Secrets 03 - Shattered Secrets
Page 29
“What are we celebrating?” she asked, joy shining in her eyes.
“Our new life together.”
*
Much later that evening, Moira stirred in Lucas’s warm embrace, her heart light. She touched the heavy gold band on his hand, realizing he hadn’t removed it since their wedding.
“Thank heavens we didn’t witness the prime minister’s death today,” she whispered.
“The doctor said with some rest he should be back to normal within a day or two.” Lucas frowned. “Not so for the professor.”
“How terribly ironic that his own weapon destroyed him. What will happen to Simmons?” she asked.
“The police will charge him for Markus’s murder now that they have unequivocal proof that he lives. Emma’s brother will have to testify as an eye witness. Simmons escaped his sentence for Abigail’s father’s murder as well. They’ll have to consider that. Not to mention the charges he faces for today’s events.”
“And Ingrid? What will become of her?”
Lucas scoffed. “She insisted on having the doctor look at her jaw where you struck her. She claimed it was broken.”
Moira couldn’t help but smile. Though her hand still ached from the punch, her feeling of satisfaction far outweighed the pain. She knew she’d been right not to trust that maid.
“I had no idea you had such violent tendencies.” Lucas lifted her hand to kiss it.
“Nor did I.”
“She’ll be in prison for a very long time. After all, she indirectly helped in the attempt on Gladstone’s life. As for Tysdale, it’s difficult to say. At the very least, he will no longer be welcomed in the House of Lords.”
“I suppose some other man with extreme views will come along to take his place.” Moira shook her head at the thought.
“Enough with this dark conversation,” Lucas said. He put a finger under her chin and kissed her deeply.
Moira’s heart filled even further, as though expanding to make room for her happiness. He drew back to look into her eyes, and she held his gaze.
“Addie and Amelia were so happy at our news,” she whispered, trailing a finger along Lucas’s chest, loving the feel of him.
“Indeed they were. Those two have wound their way into my heart.” He kissed her again. “As have you. I love you, Moira.”
“I love you, too.”
He stilled. “I still don’t think you understand the injuries I received that night long ago. I feel I should warn you—”
Moira kissed him then eased back to hold his gaze. “I love all of you, including any broken parts, now and forever. I promise to do my best to aid you in whatever way I can, to heal you where I can, and to ease your pain where I can’t.” Tears filled her eyes as she spoke her vows.
Lucas swallowed hard as he held her gaze. He reached up and pulled off his eye patch, revealing a jagged scar that creased the bottom of his brow, down his eye lid, to the top of his cheek. His once smoky blue eye was clouded and murky.
Moira was filled with wonder at his gesture. He’d removed the last barrier, shattering the final secret between them. She lifted up to press a kiss along the scar.
“It makes my heart hurt to think of the pain you’ve suffered since that night.”
“I can’t tell you how much you’ve already helped me, Moira. I never thought to have much of a life, let alone a happy one filled with a family. I love you so much.”
“Oh, Lucas.” Moira kissed him, her tongue seeking his as she tried to show him how much he meant to her.
He shifted her so she lay half on top of him.
Her breath quickened at the new position, amazed at the desire spreading over her once again. She moved, smiling when she felt his hardness against her. Liquid heat poured through her at the proof of his desire.
“You know all my secrets and still you love me?” he asked.
“Always and forever.” She smiled, her heart spilling over with joy.
“I love the sound of that. Always and forever,” he repeated as he shifted to roll on top of her, claiming her once again.
THE END
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the supportive team of Colorado Indies and Colorado Indie Authors. Sharing the writing journey with you has made it much enjoyable.
Brad, Brandon, and Jordan: love you always and forever.
Thank you to my wonderfully talented critique partners: Michelle Major, Lani Joramo, and Robin Nolet, and to my beta readers, Linda Benning, Lauren Billing, and Sarah Billing. I appreciate your help more than I can say!
THANK YO
U
Thank you for reading Shattered Secrets. I hope you enjoyed the conclusion to The Secret Trilogy.
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Copyright © 2015 by Lana Williams
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