train, which began its routes in 1883, and horseback up the mountain they’d make time. Lucian made certain their private car came with a butler, bath and bed. He asked the room be filled with fresh flowers, champagne, chocolates and berries, and luxurious sapphire-colored silk sheets with white rose petals scattered across them to welcome his new bride.

  Entering their car, Serina pointed to a gift that lay in the center of the bed. “Lucian, really you shouldn’t have.” Regardless, she wasted no time picking the gift up and rattling it. “This is the most stunning closet-sized room I’ve ever stepped foot in. Did I ever mention I am claustrophobic?” She wasn’t kidding. Her heart kicked up a notch. Even though the tiny boxcar had all the amenities of home, it was crammed into a eight by eight foot room. The bed, the loo, the shower and a table with two chairs filled every square inch. She looked up at her husband with eyes wide. “The rose petals remind me of home, flowers all over the bleeding place. The strawberries are nice, but I have afflictions to them. I’ll turn into one giant hive if I eat them. The silky sheets look dangerous. Slippery when wet comes to mind. Guess I’ll have to hold on tight to you.” She shifted her brows in her non-prim non-proper motion.

  Not quite the reaction he was hoping for. She sounded skeptical. He wanted her bubbling over with joy so he could do the same. He had his work cut out. “Go on, undo this one.” He tapped on the gift.

  She pulled out a sheer, black lace negligee that looked very close to the one she had on the first night they had met. Her green eyes smoldered when she turned to him. Just as he’d hoped. Maybe this would take her mind off her worries. She could place all her energies to use in other areas...Him.

  She bit her bottom lip as she squeezed around the chairs to the edge of the bed. She sat down and held her hands out to him.

  “Would you undress me, m’lord, if it’s not too much trouble? I’m feeling rather overdressed for the occasion at hand. This little lace coat is beautiful. I can’t wait to put it on.”

  “I told you you’d want out of that cumbersome dress.” Lucian’s husky voice offered a warm entanglement of their bodies with passion steaming the windows of the car. He stood Serina with her back to him and began to undo what seemed like an infinite number of buttons. “Did I mention to you today that you are the most beautiful goddess on the planet?”

  “I’m easy. Keep ’em coming. One more won’t hurt.” Serina laughed.

  He edged her gown from her shoulders, but stopped the dress from falling just short of her breasts. All in due time! Her eyes held fire and brimstone when he faced her. That glance caused his gut to tighten and his loins to feel more like watermelons tucked in his trousers. “I’m enchanted by the fact you are indeed my wife, my lover, and my heart.” He let the dress slip down over her breasts.

  Every nerve in her body reacted to his touch, his scent, his caress. Her breasts became firm, her nipples hard peaks with each breath that passed over her.

  He captured her at her waist, and when his lips met her skin a flame scorched its way to the juncture between her thighs.

  That fast. Foreplay? Yes, it was indeed torturously fun, but she was already there. He began at her wrists, moving lazy little kisses upward. Anxious, she drew Lucian’s lips to her chest and looked down to him, pleading without words.

  He shook his head no. She grunted.

  Lucian wanted to take his time with her. He kissed his way over her shoulder and worked his way to her neck. Once he found that spot she seemed to adore, he nipped hard. More sounds slipped from his new bride as she dug her fingers into his hair and crushed him to her.

  “Lucian…”

  “Not tonight, Lady St. James. I will not give you what you want until I am more than certain you cannot take one second more. You told me I could have my way with you, so I am holding you to your word.” As he kissed between her breasts, he slid his tongue over her beaded nipples, Serina’s knees began to shake.

  “You’re taunting me.”

  “Indeed I am, m’lady. I’ve only just begun.” Tiny tremors rocked his body from anticipation alone. What she experienced, so did he. Lucian tightened his hold.

