Luke did not come to her room last night, and the fact he purposely stayed away hurt more than it should. Later in the afternoon, Glenna brought him a tray of food and found him sitting on the sofa reading with Noir curled in his lap. Apparently she had been replaced in Luke’s affections by a scruffy alley cat. While grunting his thanks, he returned his attention to reading. She fled the cellar, her heart squeezing in pain.
Pacing her room, she glanced at the mantel clock. Nearing midnight, and she knew the stubborn man would not come again tonight. Blast him. In agitation, she snatched her robe off the bed and slipped it on, fetched the cellar key from the bureau and placed, it into her pocket. Good thing Reed had more than one copy. how mortifying it would be to go to his room to beg for it.
As quietly as possible, Glenna opened her bedroom door and peered down the hall. No light illuminated from Reed’s room. Hopefully he’d fallen asleep already. Even in the complete darkness, she was able to make her way to the kitchen where she found a candle in a holder and lit the wick. Better. After carefully descending the cellar stairs, she slipped the key into the lock and tip-toed across the entrance.
Even though a roaring fire crackled in the hearth, Luke was not in the study. Holding the candle high, she made her way to the laboratory. Crossing the threshold, she found Luke standing at the opposite wall. He had his back to her and was shirtless. Her mouth went dry as she watched with awe while he washed his face in the basin in front of him, every muscle rolling enticingly under his skin. His trousers hung below his waist, showing his carved hipbones to advantage. Glenna’s heart fluttered at the enticing sight. There was no denying he was rather well put together. Broad shoulders and a muscular back tapered to a slim waist. His buttocks were high and firm, his legs long and strong.
“Is there something you wanted, Glenna?”
Since he did not turn around, how did he know she entered the room? Ah, of course. He’d seen her reflection in the mirror. Without waiting for her reply, he lathered up his face and used the razor she had brought from the vicar’s. Noir sat on the table curled up next to the basin, sleeping soundly. The cat seemed never to be far from Luke. Again, the close connection caused a spark of jealousy to skitter through her.
“Not going to smash that mirror as you did the others?” she called out. Then she frowned. Her petulance was showing.
Luke halted in his shaving and looked at her through the mirror. “No, I am not. At your suggestion I have finally accepted the state of my appearance. It is what it is.” He scraped the blade partway down his left cheek, avoiding the scars, then rinsed it in the water. His voice as cool and distant as it had been yesterday. Disturbingly, he sounded too much like Ravenswood and it stung.
“You were not going to come to me tonight, either.” Let him hear the hurt. And she was hurt, blast him.
“No. I was not. I am weary of all the lies, Glenna.” He paused, and his voice lowered. “It is killing what I feel for you.” He continued with his shaving, his words searing her heart. Tears gathered on her lashes, but she blinked them back.
“I have not prevaricated in what matters, Luke.”
His lip curled as he rinsed off the remaining soap lather. As he turned to face her, he reached for the towel and wiped his chin. “What matters to me right now is to find out who I was. Do you deny you are purposely holding back important information regarding my former identity?”
Here it was. Glenna blew out the candle on placed it on the desk. “I do not deny it.”
Luke threw the towel across the room and stalked toward her like a jungle cat with its prey in clear sight. He clasped her arms tight, but not enough to hurt her. The alluring scent of sandalwood shaving soap and virile male filled her nostrils. “Tell. Me.” He whispered fiercely.
“No.”
He roared with frustration and backed up a few steps. “Why in hell not?”
“There are very good reasons, and it is something all three of us should discuss at length.” Glenna was determined to stand her ground. On the whole, he did not frighten her, but she must maintain control of this conversation.
Luke took two steps toward the door. “Then I will drag your mad scientist cousin down here and beat him until he confesses….”
“No!” she cried, grabbing his arm. So much for trying to control the situation. “Be sensible. We cannot cause such a disturbance. The servants will hear. Wait until tomorrow, please. Luke, if you have any feelings left at all for me, I beg you to wait. Most of what we told you is the truth. The rest was kept from you to protect you. I swear it.”
He shook off her grip. “To protect yourselves more like. What were your words? ‘I wasn’t supposed to thrive.’ But I am, and have become quite a hindrance to you both.” His intense gaze held her still. “I am aware I am hard to explain; I agreed to stay hidden for that very reason. But surely you must see I deserve to know all of it. The entire truth. Especially about my past.”
Glenna nodded as the tears broke through and spilled down her cheeks. “Yes, you deserve to know the truth. Tomorrow. I…I…” Blast. She started to sob. Damn, she hated crying like this, had only done it a couple of times in her life. It tore her to pieces to lie to Luke, and knowing the deceit may have killed any emotion he had for her shredded her heart. With a shaky gasp, she buried her face in her hands, ashamed and miserable.
