anyone hurt you,” he promised, and felt some of the tension caused by the encounter with the pastor dissipate as her body relaxed against his side. She nodded, sighing softly when he cupped her cheek and stroked her skin with his finger.
“I know you won’t, but I fear that won’t keep him from hurting others.” Catching the sight of Reed stalking across the floor, she shuddered. “He dons the robes of the clergy, but I can’t help but wonder what they hide. He reminds me of the fable about the wolf in sheep’s clothing though Reed doesn’t even bother pretending he is soft and lovable. He’s just… evil.”
“Despite your opinion, Pastor Reed is a man of authority, kitten,” Lucas said, knowing she needed to be reminded that she was to be respectful to any adult with whom she might come into contact. Lucy’s eyes flew open in surprise at his words. “You are not to refer to him with disrespect—”
“But how can you say that when you—” she said, her eyes widening in disbelief that he was defending the man.
“Lucy, do not interrupt me again,” he warned firmly. “Pastor Reed is a leader of the church, young lady, and that position deserves respect.” A glimpse at their future became clear in the narrowing of her eyes, the glare of anger flashing like lightning across their violet-blue depths. He felt her stiffening and knew his little one was having to force herself to keep those claws sheathed. He knew she’d step away if he allowed it, which he most certainly would not.
“He may not be the sort of man you wish him to be, Lucy, but you will respect the position he holds.” He knew that this moment would define all the coming ones. He was a firm believer in beginning as one wished to continue and allowing her this would set them down a road he had no wish to travel. But he was also not a liar.
“Don’t think that I disagree with your assessment of the man, Lucy, because I do. But it is not his character that I’m speaking about. It is the fact that the church and the very people around us even now, chose to put him in the pulpit. I can only say that you’ll find not all pastors are the kind of man Reed is, but until the time we arrive at Hunter’s Ridge, you’ll do well to remember my words.”
Her posture softened a bit as she considered his words. She glanced around the room and shook her head. “You admit that you don’t respect him either…” When he opened his mouth to clarify his words, she shook her head. “I mean you don’t respect his character. Perhaps if everyone attending his church knew what type of man he is behind that pious mask he wears they’d choose another. Like Charles. Edward had Mr. Thorne removed from his position of headmaster when he displayed his true self and now everyone is happier.”
Lucas knew she spoke the truth and was quite proud of her, but he also understood that there were times when he’d engage in long conversations with her and enjoy the exchange of opinions, but this one was something not within either of their control. Still he had no wish to crush the very spirit that had captured his soul even after her beauty had captured his heart. Drawing her a bit closer, he bent down and kissed her forehead.
“I’m not going to debate with you about this, Lucy, as again, I can’t find fault in your argument nor can I assume to control the way you feel. However, until such time as Reed is asked to step down, it would be best if you make sure you behave so that there is no reason for Reed to attend to you. Pull those claws back and bite your tongue if need be, but know this, little one, he is not the only man capable of lifting your skirts to bare your bottom and turn it a glowing, hot red.”
Lucas watched as the storm in her violet eyes whipped into a frenzy, her complexion turning a deeper shade of scarlet as what he was positive was fury and not embarrassment burned across her cheeks. He cupped her face between his hands, not allowing her eyes to stray from his.
“Engagement does not remove the need of corporal discipline, Lucille; it only passes the authority from your guardian’s hand to my own.”
Though everything inside him would