AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTERELEVEN
Ash opened his eyes to find the first rays of sun peeking in through the window. He couldn’t remember a time he’d slept more soundly.
Lily lay in his arms, neither of them having moved in the night. They were in the exact same position as when they’d fallen asleep.
He leaned down, brushing a kiss along the crown of her hair, as he gave her a bit of a squeeze. He hated to wake her, but they’d have to leave soon.
He wouldn’t breathe easier until they’d reached London and he had the full disposal of his earldom to fight these men.
No one would hurt Lily.
She flexed against him, her body pressing closer as she made a sleepy sound in the back of her throat. Was one noise meant to be that erotic?
He’d protected her maidenhead last night because she had every right to be leery of relations outside of marriage, but he had every intention of making love to this woman. Which meant he planned to marry her.
He could hardly believe that it was true. Him. Married.
But Lockton had been right. Lily needed his protection, and she deserved the security he could provide. No man would be a better protector than him—of that, at least, he was certain and it helped to make his decision to set aside his promise easier.
But under that, deep down, he knew there was another reason. She gave him hope… Hope that someone might care for him. That she might care for him. If nothing else, she’d appreciate what he provided. And he, not marrying for wealth or status, could avoid the pitfalls his father had made. Couldn’t he?
If he cared for Lily, then surely he’d never make her feel unwanted, or lesser?
“Do we have to get up?” she murmured, snuggling closer. “I want to stay in this bed all day and all of the night.”
That sounded better than fine to him. “I’d love nothing more, but…”
She lifted her head, her tousled hair and sleepy expression making it even harder to finish that thought. “On second thought, if we stay in bed, there are a few things we might do.”
He rolled them both over, landing on top of her as her arms threaded about her neck. Her eyes laughed even as her lips pursed. “I wanted to stay in bed for the purpose of sleeping.”
“I maintain”—he quirked a brow—“that you’ll sleep better if you let me touch you first. Kiss you everywhere, run my hands—”
A knock sounded at the door. “East,” a male voice rumbled. “Are you awake?”
Ash lifted his head. “What is it?”
A moment of silence lengthened as Lily tightened her grip on him.
Finally, the other voice called., “We have a few visitors.”
“Who?”
“Bash and Baxter.”
She gasped as Ash held her against his chest. He knew she had some reservations about her brothers, and he could feel the tension rolling off her. He’d protect her even from them if he had to. His fingers splayed out on her back as he pressed his cheek to the top of her head, silently communicating his support. “We’ll be down in a few.”
But Lily didn’t loosen her grip.
“Are you all right?”
“Arabella doesn’t think they’re to blame,” she said by way of answer, her eyes wide and her voice breathy.
He stroked her hair. “I don’t either.”
She gave a tiny little nod, almost imperceptible. “Then I trust you.”
She’d said that before and every time it stole his breath. Trust wasn’t easy for her, and that made it a beautifully rare gift. “All the same, you’ll stay close to me and try not to worry. I’ll protect you.”
