Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,26
her sister. Lucy’s first lesson would be one that would cause her pain, instead of the pleasure he so wanted to teach her. Steeling himself, he also remembered his vow to guide his wife and administer discipline for her misbehavior. He pulled the key to the armoire from his pants pocket and moved to unlock the doors. Pulling them open, he smiled. Edward was a very thorough man, and that included having a large variety of implements available to teach his own little one lessons in obedience. Turning away from the choices arranged on shelves or hanging from hooks, he gazed again at his wife. He walked to stand in front of the settee.
“Lucy, come here,” he said quietly. He watched as she stepped away from the corner and turned. She lifted her eyes to his and gave him a soft smile. Lucas’ heart lurched at the look of complete acceptance on her face. He saw her hand drop from where it had been cupping his charm. As he had that morning, he extended his hand to her. Lucy walked forward and placed her own into his. He took her other hand and stood her in front of him. He sat and drew her to stand between his spread knees.
“Tell me, kitten, why did you choose me?” Lucas asked.
Her widening eyes showed her surprise at the question and yet she didn’t hesitate to answer.
“Because you let me go,” she said, so softly he wasn't sure he heard her correctly.
“Let you go?” he asked.
She smiled and nodded. “I mean, you were willing to let me choose another. You were going to walk away if I chose Charles. I tried to love him because”—he watched a flush of color creep up her neck and travel to color her cheeks—“I knew… knew it would be the easier path.” She paused, and Lucas didn't push her, allowing her to collect her thoughts.
“I loved you from the moment you plucked me off that ladder.” Pausing again, she looked away and then took a deep breath and met his eyes. “I didn’t want to love you. You frightened me. I… I knew what sort of man you were, what you'd demand of your wife. I knew you wanted me to be more than a wife. I didn't think I could be what you desired,” she confessed.
It took a great deal of control for Lucas not to draw her to him, to reassure her that he loved her just as she was. He forced himself to remain silent as she shifted on her feet and then continued, “When you began to step away, I knew you really loved me. I realized that you truly wanted me to be happy even if that meant you wouldn't be. And I knew that if I allowed you to go, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. I couldn't deny my heart. I love you so very much.”
Lucas was incredibly touched by her words. “Stepping away was the hardest thing I have ever done,” he admitted. “I loved you the moment I saw you dangling from the ladder. It killed me every time I saw you with Charles. I prayed for you to come to realize that you were made to be mine. I knew you were the only woman I wished to wed. The only one I wished to teach to be both my wife and my own special little one. I also knew I wouldn't force you to choose me.” He paused as he felt her hands tremble in his. “I knew that you were aware of the kind of life I live and were confused and frightened. You needed to look deep inside your heart and make your own decision, knowing that you were choosing the more difficult path. Loving me won’t always be easy, kitten. This life will demand a great deal from you. I will never hesitate to redden your bottom when I feel you need it,” he said, and saw a shudder run through her. As her eyes flicked toward the armoire, he knew she was thinking of the spanking she still had coming.
“I will also never hesitate to remind you how much I love you, Lucy, and will every moment for the rest of my life.”
His hand released one of hers and reached to take hold of the charm. “Did you read the inscription?” he asked.
Lucy shook her head, her eyes dropping to his hand. “I didn’t realize there was one.”