Lucy Surrenders by Maggie Ryan, Blushing Books Read Free Book Online Page A

a lesson, one she wished never again to experience.  Lucas kept his arm around her and held her close.
    Reed wondered at the girl's reaction but turned to face the congregation.
    "It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce that the banns have been posted announcing the upcoming nuptials of Lord Huntington and Miss Furniss," Reed said with a smile.  Lucas gave him a small bow while Lucy managed not to faint from relief.
    "Lord Huntington has also purchased a special license," Reed continued, and several men chuckled.  It would have been uncommon for Lucas to not pay the exorbitant fee for such a license.  Men in their societal group did not have either the inclination or the patience for long engagements.  Once a decision to wed was made, the desire to bed was immediate.
    "Please take the opportunity to offer best wishes to the couple," Reed concluded and then led the way down the center aisle.  Lucas and Lucy followed and were soon surrounded by couples offering their congratulations.  Lucas spoke to every well-wisher as he accepted handshakes and congratulations while fending off questions of when the ceremony would take place.  Lucy appeared a shy, blushing bride as her cheek was kissed and her friends gave her hugs and their wishes for happiness.  Though she managed to smile and acknowledge their happiness for her, Lucy's mind remained on the sermon.  She realized she felt unworthy of all these blessings and wishes.  She felt unworthy of Lucas' love, and knew the feeling stemmed from her resistance to submit to the man standing tall and proud at her side.  Every moment that passed made her need to confess grow within her.
    As the last couple left, Lucas drew her to the foyer where a copy of their banns had been hung.  He turned her to face the glass cabinet and put his arms around her waist.  Lucas felt his heart swell with love and wonder that this woman soon would be his.  Lucy leaned back against him as he quietly read the words of their banns aloud.  When he finished, he bent to kiss the top of her head.
    "Lord Lucas William Henry Huntington," Lucy softly read from the document.  "I didn't even know your full name.  I don't know what to call you."  Lucas smiled and bent to whisper into her ear.  His breath caused her to shudder, and her stomach to flip as he spoke.
    "That is something else I will teach you, Kitten.  You will spend the rest of your life learning many lessons," Lucas whispered and then moved his lips closer lightly kissing the lobe of her ear.  Lucy's body instantly reacted to his words and his touch.  Thoughts raced across her mind, and her face heated with the realization that many of them had no place in a church.  Lucas felt her body tremble.  Lucy closed her eyes briefly, knowing the lesson she would be learning soon enough would certainly not be a pleasant one.  She nodded as she opened her eyes and turned in his arms.  She lifted her face to his, her eyes reflecting that knowledge.  Lucas pulled her close.  He, too, had listened to the service and felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
    "Did you learn anything this morning?" Lucas asked quietly.  He felt her nod her head against his chest.  "Tell me," Lucas said, before moving to set her away from him.  Lucy took a deep breath as she attempted to gain control over her emotions.  She didn't want to talk; she simply wanted to lay her head on his chest, his arms around her.  Lucas lifted her chin with his finger as he forced her eyes to meet his again.  "Tell me, little one."
    "To ... to obey and sub ... submit," Lucy whispered, her voice quivering.  She took a deep breath.  "To ... to accept that I will be pun ... punished when I choose to be nau ... naughty."  Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
    "How and to whom shall you submit, Kitten?" Lucas asked, knowing this was the first step of many.  He knew he was perfectly capable of forcing her to do whatever he wished; he was more than