Page 118 of Christmas Magic

A pulse of energy—not visible to Regs—zipped up the lamp post to the strings of white lights secured to it overhead. With a spark-like flash, the pulse shot along the strands of lights on both sides of the street.

At the same moment, the strings swayed gently as though stirred by the sea breeze. The air in the street shimmered and sparkled. The breathtaking effect reminded her of light reflecting off thousands of sequin-covered ornaments.

So pretty.

Awed murmurs spread through the onlookers. People stared up at the lights as though transfixed. Julius’s distraction was working.

Tim thrust his paw toward Lucian. “Go.”

Molly went to her fiancé standing in the road. Near him, Fred and Cora stood mesmerized.

Scowling, Lucian waved his hand in front of Fred’s face. “Bollocks. What is wrong with you?”

She set Tim on the ground. “Lucian.”

Her fiancé’s expression a touching blend of confusion and fury, he looked at her. A hard smile tilted his lips. “You got free.”

“Thanks to Julius.”

Lucian’s gaze shifted down the street. “He’s close by?”

“Yes. He organized the distraction to give us time to talk.”

“Talk?” Lucian snorted. “I’m in the midst of a swordfight. Or, I would be, if Santa wasn’t preoccupied.”

Anguish pushed against her ribcage. Her fiancé’s only care seemed to be the fight with Fred. Yet, Lucian must still have feelings for her. They couldn’t have been erased. She must find a way to free them; to remind him of what they’d had.

“Why did you challenge Fred?” she asked, keeping her tone gentle.

Lucian’s eyes narrowed. “For my Fair Maiden. Santa will apologize to her.”

“You aren’t obligated to get that apology for Cora.”

“’Tis my current quest.”

“No, Lucian.”

As though slapped, he shoved his shoulders back. “Aye! ’Tis my duty.”

“Is it?”

“Of course. I am honorable, loyal—”

Molly took hold of his free hand. “You are one of the finest knights I have ever known.”

He looked perplexed. His gaze fell to their joined hands, and his puzzlement deepened.

“Your honor knows no bounds,” she said. “Neither does your loyalty to those you love.”

“You speak as though you know me well.”

“I do.”

He moved his arm, as though to break free of her touch. She refused to let him go.

“Molly—”

“What do you feel with me holding your hand?”