One Penny Surprise (Saved By Desire 1)

“Did he intend to abandon me, do you think?”

Luke hated to do it but he had to nod. “I think so. He knew Peter would never loan him that kind of money, or anything really because of the bad blood that lay between them so he had to send you. However, he didn’t want you to keep the money. A woman in London is very vulnerable, especially without the means with which to support herself.”

Poppy battled tears as the weight of her father’s ultimate betrayal sank in. She shouldn’t be surprised to find the selfish ingrate she had spent too many years trying to get to like her was so calculating.

“Peter wants you to keep the money. When Clarence is out of the way, he wants you to go and see him before you make any decisions about what to do with your future.” Luke declared, glad that his colleagues had given them a few moments alone to discuss matters privately. “I do, however, want you to consider our relationship.”

“What do you mean?” Poppy whispered. She suspected that her heart was in her eyes but she couldn’t help herself.

“I ruined you, Poppy. Not only that but I didn’t take the proper precautions to prevent a child.” He couldn’t prevent a soft smile from curving his lips at the thought of Poppy carrying his child. The idea thrilled him; to the point that he fervently hoped it was a reality. “I want you think about staying here with me once Clarence has been dealt with. We need to spend some time together, Poppy so we can discuss making this a permanent arrangement.”

“Pardon? You want me to stay in this safe house permanently?”

Luke mentally winced when he realised how stiff and formal he sounded and shook his head. He was really thinking aloud, mentally plotting his argument in case she refused to marry him. When he realised just how idiotic he had just sounded he sighed and kissed the back of her hands.

“I want you to think about marrying me. After what we have shared there really cannot be any other outcome between us,” Luke declared quietly. He felt her jerk at the mention of marriage, but refused to back down. “Think about it. I am not rich like your cousin, Peter. However, I am no pauper either. I have a house of my own in Hertfordshire, and can furnish you with a comfortable life without worry or fear of deceit. I won’t lie to you, or take a mistress.”

Poppy wasn’t quite sure what to say. She hadn’t expected profuse declarations of affection. They barely knew each other after all, in spite of what they had shared physically. But his suggestion sounded more like a business arrangement than a mutual meeting of souls. She knew her heart belonged to him now, especially given everything they had shared so intimately. After what he had just said though, he clearly didn’t feel the same. A small part of her, deep within the centre of her chest began to ache fiercely, and she felt the telltale sting of tears that she had to blink away before she did something stupid, like bawl all over him.

“I will think about it,” she declared quietly, more hurt than she cared to admit.

Luke sensed there was something amiss but couldn’t make his mind up what it was.

She must be worried about Clarence. Yes, maybe that is it, he mused.

In spite of his reservations, he nodded and pushed away from the table. In the end, although he knew he should give her some time to consider what he had just said, he just couldn’t leave her, not when she looked so worried.

“I know what you are thinking,” he whispered as he drew her into his arms.

“You do?” she replied in a voice that was just as husky as his. She remained perfectly still while his head moved closer to hers and she voiced no objection when his lips captured her sigh. It was several minutes before he finally lifted his head and rested his forehead against hers.

“There are men in the group who are married, with children, and are extremely happy. Once they married, they set up home and now travel to help with the investigations. They mostly work in the locale they reside in as sort of local Star Elite. They work closely with magistrates and investigate more local crimes, using the populace they live amongst to help them. It works for them and enables the men to live happy family lives. Why, some of my very close friends have married in the last year alone, and settled down without any problems whatsoever.”

“So you wouldn’t have to sacrifice your work to have a life?” She didn’t know what she was asking for really. She loved him, but did he love her? She couldn’t consider marriage without his love, but how did she find out what he felt for her? She could hardly ask him outright. Although his apparent willingness to marry was wonderful, she couldn’t help herself wanting something - well – more from him. Perplexed, all she could do was remain silent.

“I would sacrifice anything to be with the woman I love,” he replied honestly. In fact, if he had to make a choice between spending his days chasing his own children around in the garden, or in the shadows watching criminals, it would be a foolish man indeed who would live a shadow of a life, and Luke was no fool.

When his words registered on her, she jumped back in her seat and stared at him in shock. “You are in a relationship with someone?” She touched her still throbbing lips in stunned disbelief.

“Yes,” he replied with a smile. “You. Consider this a relationship as of now, and one thing you should know about me is that I am very, very possessive.” His gaze locked with hers and he watched her absorb his meaning.

“You are?” She murmured, delighted.

“Very,” he whispered.

She smiled at him, thrilled that he might truly care for her after all.

Luke’s lips quirked, and he dipped his head for a very loving kiss. They were still kissing when Barnaby sauntered into the house nearly half an hour later.

“Oops, sorry,” he mumbled but made no attempt to leave.

“It’s alright,” Luke replied. Although he lifted his head, he didn’t relinquish his hold on her. “What do you know?”

Poppy stared at him, inwardly thrilled at the new direction her association with Luke had just taken but a little abashed at the public nature of the affection. She felt a little wanton if she was honest, but then was equally thrilled by his blatant display of affection in front of his friends. He didn’t seem to care that his colleagues and friends saw how intimate their relationship was. It went some way toward convincing her that he had meant everything he had said. Still, she was awed and slightly humbled by the knowledge that he would be prepared to sacrifice his work for a life with her. Did that mean he loved her though? Could she really be that lucky?

Barnaby helped himself to some wine, p

oured Luke and Poppy some, and settled his hips against the dresser as he spoke. “Marcus has followed the accomplice. There was nobody out back. I think Clarence left when Toby saw him.”