My Lord Eternity (Immortal Rogues #2)(30)
Author: Alexandra Ivy

She tried and failed to think of any other gentleman of her acquaintance who would be so secure within himself.

There was simply no one else to compare with Lucien Valin, she acknowledged with a faint sigh. It was little wonder that he had so easily bewitched his way into her heart.

As if sensing her intense regard, the golden head abruptly lifted and he flashed her that wicked grin that never failed to stop her heart.

"Well?"

Lost in the beauty of his smile, it took a moment for her to realize he was holding up the small blouse for her inspection. Feeling decidedly foolish, she rose from the chair and crossed the floor to take the garment.

Soon she would be one of those witless maidens who could do nothing but giggle and simper when in the company of a handsome gentleman, she chided herself.

"You are very swift," she murmured, hoping to hide her brief flare of embarrassment.

"Will it do?"

Rather absently raising the blouse to glance at the fresh hem, her attention was firmly caught by the tiny, utterly precise stitches.

Not even the most talented dressmaker could have achieved such efficient work.

She gave a slow shake of her head. "I do not believe it."

He rose to his feet, his golden brows raised at her muttered words. "What is it?"

"It is perfect. Absolutely perfect."

He gave a choked laugh. "And that is a bad thing?"

"Everything you do is perfect." She lifted her head to meet his glittering gaze. "Do you have no faults whatsoever?"

"You are being absurd."

"Indeed?" She regarded him steadily. "I have yet to see you fail at anything. You have mastered chess, hazard, archery, and cribbage. You charm young children, wary women, and even Meg, who is never charmed. And now you sew a perfect hem."

Surprisingly his amusement faded as he reached out to gently remove the blouse from her hands. He tossed it upon the sofa before turning to grasp her shoulders.

"Jocelyn, I can assure you that I am far from perfect," he said, what might have been regret darkening his eyes. "In truth, there are any number of my acquaintances who would assure you that I have more than my fair share of faults."

She frowned, unable to accept his words. Surely all who met Lucien tumbled into love with him. How could they not?

"I do not believe you."

His fingers briefly tightened, his lips twisting in a rueful fashion.

"You should. I can be irresponsible, frivolous, and inclined to infuriate others with my peculiar sense of humor."

She searched his expression, sensing a vulnerability that she would never have expected beneath his smooth assurance. It pierced her heart in a manner that she had never experienced before.

Barely aware of what she did, Jocelyn raised her hand to lay it against the satin softness of his cheek in a comforting motion.

"I enjoy your sense of humor," she said with a fierce sincerity.

The golden eyes abruptly shimmered in the dim light as he reached up to cover the fingers still pressed to his countenance.

"Oh, my dove, you do know best how to touch my heart."

Her breath caught at the fragile, wondrous moment.

The sensations that filled her were not those she had experienced with Lord Patten. This had nothing to do with vanity or a need for adventure or even the desire for physical pleasure.

What she felt now was deeper, more profound. Her heart, even her very soul, knew the truth.

It was perhaps the most important moment in her entire life.

"Do I?" she whispered.

"Can you doubt it?" he demanded in hoarse tones.

"Lucien …"

Her lips parted in an open invitation for his kiss, but even as his head began to lower, an unreadable emotion swept over his countenance and he was pulling back.

"Jocelyn, we must speak," he abruptly insisted.

A chill inched down her spine. She reluctantly recalled his manner earlier in the day. She had been so close to confessing her feelings. She had wanted him to know that he had found a place within her heart. But even as the words had trembled upon her lips, he cut her short. .

And now, once again, he was holding her at length.

There was clearly something wrong.

"I thought we were speaking," she said in a failed attempt at humor to cover her fear.

His features became unreadable as he drew in a deep breath. "There are secrets you do not know of me, Jocelyn. Secrets that are not easy to confess."

She stiffened, feeling as if her heart were being squeezed with a ruthless force.

"Are you married?"

He appeared momentarily shocked by her question before he gave a sharp shake of his head.

"No. I have never desired to bind myself to another." His hand moved to touch her cheek.

"Not until now."

She unwittingly hid a sigh. Surely anything could be overcome as long as he was free to offer her his heart.

"Then, what is it?"

Surprisingly she felt his fingers tremble against her face, as if he were struggling to control his inner emotions. The chill within her became more pronounced.

"You said that I was different. I fear that you were quite right. I am unlike any other gentleman you have ever encountered."

Her brows drew together in a puzzled frown. "That does not matter to me, Lucien.

Considering most gentlemen I have encountered, I can only be relieved that you are different."

He gave a sigh, his fingers compulsively moving down her cheek to stroke the line of her jaw.

"That is because you do not yet comprehend what I mean by different."

"You are not making any sense. I know you. There is nothing—"

Her ardent words were untimely interrupted when the door to the sitting room was rudely thrust open. With a gasp of dismay Jocelyn jumped away from Lucien and turned to meet Meg’s speculative gaze.

"Meg." She ridiculously ran her hands over her gown, realizing that the servant was bound to have noticed the intimate familiarity between her and Lucien. There would no doubt be a stern lecture on the morrow at her foolish weakness. "Has something occurred?"

The housekeeper flashed Lucien a jaundiced glare before returning her attention to the flustered Jocelyn.

"That gent is here again."

"Gent?"

"That one who ruined my floors."

With her thoughts still tangled by Lucien, it took a while before Jocelyn at last realized Meg must be referring to the Bow Street Runner who had called before.

"Mr. Ryan?"

"Aye."

Her hand lifted to press to her heart. It was far too late for any callers. What could he possibly desire?