Moments later, she was pulled into his embrace. Luke tucked her head under his chin and stroked her hair. “Hush, love. Please, do not weep. I cannot bear it.”
Most men could not bear a woman’s tears, at least the ones with a compassionate heart. There were plenty of women who used them for nefarious purposes. She did not employ them as a device to elicit Luke’s empathy, not at all. They were real. Encircling her arms about his slim waist, she sniffled into his bare chest. “I am so very sorry.”
“You do promise to tell me everything tomorrow? Both you and Reed?” She nodded, and he hugged her tighter. “God, it killed me not to come to you last night and tonight. Forgive my stubborn and abstemious nature. Apparently I also have a temper. I shall strive to control it better in future.”
Luke comforted her until she gained control of her emotions again. She’d never shown this vulnerable side of herself to any man, not even Ravenswood. But Luke was a different story, and a different man altogether. Gripping her chin lightly, he tilted her face up to look at him. “Your tears are mine. Always.” He laid gentle kisses on her tear-stained cheeks, then stepped back. “Dance with me.”
She couldn’t have heard him right. Did he say dance? “W…What?”
“Dancing is the best way to forget one’s troubles. How and why I think that, I cannot guess. But let us try to banish everything except you and me here--together. Also, I want to see if I am even able to dance. I know, let us attempt a waltz. Have you done it before?” He didn’t wait for her answer and continued. “Imagine we are in a large ballroom. Along the perimeter of the room are numerous floor-length candelabras, all lit and casting magical illumination throughout the area.” Luke turned in a circle, his arms outstretched as he spoke. “You are wearing a gold gown of the finest silk, off the shoulders and cut low enough to show off your impressive décolletage. The shimmering shade of the gown enhances your beautiful hair and eyes to perfection.”
Glenna glanced down at her shabby robe and laughed. “And what are you wearing?”
He winked playfully. “Oh, expertly tailored evening wear consisting of black tail coat, a high-collar silk shirt, white, of course, a silver and black vest with a sterling silver pocket watch and chain. To finish the look, a black silk ascot with a diamond stick pin. And trousers, and black lace-up leather boots, highly polished within an inch of their lives,” he said, a teasing smile curling about his perfect lips.
Glenna slapped her hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles. She could picture him in the outfit he described. She sobered. In fact, she’d seen it hanging on a nail at the vicar’s, ready to be sold to the consignment shop in London. He had described every part correctly. Dear God. Was his memory slowly returning and he not even aware of it? With a quick bite of her lip, she tamped down her worries, deciding instead to play along with the ballroom fantasy. Giving Luke a curtsy, she said, “How nice to see you here this evening, Mr. Luke.”
He bowed slightly and held out his right hand. “Will you honor me with your hand for this dance?”
Glenna slipped her hand in his. “There is no music, sir.”
“Ah. A mere formality.” Luke placed his hand at her waist and pulled her closer. “The waltz is smooth, graceful, delicate, and if done right, sensual. Notice the palm of my hand resting ever so lightly at your waist with the barest of contact. You do the same. Rest your right hand lightly on my shoulder.”
Glenna did and he pulled her even closer, staring down into her eyes. His multi-colored gaze was alive with all manner of emotions, so many she could not tell them apart. “I believe you have done this before,” she murmured.
“You may be right. Now, give me your left hand.” He clasped it and the leather of the glove caressed her skin. “If we were actually in a ballroom at this moment, we would have to keep a discreet distance. Our hips should not touch. Even the folds of your gown should not find their way between my legs as we dance. How scandalous. How delicious.” Glenna smiled at his teasing tone. His gaze softened even more. “How beautiful you look, like a fairy-tale princess. In your hair, which is fashionably styled by the way, gold leaves are woven throughout your silken locks. How they shimmer in the candlelight.” Glenna’s eyes grew moist at his narrative. Oh, she loved him with all her heart. “You are wearing pearl tear-drop earrings and a matching pearl necklace, as luminescent in this light as your glorious skin,” he whispered in her ear. “Perhaps they are a gift from me. ‘You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire you.’ Excuse my forwardness for quoting a bit of Mr. Darcy.”
“You are even better than Mr. Darcy,” Glenna replied breathlessly.
