Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two (16 page)

Chapter 30

            The day after their arrival at Winthorpe,
Mirabelle wrote to the family and shared the good news. She begged The Mothers
not to lose their minds, to remain calm. She assured everyone that she was in
good health and was feeling remarkably well. A day later, Gilles replied that
The Mothers were far from calm and had thoroughly lost their minds. He assured
her that he and Elise were doing all they could to keep them in London. One of
them, it seemed had sensed her apprehension. Mirabelle felt guilty. She had the
very best family; it was terrible of her to keep them at a distance so
selfishly.

            A letter had come for Lucien as well. It was
from Alastair. She watched as he read it. His jaw twitched as his eyes scanned
the page. He slammed his fist on the desk, causing her to jump. He rose and
flung it across the room before he stormed out. Mirabelle followed and called to
him. He kept going.

            “I need to go for a ride. I can't be here right
now.” His voice was hard and flat.

            Mirabelle followed him through the hall and to
the door. She watched him storm towards the stables and waited until she saw
him emerge on Hugin. He yelled and kicked; the horse sprang forward and surged
through the yard. Within moments, they disappeared from sight.

            When she returned to the study, Mirabelle picked
up the letter and read it.

Lucien,

  Digby located Willet. The woman’s name was Abigail Johnson.
Willet stated that Jane Johnson fell in with a “rough gent” and vanished a few
days before Abigail and Charlotte disappeared. I believe WR is alive and killed
Jane and Abigail. The body in the warehouse fire was most likely an attempt to
convince you he was dead. Digby and his men are searching warehouse to
warehouse. If he's in London, we’ll find him. Be careful. In case he isn't.

            Alastair

            Mirabelle cursed as she crumpled the letter. She
went to the window and leaned against the glass. She remained until she saw
Lucien return. They met in the hall and she led him up to their room. She soothed
him with her hands and mouth and held him until he lost himself deep within
her. Mirabelle ran her fingers through his hair as he chanted her name and drifted
off to sleep.

Chapter 31

“Let me try, you can lead her.”
Lucien said as he handed Toby the reins. He shrugged and laughed.

            “You do seem to have luck with wilder mares.” He
teased as he stepped back.

            Lucien smiled as he set his boot in the stirrup.
The horse tried to rear but he grabbed the bridle and crooned.

            “Easy, sweetheart… That's a good girl.” She
calmed as he petted her side firmly. He grabbed the saddle and pulled until he
was standing. She started to dance sideways and Toby held the reins. “Easy,
love…” Lucien soothed as he lay across the saddle. “Alright, start walking
her.” He said gently and Toby set her in motion.

            “I guess it's true, there isn't a lady you can't
ride.” He saluted Lucien as he led her in circles. Lucien chuckled as he hung
over the saddle and continued to stroke her side.

            “Let's consider this foreplay. It's all about seduction,
Toby.” He lectured as watched the horse’s gait. “No woman wants a bloke jumping
on her back without a few sweet words and a little caressing.” Toby laughed.

“I suppose it doesn't hurt if you
ply them with plenty of wine as well.” He teased.

“The women or the horses? Go ahead
and slow her down.” Lucien pulled his boot from the stirrup and slid down. He
patted the mare’s neck. Toby cleared his throat and gestured towards the fence.

            “Speaking of feisty mares…” He said under his
breath. Lucien turned to find Mirabelle sitting on the fence, pouting and
watching. He sighed and turned back to Toby.

            “That's enough for the morning. Take her and
brush her down. Stand on a box so she can get used to you being over her.” He
patted Toby on the back and headed towards Mirabelle.

            It was early for her to be up and about. Lucien
planned to help Toby with the mare and then return to bed to wake Mirabelle. Instead,
she was staring longingly across the paddock. He couldn't suppress a grin; he
knew that in this instance, it wasn't him she was aching to ride. He'd have to
change her mind.
She looks particularly fetching this morning
, Lucien
thought. Mirabelle had her hair pulled back with a ribbon, she wore a plain
blouse that was unbuttoned at the top, revealing the elegant sweep of her neck,
a blue skirt and riding boots. He was sure she would have traded the skirt for
breeches, if she could have. Lucien placed his hands on the fence next to her
thighs and rested his boot on the bottom rail.

            “You're supposed to be waiting for me in bed,
madam.” He scolded as he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. He
felt hers curve as her hands cradled his face.

            “The sun was up and I knew you had a new mare to
break. I like watching you work.” Mirabelle whispered before she ran her tongue
along his lips. Lucien groaned as he slid his hands along her thighs and around
to grip her bottom. He was about to upset her but he decided to savor a few
more minutes of her good mood. He tilted his face so he could kiss her more
thoroughly. He squeezed her derrière as his tongue tangled with hers. Lucien
pulled back when he started feeling urgent and sighed as he looked up at her.

