My Lord Eternity Read Free

head.
    â€œThank you.”
    As if thoroughly aware of her inner struggle, the devil lifted his brows in a faintly mocking manner.
    â€œDo you not wish to count it?”
    â€œThat will not be necessary.”
    â€œSo trusting, my dove?”
    â€œYou will not be difficult to track down if I discover you have attempted to cheat me.”
    â€œThere is that,” he agreed with a chuckle. “When may I take possession of the rooms?”
    Although not always meticulously devoted to truth if a small bit of subterfuge was more practical, Jocelyn discovered herself unable to form the lie that would allow her a few days’ grace from Mr. Valin’s presence.
    Not that it truly mattered.
    She would no doubt merely waste the days brooding upon what was to come. Surely this was like swallowing vile medicine. It was best to be done with quickly.
    â€œThe rooms have been cleaned and prepared,” she forced herself to admit. “You may have them whenever you desire.”
    â€œGood. I will collect my belongings and be here later this afternoon.”
    This afternoon.
    She absolutely refused to shiver again.
    â€œWhat of your cousin?” she demanded. “Will he not shoot you when you return for your belongings?”
    â€œI have it on excellent authority that he devoted the goodly portion of the evening to his current mistress. It will be several hours before he awakens.”
    She unconsciously grimaced. “I see.”
    An odd hint of satisfaction touched the handsome countenance. “You disapprove of such pleasurable pastimes, Miss Kingly?”
    Jocelyn was swift to smooth her features to calm indifference. “I do not possess sufficient interest to disapprove, Mr. Valin.”
    His lips twisted wryly. “No, of course not.”
    Having strained her nerves quite far enough for one morning, Jocelyn rose to her feet.
    â€œI believe we have covered everything, Mr. Valin.”
    Efficiently dismissed, the tawny-haired gentleman reluctantly pushed himself from his chair.
    â€œI shall return in a few hours,” he was swift to warn.
    Jocelyn, however, was prepared on this occasion.
    â€œIf you have need of anything, please speak with Meg. She is quite capable and is in full control of the household.”
    The golden eyes narrowed as she easily maneuvered him firmly into the hands of her servant.
    â€œMore capable than you, Miss Kingly?” he demanded in those husky tones.
    â€œWithout a doubt.” With a crisp nod of her head she regained her seat and reached for her ledger book. “Good-bye, Mr. Valin.”
    He remained standing beside the desk, but as she kept her gaze upon the pages of her accounts, he at last gave a low chuckle.
    â€œUntil later, my dear.”
    Jocelyn maintained her charade of distraction until she at last heard the sound of the door closing behind his retreating form. Only then did she lean back in her seat and close her eyes in an odd weariness.
    There would be dinner on the table tonight.
    But what was the cost?
    And was she prepared to pay it?
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    The kitchen was surprisingly clean and filled with the delicious aroma of fresh-baked bread and drying herbs.
    Seated at the scrubbed table, Lucien leaned back with a deep sigh.
    His surroundings could hardly compare with Gideon’s vast town house or even the elegant hotel he had chosen upon his arrival in London. The house might be tidy with sturdy furnishings, but there was no ignoring the neighborhood was a breath from utter decay and that the air was rancid with the stench of rotting trash and sewer.
    Still, he was not overly disappointed that his trail had led him to this narrow house in the shabby cul-de-sac. His rooms might be cramped and his delicate senses offended by the derelict surroundings, but it all became meaningless the moment he had stepped into the small study.
    Even now he could feel the shock of utter bewitchment when he had beheld Miss Kingly.
    She had quite