Luke laid a gentle kiss on her neck. “Ah, my sweet. Kind as always. Now, what to dance to? Something easy to hum. So I believe that will leave out Chopin’s “Grande Valse Brillante in E- flat Major”, too complicated and the beat far too fast.” Luke nuzzled her neck. “There is always Strauss. “The Blue Danube” perhaps? No, doesn’t quite fit. How about the “Vienna Waltz” instead? That’s the ticket. Now, hold on, my dear.” In an astounding display of confidence and athleticism, Luke had her twirling about the room at a breakneck speed. “Ta-ta-dum, ta-ta-dum, ta-da-dum, ta-da-dum, ta-da-dum,” he hummed the waltz to perfection, not missing a beat.
Good thing there was plenty of space for his elaborate moves. Luke literally glided across the floor, and she followed his lead. Glenna closed her eyes, imagining them as Luke had described. Immaculately and fashionably dressed at a ball held by a rich aristocrat, everyone standing and watching them dance, remarking on how well they looked together. How well-matched. And there are whispers of an engagement. They are the handsomest couple in the room. Look how much in love they are. You can see it clearly when they gaze into each others’ eyes.
Then reality crashed in on her imaginative, enchanted fantasy. Luke would never again live his previous life as an aristocrat. Never again attend a ball. A deep-boned sadness settled in her soul. Even though it was not proper, she laid her head against his shoulder and in return he pulled her closer while still expertly rotating her about as they flew across the floor. The air around them crackled with magic. Glenna never wanted this to end.
But it did. Luke let go of her hand and smiled at her. “It seems I know what I am about. Well done by both of us, I must say.”
Glenna could barely catch her breath, the room still spun slightly. At last she met his gaze, and his look turned desirous. In a swift movement, he captured her lips in a kiss so scorching Glenna thought they would both ignite. He plunged his tongue deep, sweeping her mouth in a devastating exploration. She met it with equal enthusiasm. Oh, this man could kiss and say more with it than mere words.
“I want you, Glenna. I need to be inside you.”
Oh, yes. At twenty-six years of age, the time had long passed for reputations, proper codes of behavior, and propriety. What was she saving herself for? Why not indulge in a night of passion? More than anything, she wanted the memory. It may be all she would ever have. She reached between them and grasped his erection through his trousers, causing him to groan. Take what I want. Yes. For once, be bold.
“I want this, Luke.” She squeezed tight, causing a low, rumbling noise to escape him. “Inside me.” This…very male part of you.”
He pulled her close, his beautifully-shaped mouth close to her ear. “Call it what it is, my sweet. Say the word. You said it before. Say it again. Do it.”
A naughty thrill ran along her spine. She brushed her lips ever so slightly across his. “Your cock, I want it inside me.”
Glenna shocked herself at her earthy commands, but before she could say anything further, Luke scooped her up in his arms as if she weighed nothing at all and marched toward the study. He kicked the door shut with his boot. Lowering her slowly, their bodies rubbed together creating sparks. Noir, at some point during their heated exchange, then the waltz, moved into the study. He lifted his head briefly from his curled up position before the fire, then lowered it and fell back to sleep, completely uninterested in the intensity of emotions whirling about in the room.
Luke stepped back, toed off his boots, and lowered his trousers before kicking them aside. He stood before her nude, except for the leather glove on his left hand, muscled, sculpted, and beautiful in his masculinity. The light gray cast to his skin merely added to the attractiveness. Why, she was not sure. Perhaps because it was Luke. He could be a dark shade of purple for all she cared. All the burns from the night he’d been brought back to the living had completely disappeared. Nearly every injury from his carriage accident healed. Even the scars on his face shrunk to thin, white lines, far less noticeable than they were initially. However, though he did not look like other men and wore the scars of his previous life, she found him enticing. Utterly desirable. Regardless of how society may judge him, he was well worth loving. And oh, how she loved him. The overwhelming emotions flooded her heart. She loved him completely and with every fiber of her being. My Luke. My love.
Glenna’s mouth watered at the sight of him. Luke narrowed his eyes, giving her a sensual look that sizzled her skin. She pushed the robe off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor, then pulled the lightweight nightgown over her head and tossed it aside. She had never stood before a man completely naked, and as a result, felt entirely self-conscious. Without thinking, she tried to cover her breasts.
“Don’t. Do not cover yourself. Let me savor.” His heated gaze lingered at her breasts. Although she was not plump, she had ample enough curves, and he was glad she possessed them. Luke stepped forward, and his hands clasped her waist. “Beautiful. Stunning. Lush. I ache to taste you. But first, I cannot wait, Glenna.” He shifted his right hand from her waist to in between her legs. “Wet and ready as I knew you would be. I will do my best not to hurt you.” He backed her up a few steps, kissing her as he did. Lowering her to the sofa, she was silently pleased it was wide enough to accommodate them.
