Chapter Thirteen

           Drake quickly dismounted, wanting to be away from these annoying females as quickly as possible. He couldn’t deny that part of his bad mood was because of the absence of one such female. He remained the gentleman though and helped Lady Odette down from the mare she was riding. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned forward, more than was necessary, so that her breast rubbed against his chest. She gave him a heated look which was returned with his cold one.

            He bowed to the ladies and asked for their forgiveness, but he had things he needed to attend to. He turned on the spot and with wide strides made it into the safety of his home. Although it wasn’t entirely safe as when he climbed the stairs he was met with his grinning mother.

            “How was the ride dear?” She asked sweetly and he grunted, moving past her without answering. She chuckled and continued as if he had.

            “Well I’m glad you enjoyed yourself this morning. I had a lovely time with Lily. She is such a sweet thing. I don’t know how I will be able to say goodbye at the end of this week! She isn’t like the other young ladies I’ve met.

            “No, she is pure and genuine which is so refreshing wouldn’t you agree. My you should have seen how her eyes shined with such happiness at the sight of the library.” She gave a wicked grin as she noticed his steps falter. She clasped her hands over her chest and cooed,

            “I could practically feel the joy radiating off of the child when I showed her my vast collection. No doubt she will be holed up in that room until dinner. Speaking of, I need to go speak with cook about a dessert.” She left with a glance over her shoulder to see that Drake had turned on his heel and was now striding in the direction of the library. Elena grinned and at the sight until a deep chuckle made her turn forward.

            The young and handsome Allister was leaning against a wall with his arms crossed, grinning at her. She smiled and tilted her head as they shared a knowing look.

            “Are you going to run off to protect your precious lamb?” Elena said with a raised brow and it only made him grin wider. He came forward and bowed low, holding out his hand.

            “My lady I would never get in the way of such a goddess. A woman after my own heart, let us run away together and rule the world.” He purred while straightening and she laughed. Linking her arm through his and guiding him down the stairs.

            “I like you sir. I may be able to use you to my advantage in this situation. I think that if we combine our forces those two won’t stand a chance. My son will have no choice but to snag me my precious daughter-in-law.” She said while smiling up at the man, giving him her most calculating look. Allister placed his hand over his heart and with sparkling eyes whispered,

            “Marry me.”

*********************************

            The two glared at each other for a mere minute before he grabbed her wrists and pushed her back into the wall. She gave a gasp as his lips claimed hers in a searing kiss. Grace gave a strangled moan as he slid his tongue past her teeth and…

            Lillian started when she heard the door creak open and blushed brightly at having been caught with such a novel in her lap. Her humiliation doubled when the last person she wanted to see walked through the door. Drake glanced around the room until his eyes spotted her. She watched as he smiled at her and shut the door behind him before moving closer to her. She blushed brightly and tried to pretend the book in her lap was innocent.

            “Good morning Lillian.” He said and just the sound of his voice pricked her sensitive nerves. The blasted novel had heated her uncomfortably and now it was only worsening with Drake so near her. She tried to hide it behind a bright smile as she stood and brushed out her skirts, holding the book behind her back.

            “Good morning Drake. How was the ride?”

            “Dull…” His eyes bore into hers and she felt her heart leap at the heat that rose into his gaze. He let his eyes roam over her slowly and she held her breath as his eyes seemed to heat the spots they stopped on. Then his smile took on an almost feral look as he whispered,

            “Anything is boring if you aren’t there.”

            Her eyes widened further and she had to turn towards the bookshelf to hide the bright blush on her face, giving off a nervous laugh. She missed Drake’s shocked face at his slip or hear him quietly curse at himself. He turned his back and silently scolded himself about his behavior. Christ, he had only been in the woman’s presence for two seconds and already his body was reacting to her. He regained what he hoped was a cold exterior and turned back to look at her, or more accurately, up at her.

            He couldn’t suppress the groan that left his lips as hot claws dug deeply into his stomach at the display she was so innocently showing. Lillian had climbed up several rungs of the ladder and was leaning over to replace the book she had been reading. However innocent the gesture was it still drove the man underneath her mad. He couldn’t turn his eyes away or remind himself that he was a gentleman. He freely gazed at her round bottom that was sticking out at her angle. His palms itched as his mind betrayed him with sultry images. He could practically feel himself reaching out and grabbing her slender waist before running his hand down over her rump.

            He hissed as he became painfully aroused and forced his eyes away from her rear. He watched as she leaned dangerously far to replace the book and he instinctively stepped closer to warn her.

            “You know you shouldn’t-” He was cut off as his voice seemed to startle her and she squeaked before slipping. He was there instantly and caught her frame against his chest, wrapping his arms around her protectively to steady her. He looked down at her blonde head and could just barely make out her bright face. He chuckled and asked,

            “Are alright my dear?”

            She shivered and nodded silently so he relaxed his grip on her, but found that he couldn’t release her completely. He had intended to do just that, but the second she pulled back and looked up at him he froze. His breathing quickened as he stared down into her wide eyes.

