The Buccaneer(112)

Catherine looked up at Lucian, seeking his permission, not wishing to embarrass him by demanding that he release her. Instead she whispered, "Please."

He hesitated a moment, his grip tightening as though he fought with himself to let her go. But he did. He released her hand and she fled to her father.

Abelard captured her in his outstretched arms, hugging her fiercely to him. "I was worried."

"No need to be," she reassured him. "I am safe and happy."

Her remark pleased Lucian and he stood waiting impatiently to take her away from Abelard.

"You will stay and visit with us," she insisted. "I have much to show you here and you could use a rest."

"We plan to stay as long as you need us," Aunt Lilith said, reaching out to her niece for a hug.

Catherine went to her and Lucian relaxed, relieved Abelard no longer held her.

"I'm glad you've come, Aunt Lilith," Catherine said, squeezing the woman's ample waist.

"You don't think I would allow your father to go off on an adventure as grand as this one and not take me along," she said with a laugh.

Catherine smiled, loving her aunt's unconventional ways.

"And you, sir," Aunt Lilith said to Lucian. "You will tell me all your pirate tales and adventures, won't you?"

Lucian couldn't help but like the woman. She was outspoken and her manner direct. She hid nothing and she spoke with honesty. "Gladly, madam."

Catherine smiled proudly at his display of sincere charm.

"You are a handsome one, you know," her aunt said with a twinkle in her eyes. "I'm glad my niece captured you."

"That she did, madam," Lucian said with a laugh, and sought to win Lilith to his side. "But she refuses to marry me and save my reputation."

Catherine glared at him.

"Is this true, Catherine?" her aunt asked. "He has proposed to you and you've turned him down?"

"Perhaps she doesn't wish to marry him," Randolph said sharply.

Lucian waited for her response, wondering if she would state the conditions she had insisted upon. Her answer pleased him.

"I wish for you two to speak with each other," she said. "That is why I sent for you, Papa."

"Catherine, we've been through this," he sighed. "I have nothing to say to this man. He has caused you much pain and I wish he would leave you in peace."

"And what of the pain you caused?" Lucian accused.

"I did what I had to do," Randolph argued.

"Why?" Lucian demanded angrily.

"It is of no concern now."

"To me it is."

Randolph shook his head. "It is over and done. Let it go."

"Bloody hell I will," Lucian said in an icy calmness, and stormed past everyone out the front door.

"Father," Catherine scolded, only addressing him so formally when angry.

"I will not speak about it, Catherine, and that is my final word on the matter," he said, and stubbornly stumped up the steps, Dunwith close behind.

Catherine gave Dulcie a quick hug. 'I'm glad you've come. Santos will see you to your rooms. Aunt Lilith, I will see you later. I must—"

"Be off with you, Catherine, he needs you," her aunt interrupted, and turned her chatty attention on Santos.

o0o



Catherine found Lucian in the stable, stroking his stallion's neck.

"Animals love unconditionally," he said, knowing she stood behind him.

"As I love you," she whispered softly.

He turned, walked up to her, and drew her into his arms. He had wanted her to follow him, to leave everyone else behind, demonstrating that she cared solely for him. And she had.

I never meant to cause you pain," she said on a choked sob.

He brushed a restrained kiss across her lips. "Bloody hell, it is I who have caused you pain."

He kissed her fully then, sweeping into her mouth and capturing her senses.

"No more pain, angel," he whispered between ravishing her mouth. "I promise you, you will suffer no more pain."

o0o



Lucian found his promise difficult to keep in the weeks that followed. Her father openly sought to persuade her to return to England with him.

Though polite out of necessity, both the marquis and Lucian found it nearly impossible to deal with each other. Too much buried resentment and too many secrets lay between them and until addressed the tension would continue to mount.

"Why do you put up with this nonsense?" Santos asked one evening before supper.

Lucian sighed, relaxing back in the wicker chair on the veranda outside his study. "Catherine is only six weeks from delivery. I don't wish to upset her at this delicate time.

"Bah," Santos said with a wave of his hand. "Catherine is much stronger then you give her credit for. Send her father packing, marry Catherine, and return peace to Heaven."