            “I don't want you sitting on the fence like
this. It isn't safe.” He said gently. Mirabelle pulled back further and
frowned.

            “You're not serious, are you? I'm not likely to
fall off!” She snorted and shook her head. Lucien ran a hand through his hair
and gestured towards the paddock.

            “What if that mare bolted? She's high strung and
fast. You wouldn't have time to get off if she was running in your direction.”
He explained as he climbed on the fence and jumped down on the other side.
Lucien grabbed Mirabelle by the waist and lifted her off. She was tense and he
knew her temper was simmering. He set her on her feet and turned her towards
him. Her eyes were narrowed and her lips were pursed. “Please. For me. I know
I'm being high handed but I'm worried enough as it is.” Lucien took her chin
and raised her lips to his. He was able to feel them pressed against his for a heartbeat
before she pulled back.

            “Why are you worried?” Mirabelle's brows pulled
together.

            “You and the baby are the only things that
matter, Mirabelle. I can protect you from anything but childbirth. And I have
no control over what's happening inside of you. I can't protect our baby until
he or she is born. The best I can do is keep you safe.” Lucien brushed her
cheek with his thumb and hoped that she would understand. For a moment,
Mirabelle softened and he thought it had worked. Then, her eyes narrowed again.

            “Did you take my breeches?” She accused. Lucien
felt his eyes widen and he rubbed his hand across his mouth as he tried to
think of a way to minimize her reaction. He considered blaming Mary but he knew
she'd turn on him. He had nothing.

            “It's the only way I can be sure you’ll stay off
of a horse and out of the stables, Mirabelle. It would be too tempting if you’re
already in breeches. Besides, why would you need them? It's not even proper but
you get away with it because of how you ride.” Lucien pleaded. Her eyes flared
and he whispered a prayer. She pushed away from him and stormed towards the
house. He strode quickly after her.

            “You thought keeping me from sitting on the
fence was high handed?” Mirabelle's voice was steadily rising. “That was
nothing compared to this, Lucien! You're taking clothes away from me! It's only
been a few days and you've already forbid me to be near a horse and sit on
fences. Now, you're telling me what to wear?” She turned on him and poked him
in the chest. “You don't own me, Lucien!” Her eyes were wild and her hair was
starting to pull free.

            “In a way…” He tried to tease.

            “Don't you dare say it!” Mirabelle threatened.
Lucien felt his temper starting to unfurl. He grabbed her arm in an attempt to
still her.

            “I am your husband. And for what it's worth, I'm
a duke. That's sort of a big thing.”

            “
I don’t give a damned if you're a bloody
king!
” She screamed as she snatched her arm free. “I am a grown woman, this
is my body and they’re my clothes!” Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she
stared up at Lucien. Her fists were balled at her sides and her cheeks were
pink. He couldn't decide if he was more furious or aroused. “If this is the way
you're going to behave while I'm pregnant, I promise that this will be the only
child I'll give you!” With that, she turned on her heel and continued towards
the house. Lucien shook his head. Fury and arousal were still neck and neck but
it was looking good for fury. He followed her through the door.

            “The only child? And how do imagine you'll prevent
another?” He drawled as he came along side her. She snorted sarcastically.

            “I’ll remind you that I'm not ignorant. If you
can't control yourself enough to wait and finish outside of me, we can use
French letters.” Lucien was appalled.

            “I'll refuse!” He swore as she rounded a corner
and headed for the stairs. She shrugged and laughed.

            “Then I recommend putting a day bed in your
dressing room because you’re going to be very frustrated, Your Grace.” Mirabelle
picked up her skirts and started up the stairs. Fury won. Lucien growled as he ran
up the steps.

            “
Enough
!” He roared as he swept her into
his arms and lifted her over his shoulder. Mirabelle shrieked and began kicking
and screaming. Lucien cursed as he took the stairs two at a time.

            By the time he kicked their bedroom door closed
behind him and tossed her on the bed, she was breathing fire. She opened her
mouth to unleash what was sure to be a blistering speech but Lucien pointed
threateningly as he stepped towards her.

            “
Do not!
” He thundered. Mirabelle's eyes
grew large and she stilled.
Much better.
He thought
.
He took a
few deep breaths as he waited for his temper to settle. Once he was sure he
could speak without the whole house hearing he addressed her. “What happens
between us,” he gestured between them, “it is the most miraculous, potent thing
I have ever experienced and I
need
it. I
need
you. You can scream
and say anything you like but you can never use your body or withhold yourself
to punish me. I can stand a lot of things Mirabelle, but not that. Anything but
that. Do you understand?” He waited until she nodded. “I'm sorry. I'm scared
and I'm only going to get worse. You have to see this from my point of view.
I've seen you do some terrifying things, sweetheart. Let’s be honest.” Lucien
looked at her pointedly. She shrugged and looked away. “Do you know why my
mother never rides?” His voice was low; he hated sharing a secret that wasn't
his. Mirabelle’s shook her head slowly.

