A Lady Seduces

She felt his eyes travel up to meet her face at the bold invitation. She was close. She nearly had him. She knew the words that would free him, that would give him permission to act on whatever veiled thoughts he’d carried all these years. “After all, there is no game to stand in our way now. There is no need to worry that this evening will tangle feelings with the goals of those who would build empires. Tonight can be just for us.”

Lucia saw the naked want in his eyes and the slightest of hesitations too, confirming that he’d come for more than sentimental reasons. Well, she might be disappointed, but not surprised. She’d just have to ferret out what those other reasons might be. His hand reached out to pour the last of the bottle and he knocked his glass over in the attempt.