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go of his sister and jumped out of the carriage. He found it hard to believe that moments before he had almost met his death. He felt better than he had before the attack. He held out his hand to Serina to help her down. The moment she slid her small hand into his, power rippled through his body. He embraced the energy. Letting go of her hand, Lucian wrapped his hands around her tiny waist and brought Serina to him, allowing her to slide down the front of him—slowly, as she brushed against the thickness of his unwavering erection until her feet hit the ground. He held onto her for a moment, not at all embarrassed in showing her he had feelings for her…until he realized the silk shawl she’d draped across him now lay on the road by his feet.
    Serina picked up the afghan she’d started out with. “You need this more than I do.” She wrapped the heavy cover around Lucian’s waist, all his personal parts concealed yet again. “At least until you find some trousers. You’ll be getting more than you bartered for, wearing these.” She reached up and ruffled his silky curls.
    Serina watched as he bent toward her and prepared herself for the kiss she knew he was about to deliver. She wet her lips and closed her eyes…
    He whispered behind her ear, “I am truly grateful for all you’ve done tonight. This should seem like the worst night of my life, yet it is the complete opposite. And I believe you to be the very reason.” He moved his hands to her cheeks, his thumbs brushing her soft skin. “Regardless, I want to spank you.” Lucian choked, and Serina burst out laughing. “I mean, thank you.” His cheeks burned a lovely shade of red.
    “We’re quite the pair, you and I,” Serina conceded.
    “Indeed.” And with that said, he placed a delicate kiss on her cheek. This was the first time he’d ever kissed a woman. Really enjoyed it. And didn’t think he could stop himself from taking her right then and there. A shudder of need ricocheted the length of his spine from his brain to his loins. Oh, how he just wanted to take her away and make her his. Lucian glanced around for a private spot. Regain your brain, the head atop his shoulders nagged. Take your time with her.
    His other head, the one below the afghan was not about to go down without a fight. You’ll be sorry if you don’t throw her over your shoulder and run! I’m not going anywhere all evening. That you can believe. A small groan escaped him.
    Her first kiss ever. Trapped, like a fly in honey, she couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to, and she didn’t want to. His aim, however, was shoddy. Serina wanted a real kiss, but she didn’t want to give the impression of being a tart, either, although bumping into and grasping his silky erection negated she should still worry. That minor catastrophe didn’t really count, since it was an accident.
    “Strangely, I know how you feel. I’m glad I was able to help you, but Lucian, you owe me nothing. The pleasure of your company, even under the most dire circumstances tonight, has been quite memorable.” Without even realizing it she snuggled into his frame, arching backwards to gaze up at him. Maybe he’d attempt another kiss and perfect his aim. She batted her eyelashes at him.
    About to close the distance to Serina’s tantalizing lips, he turned at the last second and whispered, “You need to scoot while you still can.” Reluctant, he bowed, allowing Serina to escape him.
    Her disappointment hidden behind a forced smile, she turned and walked away from him with exaggerated sway to her hips, until she stumbled on the uneven slate and fought once again to keep her balance.
    Lucian enjoyed the view. She definitely had a nice bottom! Images bombarded his mind of more intimate acts he wanted to do with that fine little arse ...and the rest of her. Lucian wanted Serina. He needed her. He would have her. Didn’t he deserve love for himself? He’d spent the past eight years raising Raven. He’d seen to