“I know you will not hurt me. I trust you, Luke. Will you remove the glove?”
He clenched his left fist, and the leather pulled taut across his knuckles. “No. You do not want this scarred, calloused flesh on yours. Though it is part of me and functions to an extent, it has not healed. It stays on.”
Instead, Luke explored her body with his right hand, lingering at her breast, cupping it, and pinching the nipple until it peaked. His tongue flicked across the erect nub until she writhed and moaned. As he licked and sucked, his right hand continued its journey downward until it reached her damp curls. Without being asked, she spread her legs, giving him the access he wanted. Luke was thorough, taking his time, caressing every part of her body before settling his hand between her thighs.
There had been many nights she’d lain in the dark and explored the most private part of her. In time, she learned she could bring herself pleasure and often did. But it did not come close to the ardent emotions Luke stirred in her. Suddenly he inserted a finger, then two, and finally a third, stretching her as his thumb brushed by the little nub of nerves. Moving at a quick pace, he continued to suck on her nipple while rubbing and thrusting his fingers. Glenna’s insides twisted as she writhed under his expert ministering. The intensity built, as if she climbed steep stairs to unknown bliss. At last, she cried out with her release. Luke captured her lips to muffle her moans.
“Ah, so passionate. Even though we are a few floors below the others, we must try and stay as silent as we can.” Luke gave her a quirky grin. “Did you like that? Did you enjoy me bringing you to your release?”
“Yes. I did, very much,” she answered breathlessly.
Propped by his left arm, he clasped his erection with his right hand and nestled it at her opening. “This may hurt, but only for a moment. Are you sure, Glenna? There is no going back once I breach your maidenhead. I truly do not want to hurt you.”
She cupped his cheek, her thumb brushing across his scars. “I am absolutely certain. You will not hurt me. I know it.”
Luke rubbed his cheek against her palm, then with one thrust entered her, causing her to gasp and arch her back. Yes, a pinch, a jolt of not pain exactly, but of awareness. How he filled her. Stretched her. Heavens, it felt glorious.
* * * *
Luke stayed completely still. Closing his eyes, he let her warmth encase him as her inner muscles clutched him in an intimate embrace. Etching this memory. Yes, he would gladly take this moment in time and hold it forever in his recollections. He was her first and greatly humbled by the honor. How he longed to be the only lover she would ever know. The strange thing is, he had the distinct feeling somewhere in his past he acquired a vast knowledge on all things sexual, but here with Glenna, it felt like the first time for him. As if all that came before did not matter and held no meaning. But this--with Glenna--meant everything.
With a decided concentration, he slowly withdrew until the head of his shaft became visible, then plunged back in. Glenna moaned with each thrust. He cupped her rear, tilting her upward so when he leaned forward he would stimulate her as he made love. How he knew this remained a mystery. Again, it proved he had done this many times before.
Deep, even strokes. The sounds and scents of sex. Yes, he recognized it, but the act held no memory. Why not create a new one--one worth remembering? He moved in and out of her; slow at first, then faster, until beads of sweat rolled down his face from his exertions. Glenna met every thrust, and wrapped her legs around him, holding him tight and deep. Yes, faster. Though he perspired, he did not feel fatigued. Luke recalled his words to Reed. “Stamina beyond human endurance.” He had the distinct feeling he could go like this for hours. However, this was Glenna’s first time, and he must hold back the reins as it were. Keep control. Or at least make an effort to keep control.
Countless minutes passed, he did not know how many. Ecstasy had a way of slowing time so one could savor the experience. Every pull, moan, and plunder increased his arousal. With a cry, her nails dug into his back as she writhed beneath him. Glenna spoke his name, over and over in a husky whisper until she climaxed--and hard. With one last push, he groaned through his gritted teeth as he poured into her all that he was, body and soul. Colors burst behind his closed lids, swirling at a fast speed. Minutes passed, he did not want to pull out of her as he was still semi-erect. A few rolls of his hips and he could go again. But Glenna must be sore.
Luke opened his eyes and caught her gaze. Her face was flushed, and she gave him a heartbreaking smile of pure sated joy. It struck him that he should have withdrawn before reaching his climax. There was no way of knowing if he could make a child as Reed had not tested him yet. Mindless idiot. He pulled out, then gently stroked her swollen folds. “Are you all right? Did I hurt you?”
“No. I am fine, Luke. More than fine. I quite enjoyed it.”
Pushing her upright, he slipped under her and held her close. “Thank you, Glenna. You have given me a precious gift. A memory I will cherish.”
She tunneled her fingers through his chest hair. “We can create more memories.”
He couldn’t help but smile. “Rest for a while first. I need to recover as do you.”