            “Lillian…”

            Green eyes shined back at him. Eyes that haunted his nights and caused a storm of emotion to roll through him. The blush was still painted upon her cheeks and her mouth was slightly parted as she sucked in a quick breath. She looked so damn kissable right now, her eyes practically begged him to do so. He groaned at the sight of her and lost his restraint. He crushed her against him as his lips claimed hers once more. He couldn’t have stopped himself, even if he wanted to. And d****t, he sure as hell didn’t want to.

            This kiss was nothing like the first which had been light and short. This time Drake’s built up tension transferred through their lips. He reveled at the feeling of her small frame pressed into his body as he held her still. She fit against him perfectly, soft against hard, light and dark. It was like she had been crafted just for his body. He moaned at the thought and deepened the kiss, feeling her melt in his hold. She pressed herself further against him as her lips played across his.

            He took two large steps forward without thinking until her back pressed against the bookshelf. She didn’t seem to mind as she gasped, but still clung to him, her nails scratching him through his shirt. He growled against her lips and felt her shiver in response at the sound. He let his tongue run along her tantalizing lips making her part them on instinct. He slipped past her barrier and tasted all of her as he had longed to do each night. He was pressed so tightly against her that he could feel her heart pounding against his chest, matching the rhythm his had set.

            He groaned against her lips as he felt her small tongue lightly brush against his. Her touch was timid and innocent, and it drove him crazy with want. He wanted all of her, to feel that soft skin he knew she possessed against his. He wanted to hear her pant his name and whisper sweet words in his ear as he loved her. At these dark and forbidden thoughts he realized just how compromising their position was. His hands were gently resting on her hips, keeping her pressed against him. He hesitated in kissing her as he started to come out of the fog that surrounded them and return to himself.

            He pulled back and they both gasped for air. He looked into her dazed eyes and saw the desire blazing behind her innocent eyes. He cursed himself as a rake for taking advantage of her this way and was quick to retreat from her. Removing his hands, causing her to fall back on the bookshelf for support. He took in large breaths of air as he gained a hold of his rampant desire. He turned his back on her and tangled his hand in his hair as he growled at himself for being a fool.

            “Drake?” He heard the confusion in her voice laced with the desire that still held them both in its spell. He shut his eyes and clenched his teeth in order to regain his sanity. He growled low,

            “Get out of here Lillian.”

            ‘While you still can.’ He thought in disgust as he knew that if he touched her again he would lose control once more and this time he may not be able to stop himself. He was furious with himself, and with her. What was she doing to him? He had never lost control like that before and yet he had done it not once, but twice with this woman.

            “Drake I-”

            “Go. Leave me!” He ordered, hardening his tone so she wouldn’t argue anymore. His restraint was wavering again knowing she was only a step away for him to claim. He cringed as he heard her gasp in pain and run from the room. He waited until he heard the door close before picking up the first thing he could grab. He lifted the book in his hand and hurled it across the room with a feral shout. Then he placed both hands in his hair and groaned in agony.

            She was casting a spell on him, one he was finding harder and harder to fight against. He was losing control more and more when in her presence. He couldn’t get the blasted woman out of his mind. Every second she was out of his sight he found himself wondering after her. Dear heaven and when she was near him he couldn’t help but attack her! He was turning into a stranger. Someone who allowed emotion to rule his actions as he became possessive and territorial with any man that came near his woman. He was obsessed with a temptress that tortured him with her innocence and the hidden fire inside her.

            Lillian was becoming his sole interest in the world. He wanted to know everything about her, her thoughts and loves. He wanted her like a starved man, his body’s reaction was starting to overpower his self-control. Soon he wouldn’t be able to stop himself and the poor girl would be on her back. He growled again in disgust at his thoughts. He couldn’t let himself cross that line, he couldn’t taint Lillian like that knowing that she wouldn’t ever become his wife.

            ‘She would if you asked her.” That irritating voice argued and he hissed in response. A strange warmth spreading through him at the thought of taking Lillian as his own. Making sure that all men knew who she belonged to by claiming her each night passionately. He shook his head of the thought and slumped down into a cushioned chair and buried his face in his hands as he sighed.

            “Damn you Lillian. This is not who I am!”

Author's Note

Hey I hope you enjoy this chapter! I feel like I'm on fire today as I've pushed out two chapters yay for days off! I also literally feel like I'm on fire as it is really hot today and I have no A/C :( but I will continue to write as long as the inspiration is there and who knows maybe I'll finish chapter 14 as well before the end of the day!

Also please leave a review on what you think of the story so far. I rely a lot on feedback from readers and the silence (minus you melody) is starting to worry me. I just want to be sure that you are all enjoying this and that I should continue. So please I would REALLY appreciate a review (good or bad I can take it) thank you!

Reviews

[Lemonygem]

Hngh! I love this so much! EEE! I kinda feel sorry for Drake, poor guy is going through a lot lol! I simply can't wait for the next chapter, I'm already completely in love with this breath taking romance!

[Melodycraft]

!!!!
God love poor Drake...he is gonna need to propose ASAP or only talk to Lily with someone else present to help him stay out of trouble....
Also poor Lily, kissed then kicked out with a yell. :(
Um Allena, is my proposal for the matchmaking power couple of Allister and Elena, who I can only imagine walked the rest of the way to kitchen laughing like Team Rocket.

Sorry about the AC, boo!