His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 18

Horatia pulled her stockings back on and then her slippers while Lucien dressed. They proceeded out through the terrace door, stepping over patches of snow that had settled in clumps along the cobblestone walkway. Above them, the night sky was clear of clouds and the luminescent stars glittered. It never ceased to amaze Horatia how beautiful the sky was in winter. In the summer, one could see the countless stars, but the glow was fickle and undefined. Winter stars burned with a crystalline sharpness in the thick velvet sky. They reminded her of herself, stalwart in the light of eternal solitude. Horatia was pulled from her inner musings when she realized Lucien's attention was fixed upon her.

"Do you like the stars?" he asked, twining a lazy arm about her hips and tucking her into his side. She blushed. The simple gesture sent ripples of pleasure through her. At that moment being with him seemed so unlike her tortured dreams or the harsh reality of their strained relationship. His black mask melded with the night sky so well that only his hazel eyes and his seductive smile shone through the darkness.

"I adore the stars in winter. They seem brighter somehow. Stronger, yet so very alone." She traced the constellations above in her mind.

"Have you ever studied them?" he asked, his gaze flicking from her to the heavens above.

"Oh yes. Astronomy is one of my guilty pleasures. Aud...that is to say, my little sister often made me feel quite silly for loving them, but she doesn't understand. Studying the stars is like studying the expanse of forever. I feel that when I look at the sky I am gazing into the mirror of creation and seeing the divine patterns that were formed long before I existed, and will continue to exist long after I am gone. It is humbling."

"But beautiful." Lucien's tone was so smooth that she shivered. Did he understand what she meant? Too often she'd been told by irritated suitors she tended to converse philosophically. It was perhaps why she'd been relegated to the shelf on the Marriage Mart, but she didn't care. Such opinions didn't matter, and those who held them were not worth her interest.

He grinned rakishly. "Would you be willing to tutor me, oh lovely stargazer?"

She returned his grin with a teasing smile. "I thought I was your little dove?"

He tugged her towards him so that her back was pressed against his chest. He nuzzled her neck, his lips dancing against her skin.

"You've quite surprised me tonight. I had not expected a scholarly philosopher. I find I like the depth of your mind. A change in your term of endearment was certainly required. Henceforth, you are my lovely stargazer."

"A bit romantic, but I shan't complain." She turned her head back towards his, letting him steal a deep kiss before she added, "Shan't complain at all."

She knew she was entirely a romantic creature. Lucien had helped make her so through those novels he gave her every Christmas. Each one was a love story.

"Well then, guide me through the heavens."

Horatia reached up a hand to point to the sky. "Do you see the trio of stars in a row?" She pointed just over the city's rooftops. "Just there?"

"Yes," he whispered, his breath warming her neck.

"That is Orion's belt. And the far northeastern star is his sword."

Dealt with? Horatia's mouth opened but Lucien clamped a hand over her lips.

"Aye sir, of course," the other man said, as though they were discussing a routine chore. "Everything is arranged, all that's lacking is opportunity. That requires patience. Fortunately, I have no lack of that commodity."

"Good. I appreciate a man who understands these things. There must be no mistakes. I have a bank draft here for the first part owed to you."

The second man growled low. "I told you no bank drafts. Coin only. My business cannot be traced back to either of us."

"I assure you this is not from that kind of account." The gentleman huffed as it became clear that was besides the point. "Very well. I see caution is also something you don't lack. I don't have enough in coin on me tonight. Let us meet back here tomorrow morning; the garden will be empty of tonight's visitors and no one will have arrived for the evening's activities that early."

"I shall be waiting. And the rest of the payment?"

"Not a penny until the conditions are met, and there is dirt falling upon a grave."