Glenna glanced downward. “It doesn’t look as if you need recuperation. In fact, you are still hard.”
“Pay no heed to it if you can.” Though it was difficult to ignore on his part. How he ached and throbbed. His heart pounded in his chest at a rapid beat. Having her naked body wrapped around his gave him such a soothing but intense warmth he did not want it to end. After several minutes of calming silence, he asked, “Tell me, how did you wind up here with your cousin?” Perhaps conversation would calm his desire and distract him from further lustful thoughts.
Glenna sighed softly. “I was a late child. My father was near the age of fifty when I was born, and my mother was forty-five. Papa used to say I was a miracle baby. I had a wonderful childhood and did not lack love or attention. Though we were not rich, papa had a solid middle-class career as a solicitor. We lived in a lovely little place in Camden Town. Not long after I turned twenty-one, papa became ill and quickly wasted away in front of us. Mother and I nursed him for weeks to no avail. The doctor claimed he died of cancer of the lungs.” She dashed away a lone tear from her cheek.
“Mother followed that winter. They said it was pneumonia, but I believe she died of a broken heart. Suddenly, I found myself alone for the first time in my life. My heart had been broken into bits as I adored both my parents. There was money, but not much, perhaps enough to rent a few rooms and live frugally for the rest of my days. Then, out of the blue, a letter arrived from Reed. We had not seen each other or been in contact since we were children. His own parents had long passed, and he generously offered to share his home. I came here three years ago and have never regretted it.” Glenna glanced up at him and smiled. “Reed allowed me the run of his household, gave me much needed responsibility, and a reason to live. I have made friends here, a new life. I am grateful for his kindness and friendship. He is not a bad man, Luke.”
Would she be willing to give it all up to come with him to a strange place and an unknown future? Yes, he wanted her to leave with him, for tonight they’d shared something wonderful: A searing physical connection that merely enhanced the potent bond of their souls. Suddenly, he no longer cared about his previous life. What if I don’t like the person I was? He had a chance here to start a new one with the woman he loved. Yes, he loved her. She filled every crevice, dark or not, of his heart and new soul. No matter what Reed and Glenna told him tomorrow about his past, he was only interested in the future. One with Glenna. He would not mention any of this tonight. “Perhaps not, but what he did to me was beyond cruel. I was dead. I should have been kept that way.”
“But I am glad he did not ‘keep you that way.’ You have a fresh chance at life, Luke. Yes, you look different from other men, but to me, you are beautiful.” She laid a gentle kiss at his throat. “I am sorry I wept earlier in such a manner. I’m not a woman given to quick tears. The only other time I cried as such is when my parents died. Yet I seem to have been on the verge of tears or worse many times with you. I do not like lying; I abhor it. Tomorrow I promise Reed and I will both tell you everything.” He opened his mouth to speak, to tell her he didn’t give a hang for the past, but she laid two fingers on his lips to silence him. “And I want you to listen closely and know it is true. Regardless of what you hear tomorrow; I love you, Luke, with all of my heart. I love you most desperately. I understand you want to leave and perhaps when all is revealed, it will be for the best. But when you do--take me with you. Please.”
He was stunned. Love? How was such a wonderful thing even possible? How could she look at him, his scarred, strange self, and love him? Humbled. Grateful. Moved. All these things and more. My God. She returned his love. “You are making a hasty decision. Aligning with me? You will regret it.”
“I will never regret loving you, Luke. Never.” She sat upright and straddled her knees on either side of him.
They were both balanced on the sofa. As long as they did not thrash about too much, they would not fall off. He looked up at Glenna and myriad emotions filled him. Such a courageous and passionate woman. She rubbed against his hard prick invitingly. More. Oh, how he wanted more. He wanted her heat and her love, for always. Luke reached between them and clasped his cock tight, holding it still. “Mount me, ride me. Do it, love.”
Glenna slowly lowered herself on him, taking him deep. With a soft gasp, she met his gaze. By God, she did love him. He could see it as she hid nothing. Rocking her hips forward, her eyes widened at the change in position and the deeper penetration. Laying her hands flat on his chest, she began a rhythm that made his heart soar in pure, unadulterated bliss. He placed his right hand on her waist and lifted his hips to thrust upward while she moved back and forth. There. Perfect. Faster she rocked, lost in her own pleasure. Glenna’s breathing grew ragged and with a sharp cry, she came. In response he thrust harder. When she gazed at him, her eyes bright with love, he let himself go and spilled inside her, gasping as his climax tore through him. “I love you, Glenna. You are my life, the air I breathe, my dearest heart, my living soul.”