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

twice her size and could easily overpower her.  He did not desire to do so.  He wanted—and more importantly, would not move forward without—her voluntary submission.  He knew she would have to come to him to answer for her misbehavior.  He would never berate her fear of whatever punishment he decreed necessary as that was a normal, expected fear of pain he could understand.  Though he would punish her quite harshly when she had earned such punishment, he did not ever want her to be afraid of him personally.
    Lucy felt as if they were the only two people in existence at this moment.  She knew in the deepest part of her soul that this was the one man who would demand everything from her, things she had yet no knowledge of how to give.  Despite her ignorance, her heart was pounding with the anticipation of more than just a promised spanking.
    "To you, Sir," she whispered, her eyes softening.  "To you in all things."
    "That's my good girl," he said, and his smile made her heart stutter. “That lesson will serve you well, Kitten."  Lucy blushed but nodded.  They both turned when they became aware of someone approaching.
    Reed swallowed his jealousy as he approached the couple, a packet of papers in his hands.  Throughout his sermon, he had not seemed to be able to allow his eyes to stray from the beautiful young woman.  She had appeared to be listening attentively to his words as if she were drinking them in to quench a deep thirst in her soul.  Her upturned face and wide eyes had repeatedly drawn his gaze to her.  He now watched as she looked up and met his eyes briefly, before immediately flushing and lowering her gaze.  Reed smiled as he recognized the guilt she was trying to hide.  He dealt weekly with naughty little girls and knew he was watching one at this moment.  He wondered what she had done to feel such guilt and then found himself wishing that she had been naughty during services so that she would be forced to answer to him, as well.
    "Lord Huntington, is there a problem?" Reed said as he stopped before the couple.  They both saw his brow furrow as he made a point of looking directly at Lucy.  "My dear, you look far more like a naughty little girl than a blushing bride-to-be.  Child, confession is good for your soul."  He could practically see the small woman squirming with her repressed guilt.
    "Since you are not yet a married woman, Lord Huntington is not yet responsible for your spiritual soul.  I suggest you accompany me to my chambers so that we might speak in private.  I shall hear your confession so that your heart may be untroubled."  Lucy remained silent though her eyes spoke the truth of his words.  She felt she must confess in order to be able to breathe freely again.  His eyes continued to bore into her own until she began to tremble, her mouth parting as if the confess on the spot.  Lucas saw her face and knew that she was massively intimidated by the preacher.  He reached out before she could speak and drew her to his side.  He felt her quiver and press herself closer to him.  Lucas recognized the official document in Reed's hand.
    "I assure you that the responsibility became mine the moment the decision was made to wed, Sir," Lucas said making sure the man understood fully.  "If Miss Furniss has any soul-searching to do or confessions to make, she, Sir, shall make it to me.
    "Reed gave a single nod of his head, conceding the battle to this huge man.  "Certainly, Lord Huntington," he said.  "I was just concerned with your little one as she seems...”
    "I see you brought the documents," Lucas interrupted, not caring what the man thought.  As far as Lucas was concerned, Reed's interest in Lucy was far more than that of a man of the cloth, concerned about a member of his congregation.  He released Lucy, to reach into his coat and withdraw his wallet.  He handed some folded notes to Reed in exchange for the special license he had requested.  "I certainly appreciate