Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two Read Free Page A

his teacup could help him, Lucien stared
into it for several moments. He looked up at her, she stared at him
expectantly.
                "I just wasn't ready. I don't think I would
have been a good husband or picked the right woman if I hadn't waited."
That was the truth.
                "Are you ready now?" Mirabelle
whispered. Finally, she trembled.
                "I think so." Lucien nodded. He should
have felt nervous or hesitant but he didn't. He felt relieved. Gilles' words on
his wedding day came back to him. Marrying the right woman would feel like a
blessing and a relief. Lucien looked at Mirabelle and he felt joy bubbling
within him. "Yes. I'm ready."
                Mirabelle shut her eyes and exhaled.
                "Good. Because I'm quite done with being
taken for granted." She looked at him sternly.
                Lucien moved to the lounge and sat next to her.
                "I will never make that mistake
again." He cradled Mirabelle's face in his hands. She closed her eyes and
sighed as his lips touched hers, welcoming him. He traced them with his tongue
before he slid into her mouth and kissed her gently, deeply. Again, Lucien felt
overcome with lust and surprise. How? How could a simple kiss affect him so
profoundly? How could he want someone so urgently while feeling so at peace, so
complete when they touched? Lucien pulled back and Mirabelle's lips clung.
                "Where are your brothers?" He whispered
against her lips. For a moment Mirabelle was still.
                "Why in God's name would you ask me that
now?" She replied as she pressed her lips to his. Her hand caressed
Lucien's cheek and he groaned. This time he took her shoulders and set her away
from him.
                "I need to talk to them first. I have to do
this right, Mirabelle." He took her hand and raised it to his lips.
"If I don't, it could pull our family apart."
                She nodded and sighed.
                "Gilles needed new boots. Elise ruined his
favorite pair this morning. Then they were going to their club."
                "Will you be here later? I'd like to ask
you a question and make an announcement before dinner, unless you have other
plans." Lucien held his breath as he waited for her response.
                Mirabelle lit up and nodded vigorously.
                "Of course I'll be here!”
                "Excellent! I'll see you for dinner,
then." Lucien took her lips in one last, brief kiss. "Everything will
be perfect from now on, I promise." With that, he jumped to his feet and
rushed from the room. Once outside on the sidewalk, Lucien looked back at the
parlor window and saw Mirabelle watching him. He waved to her as a footman opened
the door to his carriage. As she waved back, Lucien again cursed himself for
being a fool. How had it taken him so long to realize he was in love with her
and that she was the most desirable woman he'd ever known?

Chapter 4
               
                As soon as Lucien's carriage disappeared from
sight, Mirabelle ran from the parlor into the hall.
                " Maman !" Mirabelle screamed as
she ran up the stairs.
                A door opened and maman appeared at the top of
the stairs.
                "Mon petite! Why must you yell like a
savage?" She scolded.
                "Lucien just left. He kissed me and said he
wants to ask me a question before dinner and make an announcement!"
                Maman's eyes widened and she slowly lowered
herself and sat on the top step.
                "He's going to propose? You're
certain?" She whispered. Mirabelle nodded.
                "He said he needs to talk to Gilles and
Alastair first. I swear, if they ruin this for me, I'll kill them." Maman
nodded vigorously in agreement.
                " Elise