“Out.” The duke swore the word.
Lucas gave a slow bow. “It was a lovely time. Quite . . . educational, I’d say.” Lucas turned to the door.
The duke didn’t make a sound as Lucas quit the room, his mind spinning in several different directions.
He wasn’t sure why he hadn’t seen it before, but it was becoming clearer by the minute.
He’d have to dig a little deeper.
How in the hell had he gone from no strings attached with Liliah, to scrounging through her father’s past?
Hell hadn’t just frozen over, it had imploded from the chill.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Liliah was leaving the library when she caught sight of a familiar gaze. Heart stopping, then pounding as realization hit with full force, she glanced about for servants. When she assured herself that the hall was vacant, she lifted a hand to her lips to signal silence, and pointed back to the recently vacated library. As she held the door open, she kept an eye on the hall as Luc hastily made his way to the open door. He kissed her quickly on the lips before tugging her inside the library and closing the door firmly.
“Tell me it locks,” he whispered against her lips as he pulled her into his embrace. Liliah’s senses were overcome with the scent of him, the familiar hint of mint that clung to his clothes, and the spicy flavor of his kiss, all vying for her attention. Molding herself to his person wantonly, she gave herself fully to the kiss, delighting in each sensation as it rocketed through her.
When Luc released her lips, her eyes slowly opened and focused on his questioning expression. Belatedly she remembered the inquiry. “Yes.” She turned back and twisted the mechanism, securing the door.
“Delightful.” He leaned in, capturing her lips once more as his hands caressed down her shoulders to the swell of her hips, tucking them in tight against his in a not-so-subtle hint of desire.
Reason was forgotten, but curiosity wasn’t as easily dismissed, and Liliah reluctantly leaned out of the kiss, studying his handsome face. “How are you here?”
His blue eyes danced excitedly as they roamed her face. “A little tête-à-tête with your father.” He shrugged dismissively, and Liliah’s curiosity burned hotter.
“Why in heaven’s name—”
“I was invited,” Lucas answered, grinning mischievously.
“That’s . . . surprising.” She frowned slightly as she tried to imagine what would possess her father to invite someone so despised over for a private conversation.
“It was intriguing. He’s quite controlling and severe, which is no surprise to either you or me. But it was different to see him display such character traits in relation to his own family versus in the House of Lords.”
Liliah gave a wry grin. “I assure you his character is universally displayed, regardless of person or place.”
“I can see that,” Lucas answered, squeezing her hips as his gaze lowered to her lips.
A cautious thought entered Liliah’s mind. “Were you shown out?”
Lucas shook his head, then leaned down and kissed along the curve of her neck. Liliah’s eyes drifted closed as she fought for coherent thought.
“So, they expect you to still be on the premises?” Liliah asked in a breathless tone.
“I expect so,” Lucas murmured against her skin, the warm air from his breath causing a shiver of pleasure to vibrate down her back. “Do you want me to leave?” He leaned back as if withholding his attentions.
“Heaven’s no,” Liliah replied, reaching up to hold his shoulders, pulling him in close. He chuckled in response and teased her skin with more kisses.
“That’s the right answer. However . . .” He nipped at her earlobe, then licked it teasingly. “I will have to disappear soon. After all, my carriage is in front, waiting.”
“Damn,” Liliah breathed.
“Such language from a lady,” Lucas scolded jokingly, then placed several quick kisses to her lips, fleeting ones that were merely a taste of the passion withheld.
“Wicked,” Liliah remarked, following his retreating mouth with her own, desperate for more.
“Indeed you are,” Lucas said, then kissed her hungrily, his breath coming in short gasps as he pressed himself against her, making his insistent arousal apparent.
