Chapter Sixteen

            Lillian laughed again drawing his attention. Drake was currently standing next to the mantle in the sitting room, trying to ignore the temptress that had walked in tonight. Gone was the shy and timid girl. Replaced with a full flesh and blood woman that was attracting every male in the room. He cursed her, why had she worn such a gown tonight? Was she trying to punish him? Actually, he was positive that this was her intention and he was having a hard time ignoring her.

            He let his eyes roam over her exposed chest, watching it rise and fall as she laughed at something his mother said. He growled slightly as he watched Lord Charles lean towards Lillian and say something. Drake could clearly see where the man’s eyes were settling. Before he could take a step Allister stepped behind the lord and clamped a hand on the young man’s shoulder. Instantly the boy blushed and apologized for crowding Lillian.

            Both Drake and Allister registered surprise when Lillian waved off his apology. Then she gave the man a look that sent blood rushing through Drake’s own body, so he knew Lord Charles was defenseless against it. Drake felt himself grinding his teeth as he watched the man laugh and his face turn a shade of pink. Lillian and his mother laughed at the man’s embarrassment.

            What the hell was she doing? It was almost as if she was encouraging the man. Surely she wouldn’t look twice at a sapling like him? Drake realized that his jealousy was raging bright as he relaxed his hold on his glass. He felt a presence move up next to him and swallowed a groan as he glanced over at Lady Odette. She smiled sweetly at him, before shooting a glance over to Lillian’s group.

            “Shameful isn’t it my lord.” She whispered and he raised a brow, not commenting. She chuckled and continued,

            “Who would have thought the little mouse could be such a tease. No doubt Lord Charles will fall into her trap like the poor sop he is. Good thing you are too smart to fall for her guile right my lord…I mean, Drake.” She said, making sure to add a husky tone to her voice as she said his name. He waited and wasn’t that surprised when hearing his name come from this woman incited no fire inside him. He decided it was best to put the woman in her place, without giving offense. But he wanted his feelings to be clear.

            “Lady Lillian is not someone to play games. She is merely enjoying herself and no doubt following my mother’s influence. Seeing as how my mother has grown fond of Lady Lillian” He said, his cold eyes glancing at the woman and seeing her lips pressed together in irritation. She looked up at him and narrowed her eyes at him. She was clearly trying to find the answer to something.

            “Tell me Lord Drake. Are you fond of Lady Lillian?” She asked, choosing to be blunt and straight to the point. Drake frowned and looked over to Lillian. The instant his eyes fell on her, he felt his blood rush through his body and all sorts of images race through his mind.

            “She has become a valued friend to me. I simply don’t like to hear any one speak ill of her.” He said carefully, trying not to give too much away. However Lady Odette was smarter than he gave her credit for. She sighed and a disappointed look crossed her face.

            “Such a pity. You and I could have done well together. No matter, I know that you will not find the pleasure you seek with that timid lamb. Good night my lord. Tomorrow my mother and I shall be departing.” She said and moved away from him. He frowned and before he could stop himself asked,

            “What are you talking about? There is no need for you to depart early.”

Lady Odette smiled and flipped her hair over her shoulder. She looked towards Lillian and then back to him with a knowing smirk.

            “There is no need for me to be here wasting my time. Especially with plenty of other gentlemen who would leap at the chance for my hand. I will leave you to your little mouse. If Lady Victoria has half a mind she will follow my lead.” She said and moved away from him, leaving him fuming alone in his corner. He looked to Lillian and his frown deepened. Despite his obvious attraction to her, there was no way he would give into it again. He had already risked too much by touching her the first time. He had finally gained control of his senses and wouldn’t allow himself to lose control any more.

            ‘Keep wishing…’ That same snide voice hissed as he watched Lillian take Allister’s arm and move towards the French doors leading out to the garden. She assured his mother that she would be quick and allowed her cousin to steal her away. He growled low, not fully understanding why he still felt that pang of jealousy when he looked at the man. Cousin or not, it was clear the man cared for Lillian beyond the family aspect. It made Drake furious to imagine those two alone.

            He tried to argue himself out of his first instinct, but as the minutes ticked by and the two still hadn’t returned he felt his resolve thin. Lillian had yet to return and as one by one, the guests went to bed he felt his anger rising. When it was only him and his mother left she turned her violet eyes to him. He watched as a knowing smirk lifted her lips and she held out her hand to him.

            “You know, I think I would like to see the garden all lit up tonight. Would you be a dear and accompany me?” She asked and he took her hand. Wondering at her game and why she had that gleam in her eyes. She smiled up at him and whispered,

            “Tell me Drake. Do you think I’m rubbing off on Lily?”

            “Heaven forbid.” He growled and his mother laughed.

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

            Lillian sighed in relief as she sat down on the stone bench Allister had brought her to. The cool night air was exactly what she needed to wash over her fevered skin. She looked back towards the house and sighed. Allister chuckled and seated himself next to her.

            “You know that you shouldn’t encourage men like Lord Charles. One you give them a bite, they want the whole cake.” He teased and her face flamed more. She groaned and buried her face in her hands.

