My Lord Eternity by Alexandra Ivy Page B

sensed Lucien stiffen. Slowly he leaned forward to stab the nobleman with a dagger glare. “Take care, my lord, I have little patience for fools.”
    There was no missing the stark warning in his voice, and an ugly color suddenly stained Lord Patten’s narrow face.
    â€œIndeed? And who might you be?”
    â€œMr. Valin, and a friend to Miss Kingly.”
    â€œValin?” The dandy frowned as he attempted to place the name. Suddenly a rather sickly recognition rippled over the thin features. “Are you related to Mr. Ravel?”
    â€œA cousin,” Lucien readily admitted, seeming to take pleasure in the obvious unease at the mention of his relative. Jocelyn could only presume that Mr. Ravel possessed a powerful position among society.
    â€œOh.” There was an awkward pause as Lord Patten sought to disguise his sudden embarrassment. At last he turned toward Jocelyn with a strained smile. “Are you staying with your parents?”
    A sharp pang tore through her at the offhand words, but thankfully she managed to appear utterly indifferent.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œThen with a friend?”
    â€œI now possess my own establishment,” she retorted in clipped tones.
    A genuine flare of shock widened the dark eyes at her abrupt announcement. Young maidens of breeding simply did not possess their own establishment. It was nearly as scandalous as being caught in a grotto, being seduced by a known rake.
    â€œYour own establishment?”
    â€œYes. And I must be returning home. Please excuse us.”
    â€œWait. Surely I shall see you about town?”
    â€œHighly doubtful.”
    â€œBut . . .”
    â€œGood day, my lord.”
    Thankfully sensing her fierce need to be away from the man who had created such pain in her past, Lucien firmly set the horses in motion, nearly running down the dandy who was foolish enough to attempt to delay their departure.
    Jocelyn did not even glance backward as they bowled down the street and turned toward the less respectable area of town. Instead, she determinedly sought to battle back the horrid memories that threatened to sweep over her.
    It was the past. She had survived and even made a comfortable life for herself. There was no point in dwelling upon what could not be changed.
    They traveled in silence for some time before Lucien at last slowed the pace of the horses and slanted a searching gaze over her taut profile.
    â€œAn old friend of yours, I presume?”
    Friend? She smothered a bitter laugh. Lord Patten would be the last person she would ever choose as a friend.
    â€œAn acquaintance,” she retorted stiffly.
    â€œOh, no, there is more than that between the two of you.”
    She sternly kept her gaze trained upon the shabby houses that now lined the narrow street.
    â€œI do not wish to discuss Lord Patten.”
    â€œHe is the one who hurt you,” he said softly.
    Her hands clenched upon her lap. She never wished to discuss the scandal that had ruined her life. Not with anyone. But she especially did not wish to discuss it with this gentleman.
    It was all too sordid. Too demeaning. She did not wish to see the tender concern that glowed within those eyes diminish to scorn.
    â€œHe was a part of the scandal,” she grudgingly conceded.
    â€œAnd he refused to stand by your side when the situation became messy?”
    Her lips twisted with a remembered pain. “Everyone refused to stand by my side. Everyone but Meg.”
    There was a short pause. “Not even your parents?”
    Her nails bit into her palms until she drew blood. “Lucien, I said I do not wish to discuss this.”
    Without warning he reached out to run his fingers over her cheek in a familiar caress, then with the understanding compassion that could undermine the staunchest of defenses, he gave a slow nod of his head.
    â€œAs you wish.”
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    Several hours later Lucien silently slid toward the abandoned warehouse. It had not