Arms. Good Lord, she was in Lucian's arms. All he had to do was slip his hand over her waist and he would feel the small bulge of her stomach where his child nestled safely.
She opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"You're safe, madam."
She couldn't help but smile, his words comforted her so.
"Are you feeling better, Catherine?" her aunt asked, leaning over to her.
"Yes, much," she said, and attempted to squirm out of Lucian's arms.
"Stay put," he ordered sternly, causing Catherine to still immediately and her aunt's eyes to widen in surprise.
Not caring what either woman thought of his brazen demand he continued. "You will settle yourself in my arms and I will see you safely to your room. Tomorrow I will call on you and we will talk, then I will speak with your father."
Lilith smiled approvingly. "Randolph will be happy to receive you."
Catherine shut her eyes against the thought. Why did he want to speak with her father? Hadn't he caused them both enough pain?
The carriage stopped and Catherine attempted to scramble off his lap, placing her hands across her stomach protectively.
"Sit still," he warned with a whisper near her ear.
"Please let me go, Lucian," she begged softly. The outline of his handsome features in the moonlight stole her breath away and sent her heart to racing.
Her aunt was already out of the carriage, rushing up the front steps for assistance from the servants. Santos stood discreetly away from the open carriage door.
"Promise me you will see me tomorrow," Lucian said, running his hand slowly up her neck.
"I promise," she nearly shouted needing to run from him, far from him. His touch had ignited her passion, and it flared to a hot flame. She ached for his hands to touch more of her heated flesh and if she didn't move away from him soon she would surely beg him to love her.
"You want me, angel, don't you?" he asked, his lips following where his hand had been and kissing the slim column of her neck, licking gently, lovingly, where her pulse throbbed rapidly at the vein in her neck.
She moaned, biting back the need to tell him not only how much she wanted him but how much she loved him.
"I can taste the passion that rushes through you," he whispered harshly, his hand moving to cup her breast. "You want me to ease the ache, the fire between your legs. You're hot and wet and ready for me, aren't you, angel?"
Lord, but his words alone could climax her. He drove her crazy and if she wasn't careful soon she would lose all sanity and let him have his way with her and then —
He'll discover his child resting in your belly.
Her silent reminder startled her and she struggled against him, against her own desire.
"Catherine," he said sternly, his hands reaching for her waist to settle her.
She slipped from his grasp and if Santos hadn't caught her she would have fallen to the ground. He helped her up and cast her a startled expression. He had felt her rounded belly, he knew.
She begged him with her eyes and a shake of her head not to reveal her secret.
He nodded and sent her a sad smile before releasing her.
She ran toward her aunt and Dulcie who had rushed out of the house to help her.
"Tomorrow, Catherine," Lucian called from the carriage.
Catherine didn't turn and acknowledge him, she ran straight into the house.
o0o
"Two days and you're telling me she still isn't well enough to receive visitors," Lucian said to the imposing manservant who blocked the entrance of the Abelard townhouse.
"The physician left explicit instructions that she rest and that she was to receive no visitors," Dunwith explained calmly.
"And when did the physician feel she would be well enough to receive visitors?"
"I couldn't say, sir. That information is privileged and for the Abelard family alone to divulge if they wish."
Lucian grew furious. Catherine belonged to him and he damn well intended to find out what the bloody hell was wrong with her. "I demand to see the marquis."
"He isn't home."
"I'll wait," Lucian said, and took a step to walk around the servant.
Dunwith took a step to his right, blocking Lucian's path. "He isn't expected back for a few days.
Santos came up behind Lucian, ready to help him charge the house if he wished, but Lucian held up his hand, sensing his friend behind him.
"Tell the marquis the Earl of Brynwood, Lucian Darcmoor, requests a meeting. I will be here the day after tomorrow at noon. And I will not be turned away."
Dunwith nodded. "I understand perfectly. I will inform the marquis."
Lucian turned and walked off with Santos, his heavy and purposeful strides evidence of his anger.
"He will not be put off again," Dunwith announced, turning around to face Catherine after locking the door.