The Baron and his Lady

Forty-six: Best to worst

Penthurst Manor
Krista's pov

I woke up with the sun streaming through the windows. It felt warm against my face, like warm milk embraced by sweet honey. There was a fresh scent of tea and coffee mingling in the breeze. In the distance I could hear a soft clang of utensils, probably a ladle stirring the soup or a spoon hitting the sides of the Nutella bottle because it was almost gone.

I smiled at the thought. All these images coming together felt so good. I stretched my arms and legs while my spine gave a satisfying crack that sent shivers all the way down my toes. Damn. It felt good to be alive.

The door creaked open and I knew from the heaviness of the footsteps who it was. I pretended to be asleep and kept my eyes closed, hoping my features won't betray me.

I'm a poor actress.

But, fingers are crossed ladies and gentlemen.

I heard the tray being set down the table. The smell of crispy bacon and warm bread grew stronger. My stomach growled, making me realize how hungry I was.

The mattress squeaked slightly as I felt a heavy form setting down next to me. I was facing the wall, so my back was bare for all the world to see. Including the person who's slowly torturing my senses. The blanket was carefully pulled back until my left shoulder was exposed. I heard a short intake of breath and before I knew it, there was wetness pressed against my skin.

Lucian.

I whispered.

He was bent down and was kissing my shoulder.

"Mi amour...." he said, "my love, wake up."

I groaned and kicked the blanket away. I didn't care if I was naked before him, after all, he's seen all of me. Why bother for some modesty? Besides, this was Lucian, my proud Baron and Husband.

"Do not dare to tease me, mi amour," he chuckled a little bit, "I came here bringing you food. It was my intention to make up for you."

My eyes fluttered and I twisted upper body so I could see his face, "Make up for what? You haven't done anything wrong!"

"Of course I have. I came to your room uninvited and I certainly have tire you off. Mon dieu, you could barely walk last night!"

"I was not! I was just feeling dizzy when I suddenly stood up, my legs are fine, my lord."

He laughed and I watched with joy as his chest rise and fall. The brute was having fun. Well, let's see about that.

I turned my body completely on the other side, so he could see all. My hair was free and was probably a mess on the pillows but nothing stood in the way as a covering. Lucian noticed what I was doing and grew quiet. The laughter in his eyes was replaced with something else.

I knew that look.

I secretly smiled and slowly ran my fingers on his arm, which he kept on his sides, "Is there something you forgot to do, my lord?"

Silence.

I didn't stop and made small circles on his shoulder, he was wearing a thin white shirt and nothing else underneath. I raised my face and locked our eyes together. His breath seemed to stop.

"Do you have anything to say? Hmmm?"

His fists clenched and I knew he was trying so hard to control himself. But I knew his weaknesses. I batted my lashes at him and seductively bit my lower lip. Or so I hope it was seductive. I mean, I've never flirted before. But hey? What's the harm in trying?