Chapter 49.2

The fl.u.s.tered librarian asked Marilyn to lower her voice, but she repaid him with a scoff and a sharp glance.

Claudes large hand clamped over Lias mouth and Lias eyes widened in surprise. He pushed her one step back against a bookcase as he kept watch. He frowned and whispered, How annoying.

Lias initial concern gave way to embarra.s.sment. Claude was so close, he was practically hugging her. Her eyes were frozen open. She couldnt even blink.

Wait like this for a bit, he whispered with pleading eyes.

His breath, gentle on her face; his scent, swarming her senses. Is this reality or a dream?

There was no way they wouldnt be found in this dubious hiding place, not with Marilyns lackeys searching the library.

With a trembling hand Lia grabbed the wrist of the hand covering her mouth. Sir, she whispered against his hand. He stepped even closer, if that were possible.

Shh.

Theres no way we wouldnt. She stopped mid sentence. He understood.

If I can make Marilyn believe that Im with another woman, shell lose interest. You wont be exposed.

Why did they have to do this? Although her head was spinning, Claudes warmth and her pounding heart kept her from speaking further.

Is it sinful to want to hug him? As a man, she couldnt risk hugging him in public. h.o.m.os.e.xuality was considered immoral and was punishable under the law. Extreme punishment for just one hug.

Lia clutched the book. She both heard and felt Claudes long sigh of resignation.

For a man, you can really make someone crazy.

His hot lips and breath were now directly on her cheek. She held her breath as his words reverberated in her mind.

Please dont be surprised, but I must hug you, he whispered.

Claude ran his fingers through her hair, and wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her to him tightly.

Her heart pounded and she wondered if she were having a seizure. The book fell out of her hands and thudded on the floor.

A figure appeared behind Claude. Your majesty, the young Duke Claude, a servant said, bowing.

Claudes ma.s.sive body hid Lia completely.

Sir, what is happening?

Claude turned his head slightly and looked at Marilyns servant. When their eyes met, the servant bowed more deeply. He gestured towards the librarys entrance.

The young mistress is waiting.

Why?

She would like for the two of you to attend the Princesss engagement together.

Together? Im sorry, but we had no plans to do so. Had she sent a formal request? Claude knew no request of the kind was needed. He continued, Please tell her that I am otherwise engaged, and that I will meet her at the party.

The servant ran away without looking back. He must have been shocked to see the young Dukes behavior. Arms wrapped around a woman in public!

Lia felt panic as she tried to extricate herself from Claudes embrace. He held her tightly and looked at her calmly. You are lying, sir, she stated flatly, but then looked into his blue eyes and felt swallowed by them. She had promised herself many times that she would keep her distance from him, but to no avail.

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Her cheeks reddened. Also, it isimproper for men to be doing this. Let me go.

Yes. Between men. Thats a sin.

If you know so well

If you are a real man.

If? she gulped.

Of course, youre a man.

He softly brushed back her bangs from her eyes, let out a long sigh, and rested his forehead on her shoulder. The difference in their size was remarkable, like a giant and a child.

If you say youre a man, then you must be, he said wistfully.

Approaching footsteps broke his reverie. It must be Marilyn reacting to the news from her servant.

Lia flinched and curled up into Claudes embrace hoping Marilyn wouldnt see her like this.

The sun shone through the ample windows and sparkled like gems. Lia silently compared Claudes embrace to those of Kieran and Ian. Ian, who would ask to be hugged. So very different!

Lias heart thumped as Marilyns footsteps grew louder. Whispered curses escaped Claudes lips. He then grabbed Lias trembling wrist.

Come here.

***

Kieran and Rosina stood together in the s.p.a.cious, manicured garden and observed their guests. Dressed in finery, the partygoers swirled around the honored couple, dancing to the orchestra and mingling with one another.

Lia looked at the partygoers from afar and was awed by them. Claude stood behind her with his chin resting on the top of her head, scoffing at the spectacle. The two were perched in a room atop the Princes Palace, where there were no guards, only toys for children.

Isnt it a great view? We can watch from here without being caught, said Claude.

To Lias mind, Kieran and Rosina looked happy. Where is this? she asked.

A place I enjoyed from time to time when I was little. The Prince, Kieran, Rosina, and I are the only ones who know of this room.

Is it okay for me to be here?

Wherever I am, you can be there too.

He patted her head, told her to wait, and left.

Now alone, Lia touched the top of her head, still comforted by Claudes warmth. She continued to look out the window and felt a sudden sensation, like she was a child playing hide and seek.

She then saw Claude approaching Kieran in the garden below. With the appearance of the young Duke, the atmosphere changed.

Claude whispered to Kieran. Kieran looked up to the window where Lia stood.

Their eyes met.

Joy and relief broke out across Kierans face.