  “I’m already nearing the end, Lucian, and you still haven’t gotten me out of this cocoon. This is not fair.” Serina’s voice came out low, a complete seductress at work. She began to try to wiggle her way free when Lucian shackled her hands behind her.

  “Soon enough, my love. What did Father say about patience being a virtue?”

  “That in all likelihood it would be the death of me since I have none! Do you want me to die, here? Now?”

  “Oh, my little drama queen.” Lucian never missed a beat. He took her breast to his mouth and puckered his lips around her nipple. He nibbled, sucked, and as she put it, taunted the ripened bud then he sat back and admired his handiwork. Two perky mountains of creamy flesh awaited his next move. He lowered her dress.

  “Lucian, I can’t stand any more.”

  “Yes, you can.”

  “No, I mean I can’t stand, my legs are threatening to give way.”

  “I did not realize I married such a whiner.” Lucian blew her a kiss. As the dress slipped from her hips Serina’s own little surprise was revealed. Not a stitch of clothing to be found under the dress. His eyes couldn’t have shown more delight. “Tell me you’ve not been like this all day?”

  She grinned. “I worried slightly when you went in search of me garter, that you’d find me surprise a bit early.”

  “Damn shame I didn’t.” With his hands on her hips, he drew her to him then nudged her thighs apart and let her straddle one of his legs. He slid her hips back and forth across his thigh, rubbing softly over that one spot that could satisfy her and drive him insane. The movement wasn’t enough. He wanted his shaft trapped between her delicate folds of warm skin and having her ride him as she was now.

  “How close are you, my luv?”

  The velvet-trousered leg that caressed her mons was pleasurable, but not enough. She wanted it all. She swallowed a scream. Every cell within her overheated little body was on the verge of madness. Serina groped at Lucian’s loins until she found the buttons on his pants, then ripped them from him. As the material fell away, Lucian’s bulge pressed hard into the air.

  Oh it’s like a jack in the box. Pop goes the penis!

  Lucian read her mind. Oh, you are a rare gem.

  “Care to buffer any rough edges you might find with your tool, Mr. Gemolo
gist?” Serina slid her hands down and stroked his engorged shaft. From the corner of her eye, she watched Lucian quiet. Seemed he enjoyed the way she dominated him. She shoved him onto his back.

  His eyes closed and his hands clasped behind his head, he said, “Do what you must!”

  Serina bent and kissed him long and slow while she climbed atop him. She slid his solid muscle between her legs, rubbed his head between the folds of her skin to tease them both. Already slick from his earlier ministrations, Serina’s impatience won out. Her husband gasped along with her when she shoved him inside her. She didn’t move for a minute, afraid to. Her pleasure-pain receptors were busy trying to figure out which way the scales would tip. Right now, she was leaning towards this was not the smartest move she’d made to date. Father Butler’s little “patience is a virtue” proclamation just came back to bite her where the sun didn’t shine.

  “You all right?” she asked. “Did I break anything?”

  Lucian didn’t say a word. He just gritted his teeth and growled.

  Serina started again with a slight shift sideways and then worked her way into a easy rhythm of rocking back and forth before she went full speed ahead, riding him hard and fast. Every time she ground down on him, Lucian stilled her hip’s momentum and eased his way out, all but making her scream. She wasn’t certain who’d go insane first...him or her if she kept this up. She wanted these sensations to never end, and at the exact same time, she wanted to reach that peak and have the grand finale. Maybe it was just the position, but he filled her in ways she never knew possible. Overwhelmed, Serina started to cry.

  “M’lady, I didn’t hurt you did I?” Lucian pushed off the mattress and sat up taking Serina with him. He held her so she wouldn’t topple backwards.

  She wrapped her legs around his waist, securing her body to him. Crying or not, nothing would stop this climax. She had priorities.

  The change in position finally tickled that one spot deep within her and ripped the orgasm from her with Lucian’s release immediately following. She held on to him as her body erupted into a giant frenzy of pulsing waves and contractions taking them both a ride for their lives.