My Lord Eternity by Alexandra Ivy Page B

Amadeus plotted, he would feel considerably more confident in his skill to protect her.
    She gave a shake of her head. “It makes no sense.”
    â€œAt the moment I fear I must agree. I do promise, however, that I will discover what the demon is plotting.”
    Without warning she pulled back to regard him with a worried frown.
    â€œYou will not put yourself in danger?” she demanded.
    He slowly smiled at the genuine anxiety etched upon her beautiful countenance. Jocelyn may not yet accept the fact that an unmistakable affection was growing between them, but it was there whatever her determination to keep him at arm’s length.
    â€œNo more danger than necessary,” he assured her.
    In the shadows her magnificent eyes suddenly flashed with an unmistakable fire.
    â€œLucien.”
    He laughed softly at her chiding tones, firmly pulling her back into his arms and pressing her head to his chest. It felt astonishingly wonderful to hold her close.
    There was a silent pause before she heaved a soft sigh. “Why is this happening?”
    He glanced out the window of the carriage to view the filthy streets lined with desperate, hungry people. How easy it would be to whisk Jocelyn away from all of this and provide her with the beauty and luxury she deserved. But that would not keep her safe from the traitors, and he was far from certain that she desired to leave those poor souls who depended upon her.
    It appeared for the moment he could only offer support.
    â€œJocelyn, you are a strong woman. Strong enough to face this danger and survive.”
    He felt her shiver. “How can you be so certain?”
    Determined to lighten the dark mood that was threatening to overwhelm her, Lucien deliberately tilted her chin up so that he could smile deep into her troubled eyes.
    â€œBecause I am not only handsome, charming, and witty, I am also quite perceptive. I no doubt already know you better than you know yourself.”
    Thankfully the tightness of her features lessened and a hint of amusement glinted to life within her eyes.
    â€œYou, sir, are impossible.”
    â€œAnd charming and handsome and witty,” he added, bending slowly forward to softly brush those tempting lips with his own.
    For one delicious heartbeat she allowed his mouth to linger. Then, with a near-tangible reluctance, she pulled back to regard him with a faint frown.
    â€œYou can make no claim of winning any kisses on this night, Lucien,” she pointed out in unsteady tones. “There were no wagers or forfeits to be paid.”
    â€œShall I admit that I simply could not resist?”
    She opened her mouth to deliver a pert retort, but thankfully the hack drew to a shuddering halt and Lucien was swift to slip out of the door and help her onto the street. She did manage a jaundiced glance as she swept past him and toward the house, but it did not entirely hide the color that stained her cheeks.
    Ridding himself of the impatient driver, Lucien strolled up the path to join her as she opened the door and entered the foyer. She was clearly eager to be away from his presence, but with a firm motion he reached up to grasp her arm.
    â€œHold a moment, Jocelyn. I wish to ensure your chamber is safe.”
    Her lips thinned at his commanding tone, but as if sensing he would not be pressed upon this issue, she gave a slow nod of her head.
    â€œVery well.”
    â€œWait here.”
    With a last glance toward Jocelyn, Lucien turned and slipped through the dark silence. Although he could feel no threat in the air, he was not about to make any mistakes on this night. Jocelyn had been frightened enough. He was uncertain even her staunch courage could cope with another unpleasant surprise.
    It did not take long to search through the upper chambers, and certain that Amadeus had no further traps devised, Lucien returned down the stairs and took Jocelyn’s hands in his own.
    â€œAll is well,” he assured her softly.
    In the