by Mariel Grey
Lucy would return home with Lucien and life would go on as it had. Except they would now be in the position to breed what would surely become the most sought after thoroughbreds in England over the next few years. Their honor and livelihood were now secure. What about her? What did she want?
Lucy glanced at Chalifour. Her eyes locked with his. Her breath caught in her throat and her essence constricted painfully. Chalifour lips curved into a knowing smile. Did Chalifour know what he did to her? Last night, Lucy was certain she heard footsteps outside her room. Breathless, heart hammering in her chest, Lucy waited in vain for Chalifour's knock. Lucy had obviously imagined the entire episode. Bitterly, Lucy admitted to herself that Chalifour's attraction to her was purely temporal.
Chalifour had acted on his carnal desires and seduced her, belatedly feeling a sting of guilt at bedding his business partner's sister. Lucy couldn't blame Chalifour. She certainly hadn't resisted his attentions. Lucy had hungered to experience sensual love, never contemplating the possibility she might become smitten with a man. Lucy had discovered the one man she wanted only to find he wasn't interested.
Chalifour broke eye contact with Lucy and turned his attention to Lucien. "Is our wager still on?"
Lucien's head bobbed enthusiastically and a toothy smile brightened his face. "This might be the only wager I ever made I wouldn't mind losing."
Lady Elizabeth eyed Lucien and Chalifour curiously.
"Fine," Chalifour said with a wicked grin. He turned to face Lucy and his smile faded. A solemn expression replaced it and he dropped to his knee before her.
Lucy recoiled, horrified. "What are you doing?" She quickly scanned the crowd which surrounded them to see if anyone had noticed the impropriety amidst the bedlam and noise.
"Why, I'm asking for your hand in marriage, sweetling. What does it appear I'm doing?"
Lucy was confounded. "What do you mean? I don't understand."
"I asked for your hand once before. It was rash on my part. You were right to refuse me."
Lucy glanced at Lucien's face which registered confusion. Lucien's curiosity would certainly be aroused to a fever pitch by Chalifour's admission! Lucy couldn't possibly explain to her brother the reasons Chalifour proposed to her earlier. Oh, after I let him have his way with me and he ravished me all night, Chalifour had an attack of guilt because of his relationship with you. Gads! Her eyes focused back on Chalifour's handsome face and form before her.
"I am asking you for all of the right reasons now," Chalifour continued. "If you refuse me again, that will be the end of it. I will not ask you again. I love you, Lucy. You are courageous and true of heart. But I will not settle for a small part of you. I want all of you, which means I must have your confidence too. If I have not earned your trust and love at this juncture, I doubt I ever will. So what will your answer be?"
Lucy stared at Chalifour, speechless. She looked at Lucien again. Lucien's face bore a gentle smile, no sign of shock or outrage at this thoroughly improper proposal. Lucien already knew! He had inferred as much last night when he mentioned Chalifour had matters to discuss with her.
Lucy's heart soared. She couldn't help the huge smile she knew had stolen across her face. Lucy was so delirious she must look silly. She wanted to dance. She wanted to sing. Most of all, she wanted Chalifour to hold her."Yes, yes! Oh yes!"
Chalifour's strong face broke into a smile and he pulled her from her chair and crushed her against him, ignoring the disapproving stares around them.
Lady Elizabeth clapped her hands in delight, eyes shining."That's wonderful! Why didn't you tell me?" She shot her brother a quick scowl before breaking into a delighted laugh. "Now, I'll have the sister I always wanted. You might be in trouble, brother! Two of us to one of you! I can hardly wait!"
Chalifour looked over at Lucien and smirked. "I guess I won my wager."
"I guess you did. Though I'm curiously unaffected by my loss," Lucien said. He smiled. "Welcome to the family."
####
More About & Connect With Mariel Grey
More About Mariel Grey: http://www.marielgrey.com/sample-page/
Connect with Mariel Grey at Twitter: http://twitter.com/@mariel_grey
Connect with Mariel Grey at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marielgreyauthor
My blog and website: http://www.marielgrey.com
Credits:
This book is dedicated to my wonderful husband, David, who supports me in all my endeavors.
My cover art is the creation of the talented Melody Simmons.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
Chapter Twenty Eight
Chapter Twenty Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty One
Chapter Thirty Two
Chapter Thirty Three
Chapter Thirty Four
Chapter Thirty Five
Chapter Thirty Six
Chapter Thirty Seven
More About & Connect With Mariel Grey