His Wicked Seduction novel Chapter 54

When Lucien opened the door the maid eyed him with disapproval. He'd faced far worse, however, he didn't want this woman bringing trouble to Horatia.

"I trust you will be silent about what you've seen here?"

"Of course, my lord," Ursula said without warmth. "My lady's reputation means everything to me. I dare not ask what your intentions are."

"My intention is to continue to see Horatia without anyone knowing. For her benefit, not mine. I am not ashamed to be with her, but her brother finding out would put everyone in a difficult position."

The lady's maid nodded. "Lord Sheridan would certainly be furious. I would not like to be the cause of his temper. I will keep silent so long as you treat her well."

Lucien nodded in farewell to Horatia, then slipped out into the hallway to ring for his valet, Felix.

He had to erase the image of her in bed from his mind. The way she looked so warm, soft and perfect, her hair tumbled in waves around her shoulders, her eyes still a little dreamy with sleep and her lips pink and ready for kisses... It was enough to drive a man mad.

After he'd bathed and dressed, Lucien stumbled upon his three brothers exiting the breakfast room and headed for the closest door that would take them outside.

"You three, stop!" he barked. It was time for a reckoning.

They caught sight of him and bolted like rabbits. Lucien managed to snag Linus by the collar of his long black greatcoat.

"Avery, help!" Linus clawed at his brother, who dodged away as he and Lawrence eyed Lucien the way one would a man-eating tiger.

A killing rage stirred in Lucien's blood and he was more than ready to unleash it after what had happened to Horatia.

"I want a word with you, Lawrence," Lucien growled. "All of you, in fact."

Linus kicked out but Lucien's grip had rendered him helpless. Avery and Lawrence looked to one another and nodded, coming back to Lucien. Lucien loosened his grip on Linus but did not release him completely.

"Last night. What you did, Lawrence, that had better been part of some silly plan you've concocted, because if I learn you meant to do Horatia harm you will never be welcome in this house again."

"Easy there, Lucien," Avery said gently, as though speaking to a spooked stallion.

"It was Mama's doing!" Linus gasped out. "She's to blame!"

"What?"

"Be quiet!" Lawrence hissed.

"Mama told us to seduce Horatia so you would become jealous and want her more." Lucien let Linus go, causing him to fall to his knees.

"Well then, lead the way, Avery." Lucien called for a nearby footman to fetch his coat and gloves. Avery, Cedric and Linus headed outside, but Lawrence lingered behind.

"Lucien, about Horatia-" Lawrence began.

Lucien cut him off with a raised finger, but Lawrence threw out a hand and stopped Lucien from brushing past him.

"I would never have done anything more to her. I swear it. She's...well, she's Horatia." Lawrence's tone conveyed his meaning where his words failed.

Lucien moved the hand aside. "Never, and I mean never touch her again. If you make her uncomfortable for even a moment..." He didn't finish his sentence because it would end with a threat and he didn't wish to ruin his day with such black thoughts.

Lawrence studied his brother's face. "Mother was right. You really do care for her. She's a good woman and will make a wonderful wife and mother."

The sudden vision of Horatia holding a child, their child in her arms stilled his heart. Pain, such sweet pain and longing, blazed to life inside him. But Cedric would never condone the match-he always seemed to forget that when he was near her.

"Speak of it no more. I expect you to find a moment later today to make your apologies to Horatia. And if you ever let mother coerce you into something so foolish again, I won't save you, whatever the consequences," Lucien warned.

"I'll apologize to her." Lawrence slid his coat onto his shoulders and looked as though waiting for his brother's permission to leave.

Lucien shoved ahead of him and donned his own coat and gloves. "Come along, Lawrence. These snow forts must be soundly built, and if we leave Linus in charge he'll make some delicate nonsense that will look impressive but blow over in a stiff wind." Focusing on the upcoming frivolities, he prayed he could shake loose the longing he had for Horatia. Last night couldn't be repeated ever again.