Lily (Flower Trilogy) by Lauren Royal Read Free Book Online

veins. He forced himself to hold back, though he really wanted to devour her. But he couldn’t, because Lily was innocent. Lily was his best friend’s sister-in-law. Lily was his generous hostess’s virgin daughter.
    When he reluctantly pulled away, her eyes were wide—with shock and something else. Wonder, he thought. Or maybe he hoped it was wonder, even though he damn well knew he shouldn’t.
    He wanted her—he wanted her with an intensity that heated his blood, that had taken him off guard, that had made him reach for her unthinkingly. But this sort of want could only lead to disaster. Lily was no courtier, no world-wise widow, no tart. She was all-too-respectable marriage material.
    His room at Lakefield had better be ready tomorrow, because he sure as hell couldn’t stay at Trentingham any longer.
    Randal Nesbitt had never really considered marriage, and he didn’t want to start now.

Chapter Five
    Breathless, Lily stared at Rand. It had been her first kiss, and no matter that it had been rather chaste compared to those her sisters had described, it had still melted her to the core.
    But how had she allowed him to kiss her? After she’d promised Rose not only to stay away, but to help her win him? She felt like a traitor.
    “My lord,” she started.
    “Rand,” he said patiently.
    He was patient. And he was handsome and brilliant.
    Although he wasn’t the avowed animal lover she’d always pictured for a husband, he didn’t laugh at her aspirations; in fact, he encouraged them.
    Would it not be fun to be newly wedded together? Judith’s voice echoed in her head.
    For a moment she dreamed of wedded bliss, of waking every morning to more of Rand’s kisses. But then she shook herself hard. It didn’t matter that his kiss had made her heart flip over. It didn’t matter that he supported her ambitions.
    Rose wanted him. Rose was older and should marry first. She and Rand shared an interest in languages. They both sang like the angels. Such music they could make together, such academic heights they could reach.
    But moreover, she had made a promise to Rose, and she couldn’t betray her. Not only would she never forgive herself; she just couldn’t hurt her sister.
    Lily never wanted to hurt anyone. Or anything. Ever.
    “Lily?” Rand queried softly.
    “You shouldn’t have done that.”
    “You didn’t fight it,” he pointed out calmly. “In fact, I would swear you participated.”
    “I . . . how . . .” She raised her chin, determined to stop sputtering. She never sputtered. She’d always been comfortable around men, and she couldn’t figure out why it was not the same with Rand. “I could not possibly have participated. I wouldn’t know how. I’ve never before been kissed.”
    He looked pleased at that news. “Well, then, you must have a natural talent.”
    Her face was turning hot, and she was on the verge of sputtering again when her mother and Rose stepped into the room. Lily couldn’t remember ever being happier to see her family.
    “Your chamber is ready,” Rose announced to Rand, frowning to see them together on the harpsichord’s bench.
    Rand didn’t stand up, so Lily did. Quickly.
    Chrystabel’s lips curved in a smile. “Come, Rand. I will show you the way.”
    He finally rose—rather reluctantly, Lily thought. Still smiling, Chrystabel led him from the room. As the two of them made their way up Trentingham’s grand staircase, Lily heard him humming a jaunty tune.
    When that faded into the distance, an uneasy silence descended. Lily dropped back to the bench.
    Rose’s dark eyes narrowed. “What were you doing with him?”
    “Singing,” Lily lied, shocked to hear the word pass her lips. She never lied to her sister. She never lied to anybody. “I mean, he was singing. I was playing. We were playing and sing—”
    “All right.” Rose waved an impatient hand. “As long as you’re not going after him. You promised he could be mine.”
    Despite that promise, Lily bristled.