            “No. I always wondered. It never made sense, the
way you love horses and I've never seen her touch one.” She whispered. Lucien
took a steadying breath and tried to keep his voice even. He'd always hoped his
mother would heal and come around.

            “Father and I were preparing for a ride and she
came to the yard to see us off. I didn't understand why she wasn't going with
us. She was a lot like you, she rode like a demon. But father leaned low in the
saddle and said the same thing I said to you. ‘You can ride next spring.’ She
tried to complain but he kissed her and promised we'd be back soon.” Lucien
swallowed and shut his eyes for a moment. “Father had a new horse in the
stables, a friend of his couldn't tame him but father knew he'd be a good
hunter. He got loose and bolted; he went straight for the mare father was on.
She reared and mother was kicked.” Mirabelle gasped and her eyes filled with
tears.

            “Oh, Madeline!” She whispered. Her arms wrapped
reflexively around her stomach. Lucien nodded.

            “There was a lot of blood. I remember father
yelling to get all the horses put away as he held her. Mother was sobbing,
begging for him to make it stop but there was nothing he could do. It was the
only time I saw him cry, Mirabelle. Mother was devastated. Father died a few
months later and I remember grandmother holding her as she cried and mother
saying she wished she hadn't lost the baby. She wished she could have had at
least one more with him so that she and I would have one more piece of him with
us.” Lucien felt a tear roll down his cheek and Mirabelle started to crawl
towards him. He held up his hand to still her, he needed to finish. “I know you're
not her and it was a terrible accident but it only takes a second. I can't
begin to know what that did to my father. I imagine myself in his position and
I'd rather die than see you go through that. Do you understand?” He searched
her face, it was soft and she nodded. “If you can't have more children or you
truly don't want to, I will respect that and we can take precautions but don't
do it out of anger or spite, Mirabelle. You know I don't give a damn about an
heir. I already love that child inside of you because it's us. Secretly, I want
it to be a tiny girl with fiery red hair that will need me to rescue her from
trees when she's climbed too high.” Mirabelle laughed as tears spilled down her
cheeks. “I just want us to have a family. Even if that means you, me and one rowdy
little girl or a pack of them, I'll be happy. As long as I get to fall asleep
next to you each night and make love to you as often as you'll let me.” Mirabelle
smiled knowingly as she opened her arms in invitation.

            “Make love to me now.” She demanded. Lucien
smiled as he pulled his shirt over his head and prowled towards the bed. “As
long as I'm able, I’ll give you as many children as I can.” She vowed. He felt
heat burst within his chest and he laughed as he set his knee on the mattress
and crawled towards her. “I'm warning you, I won't let you stop trying until I
have a little boy with blonde hair and blue eyes.” Mirabelle whispered as
Lucien pushed her on to her back.

            “I'm going to hold you to that, madam.” He swore
against her lips as he slid his hand up her thigh. She gasped as his thumb
stroked her damp folds and parted her.

            “Now, Lucien! I can't wait!” She fisted her
hands in his hair and kissed him hungrily. Lucien groaned and flicked his
trousers opened. He released his straining cock and found her entrance.
Mirabelle was so wet and ready; he slid in easily with one swift thrust. She
moaned in relief and wrapped her legs around his waist. “Yes!” She hissed as he
began to thrust into her.

            Lucien slid his hands between her and the
mattress and filled them with the globes of her bottom and squeezed as he rode
her deep and hard. He closed his eyes and breathed her in as he listened to her
moans and sobs as she undulated in his arms.
She is everything
. He
thought as he felt her body tightening beneath him, around him. He felt his own
body reacting and knew he was close.

            “That's it, my love. Come for me, I'm so close.”
Lucien whispered against her neck. His teeth grazed her smooth, slick skin
before he bit her sensitive flesh. Mirabelle screamed his name as her nails dug
into his shoulders. She froze and then shuddered in his arms. He felt her
muscles squeeze his cock mercilessly, pulling his release from him. He gave in
and let the tremors consume him as he spilled himself deep within her. Lucien
found her lips and whispered her name into her mouth before his tongue slid
against hers. He wrapped his arms around Mirabelle and pulled her with him as
he rolled onto his back.

            Once they were breathing normally, Mirabelle
rubbed her cheek against Lucien's chest. He felt moisture and knew it was
tears. He slid his hand into her hair and pressed her against him.