Page 112 of Lucian

“Yes, I’ve missed you,” she finally managed to get out. “I’ve been waiting for you all day.”

Lucian laughed. “God, how I’ve missed you, bella mia.”

Those words were all the encouragement Jordyn needed. She flew into his embrace, practically knocking Lucian back inside the hotel room from the force. The fresh scent of his soap mixed with whatever cologne he was wearing soaked into her senses like it as a drug. Just being held by him was a high she couldn’t quite comprehend.

Instantly, his hands found her jaw, cupping gently to tilt her face up so their lips could meet. Jordyn vaguely registered the door being kicked shut as his tongue dove into her mouth and those hands of his wandered down the sides of her dress over the jeweled bodice and the empire waist.

She lost herself in the kiss, her body reacting to his closeness and touch by heating up from her middle and spreading outwards fast and swift. When he reluctantly pulled away, she giggled quietly while cleaning the red lipstick from his mouth.

“You look so beautiful, it’ll be a shame when this gown meets the floor tonight,” Lucian breathed against her cheek, grinning. “Cecelia did well picking the dress. She didn’t torture you much, did she?”

“Yes,” Jordyn mumbled, nodding. “It was awful.”

“But you enjoyed it …”

Jordyn scowled playfully. “A little. I didn’t realize this was going to be such a big deal. I already feel out of place and I haven’t even made face with you, yet.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Lucian said darkly. “You fit perfectly at my side. Why would you be worried about that?”

Shrugging weakly, Jordyn replied, “I’m not a trust fund baby or a hand-me-down-riches kid, Lucian. We’re talking Ivy League, high-society, and lifestyles of the rich and famous. I’ve never even worn a gown before, and that includes graduation, considering I didn’t go. It makes me nervous. What if I screw up or say something stupid?”

“What, like hello?” Lucian asked sarcastically. Then, he shook his head, staring her straight in the eyes with one of those piercing gazes that rooted her in place and kept her from moving or saying a word. “I don’t care much about the people you’ll meet tonight. No one does, really. They like to think everybody cares about them, but that’s a problem they have to someday handle on their own. Besides, we’ll give them something to gossip about other than themselves for once. Who knows, maybe it’ll be humbling for them.”

“You’re awful,” Jordyn teased.

“I’m aware.” Lucian pressed another feather light kiss to her mouth. “Seriously, don’t work yourself up over those people. Smile and enjoy the night. That’s really all that matters.”

Jordyn had another thought, one that sent sadness spinning into her heart. “Are you coming home with me tonight, or do you have to stay away again?”

“You did hear me say it’ll be a shame when your gown comes off, right?”

Heat pinked Jordyn’s cheeks. “So you are?”

“I’ve missed my bed, and you in it,” Lucian replied gruffly.

“Does that mean they know who is trying to hurt you?” she asked.

Lucian snorted. “Kill, not hurt. And I’m not sure, but I gave Antony the two weeks he wanted. If he hasn’t figured it out yet, I certainly will. I doubt I’ll be as nice as he’s been about it.”

A shiver crawled up Jordyn’s spine. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Tough. I’m still coming home. I won’t keep hiding. I have a life.” Lucian smiled and added, “We have a life we’re only starting together. I’d like to get back to it.”

“I wasn’t going anywhere, Lucian.”

“Oh, I know, sweetheart.”

“Mmm, you have been watching, haven’t you?”

Lucian shrugged. “I couldn’t be far from you for long.”

Jordyn remembered the box she still held and tried to hand it over. “From your father.”

“Actually,” Lucian said in that cocky way of his, “… it’s from me for you. I had him pick it up when it came in a few days ago. I wanted you to have something from me tonight to wear with your gown. Go on, open it.”

Not entirely sure what to expect, considering the last gift she revived from a Marcello that came in a box like this was thousands of dollars’ worth of diamonds, Jordyn took a breath and opened the box. For a moment, she didn’t look down, not wanting to be overwhelmed again by jewelry she couldn’t ever afford on her own.

“Look at it, sweetheart. I promise it’s not pretentious and you’ll love it.”