Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,2
watched as Lucille Rose Furniss stepped forward to claim her Prince Charming.
Chapter 1
Lucy's world consisted of only this one thing. His lips claimed hers as they seared into her soul, marking her as his for the rest of their lives. His hands cupped her face gently, his forehead touching hers, his voice for her ears only when he released her mouth.
“You are mine, kitten, now and forever.”
“Yes, I am yours,” Lucy managed to whisper, her heart pounding with the knowledge that her choice had been true. Softly, his lips descended onto hers again. It was far more than a kiss; it was a promise to share a lifetime together as he pulled her into his arms, encircling her as he released her mouth and lifted his face. Her heart filled beyond what she’d ever dreamed possible, she raised a hand to touch a fingertip to the wetness on his cheek, his movements mirroring her own as they traced the evidence of the tears shed between them. Tears she knew to be of the joy he’d wished her only moments before.
When he titled his head, his lip lifting in a grin that had her heart skip a beat even as it pounded so hard she wondered if he could hear it, she realized the sound wasn’t coming from within her, but was surrounding her. Lucas gave a silent nod and she turned her head to see Edward standing with her sister who was beaming with happiness that reflected Lucy’s own as she clapped, joining dozens of others in a show of celebration for the couple who’d become the center of attention in the middle of the ball room floor.
“Oh…” Lucy said, feeling her cheeks heat. Darting a glance toward the open French doors behind them, she was startled to hear Lucas’ chuckle.
“Afraid not, little one,” Lucas said, holding her just a bit tighter as if he believed she was truly intending to break away. “It seems that breath of fresh air I promised will have to wait. I do believe this will be the first ball I’ve attended that is going to require a second reception line.”
Lucy looked to see that people did indeed appear to be forming a line, and while it wasn’t anywhere near as formal or quiet as the one they’d stood in upon arrival to greet their hosts, it was obvious that it would take several minutes to accept the congratulations of all who wished to extend their best wishes.
Her shyness had her preferring to view the world from a safe distance, never one to seek the limelight, but for this one night, she accepted the fact that her joy was far too huge to contain between the two of them. With the arms of the man she’d chosen holding her securely, she was able to smile as she saw Edward and Louisa begin to move toward them to offer the first words of congratulations.
But there was another far closer than her guardian and sister. Charles Lloyds stood only a foot or so away, the look of disappointment on his face tugging at Lucy’s heart. She gently pushed against Lucas’ chest.
“You’re safe, Lucy, I’ve—”
“I know, but please, Charles…”
Lucas lifted his head and saw the man and obviously understanding her need, he nodded and reluctantly released her to allow her to approach the other who’d fought so valiantly to win her affection.
“I'm so sorry,” Lucy said softly, one hand reaching out to him. Her face flushed as she felt shame at causing this wonderful man pain of any kind. “I didn't mean… I never meant to hurt you, Professor, I mean Headmaster…” Her voice trailed off as she realized she couldn’t find the words to convey how much she respected him, how deeply she appreciated his support over the past few months.
“You have nothing to apologize for, my dearest Lucille,” Charles said softly, stepping forward and taking her hand in his. “I think I knew from the moment I saw the two of you together. I just didn’t want to accept it,” he said and gave her a soft smile. “You will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Lucy felt her throat tighten with emotion as he spoke to her. She knew he was a wonderful man capable of great kindness and gentle support. He was going to make some woman a wonderful husband. The deepest, secret part of her also understood that she would never have found all she needed with him.