            “Oh Ali. I don’t know what I was thinking! This dress, the way I acted in there…this isn’t me.” She sighed despondently and Allister lifted her hands away from her face and smiled at her. He held her hands tightly in his and even placed a gentle kiss against the tips. She looked up at him as he explain,

            “You are still you Lily. You are simply a woman whose feelings have been hurt. I only wish you would finally tell me why you are so upset.”

            She looked up into his deep blue eyes and blushed as she thought of her interactions with Drake. She sighed and shook her head, some of her blonde hair falling over her shoulder. She kept her gaze lowered and whispered,

            “It doesn’t matter anymore Allister. I should have known better than to hope that Drake would be different.”

            Allister frowned down at her head, wondering what they could mean. Lillian had always been a cryptic one when it came to her own heart, but even he couldn’t read what her words meant. He glanced over her head and saw Lady Elena and Drake heading their way and got a bright idea. Lillian was facing away so her reaction would be natural. He waited until he was sure Drake would hear.

            He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, making her gasp and stare up at him. He reached up and brushed back her hair, leaving his hand against her cheek as he did. Her eyes widened and he smiled softly at her,

            “Then forget about him little lamb. He doesn’t deserve your heart.”

            “Al-Allister, what are you-” She stammered, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red as she shivered in his hold. He ignored the effect it had on him. Steeling his resolve and reminding himself that he was doing this for her.

            “Sh. I want your eyes on me Lily, only me. Give me your heart little lamb.” He whispered, not having to fake the husky tone in his voice as he pulled her closer. Their lips inching closer. A soft cough broke them apart, just as he knew it would, but couldn’t stop the pounding in his chest. He turned and glared at the interruption, pleased to see Drake glaring back. Murder once more present in his eyes. As Lillian looked at the couple and then back to Allister, her face flamed brighter and she seemed frozen in shock. He glanced at her and then stood from the bench and offered her his hand.

            “Come Lily. I suppose we have been out here for too long.” He said in a calm voice and she lifted her hand to place in his when a growl caught both of their attentions. Drake was looking at Lillian and she swallowed at the tension in the air. He clenched his teeth and in a deceptively calm voice spoke.

            “I would like a moment alone with Lady Lillian, if she’ll permit.”

            Lillian looked between Allister and Drake, not sure if she should go with either of them. She was so confused at the moment. The sudden presence of Drake meant that Allister could have been trying to get a rise out of the duke. But it had seemed so genuine that Lillian couldn’t be sure. Drake was looking at her expectantly and Allister’s gaze held a secret question within their blue depths as well. She turned to the only other presence with her and looked to Lady Elena.

            The duchess was trying to suppress a grin and failing horribly. As she caught Lillian’s gaze she winked behind Drake’s back and gave a slight nod of encouragement. Lillian took a deep breath and looked up at Allister whispering,

            “I be along soon.”

            He stared at her for a minute and then gave a slight nod and retracted his hand. He turned to Lady Elena and offered her his arm. She gave him a bright smile and warned Drake,

            “Don’t keep her out here much longer Drake. It’s bound to turn chilly soon and the poor girl is over exposed.” Lillian groaned and hid her face behind her hair to cover her blush. Then the pair turned and headed back to the house. As they walked Elena looked up at Allister and smirked.

            “I hope that you are not trying to get in the way my boy. I was serious when I said I wanted your darling cousin as my daughter.” She said, her words laced with both honey and poison. Allister gave the lady his best smile, one that caused hearts to stop. His voice smoothed out as he purred in her ear.

            “My dearest love, I have no idea what you could mean. I thought I made you proud with my little act.”

            Elena laughed so hard she actually snorted in a most unladylike way. She placed her hand over here chest and smiled up at the boy.

            “Oh Allister, if that was an act…then please don’t deprive the world of your immense talents!”

            He blushed bright at her words and he was not prone to blushing. He groaned and it only made the lady next to him laugh harder. He found himself smiling eventually though and said,

            “Ah but then I wouldn’t be able to follow you around like the devoted servant I am. Come now darling, are you perhaps jealous? Wishing that I was whispering those words in your ear?”

            She smirked up at him, a dark gleam in her eyes as she whispered back,

            “You could never hope to keep up.”

Author's Note

hey sorry again for the late update, it was actually difficult to decide which way I wanted to go with this. But I think I've decided and now want to get back to writing. I'm hoping to have chapter seventeen done today too, but for some reason it's hard to focus so please be patient and I'm sorry for my brain's rebellion! Please leave a review and let me know what you thought!

Reviews

[Lemonygem]

I have a feeling Drake is gonna explode any second now, his moms plan seems to be working just perfectly*chuckles mischievously*. I love this story so much, and I can't stop thinking about it. Every time you post a new chapter I get all happy and squeal with joy! Can't wait for the next chapter! :D wait...why doesn't this story have more reviews?

[Melodycraft]

Right?! I can't understand why there aren't more reviews either. This is such an addictive read. I'd be checking it all day for updates if I didn't need to slip into the office to get stuff done....sigh...I'll probably still be checking there on my phone, who am I kidding.

[Melodycraft]

....Jaw drop.....
Hwhaaaat
Um...ok I dont know what you are up to next, and I love that. It is really cool to see you build this up to where it could feasibly go multiple directions. I'm not even gonna shake the presents and try to guess what is inside this time. So just waiting for Christmas morning. ...it so hard though...
Also, I have checked this site an embarrassing number of times today and was flipping out to see an update.