Temptation

Chapter Four-Unexpected Intimacy

The late afternoon sun cast warm rays through the windows of the convent kitchen as Claire and Sister Mary busied themselves with dinner preparations. The scent of rosemary and garlic filled the air as they chopped vegetables and seasoned the lamb.
Claire wore a simple white apron over her habit, her sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She moved with practiced efficiency, though her mind was still occupied with thoughts of Lucian. Sister Mary, always a calming presence, hummed a soft hymn as she worked beside her.
"Sister Mary, could you check on the potatoes?" Claire asked, her voice steady but with a hint of distraction.
"Of course, Claire," Mary replied, her warm brown eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. She moved to the stove, stirring the pot of boiling potatoes. Meanwhile, in the adjoining dining room, Father Thomas, Mother Superior Agnes, and the other nuns were setting the long wooden table for dinner. The sound of clinking silverware and quiet conversation drifted through the open doorway.
Suddenly, Claire felt a presence behind her. Before she could turn around, strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her gently but firmly against a warm body. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized it was Lucian.
"Hello, Sister Claire," Lucian's smooth, velvety voice whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "You look even more radiant today."
"Lucian," Claire managed to say, her voice barely a whisper. "What are you doing?". He chuckled softly, the sound like dark honey. "Just offering my assistance. Cooking is so much more enjoyable with good company."
Claire's heart pounded in her chest as Lucian's hands lingered on her waist. "You shouldn't be in here," she said, trying to sound firm but failing to hide the tremor in her voice.
Lucian ignored her protest, his breath warm against her neck. "You smell like rosemary and garlic. A delicious combination, just like you."
"Lucian, please," Claire whispered, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. "Someone might see us." "Let them," Lucian murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. "I'm only here to help, after all."
For three agonizing, thrilling minutes, Lucian held her close, his hands gently tracing patterns on her waist. Claire felt her resolve weakening, the boundaries of her devotion blurring in his embrace.
Just then, the kitchen door swung open, and Sister Mary walked in, her face lighting up with a smile. Lucian moved swiftly, releasing Claire and stepping to her side, picking up a knife to help chop vegetables.
"Oh, Lucian," Mary said, her tone cheerful. "How kind of you to help Sister Claire, I had to help out with the table."
"Of course, Sister Mary," Lucian replied smoothly, his demeanor the picture of innocence. "I couldn't let her do all the work herself."
Claire stood frozen for a moment, her cheeks burning with a deep blush. She forced herself to focus on the task at hand, picking up the bowl of chopped vegetables and moving to the stove. Mary's eyes twinkled with amusement as she turned back to the potatoes. "It's nice to see someone so eager to help," she said, glancing at Claire. "We could use more like him around here."
Claire nodded, unable to trust her voice. She focused on her breathing, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside her.
Together, they prepared a simple yet elegant meal: roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic, creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans with almonds, and fresh-baked bread. The aromas filled the kitchen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
When dinner was ready, they carried the dishes to the dining room, where the other nuns had finished setting the table. Father Thomas and Mother Superior Agnes took their seats at the head, and the rest of the sisters, including Lucian, found their places.

As they began to eat, the conversation was light and pleasant. Lucian, seated across from Claire, occasionally caught her eye and smiled, a knowing glint in his gaze. Claire tried to focus on her meal, but the memory of his touch lingered, making her pulse race.
"Sister Claire," Father Thomas said, drawing her attention. "This lamb is exceptional. You've outdone yourself."
"Thank you, Father," Claire replied, her voice steadying. "Sister Mary and Lucian were a great help."
Mary beamed at the compliment, while Lucian gave a modest nod. "It was a pleasure to assist," he said, his eyes never leaving Claire.
The rest of the meal passed without incident, but Claire couldn't shake the feeling that her world had been irrevocably changed. She knew she was treading dangerous ground, but something about Lucian's presence made it impossible to turn back.