Curiosity killed the duk.., p.22
Curiosity Killed the Duke (Dukes in Danger Book 8),
p.22
It took a moment. Samuel was, perhaps, not as sharp as he thought, Lulu could not help but think with a giggle. Had she not been obvious enough?
And then Samuel swept her into a tight embrace that knocked the very wind out of her. He clutched her tight, one arm completely around her waist and the other cradling her head, as though at any moment she could fall apart into pieces.
“You’re not,” he breathed, deep emotion in his voice.
“Being strangled?” Lulu choked. “Yes!”
Samuel swiftly released her, but within a heartbeat he had grabbed both her arms. “You—you are—you’re not with—”
“I am indeed,” said Lulu with a shy smile. It felt so strange, saying it aloud. Well, almost saying it aloud. This was the time. “I . . . I am with child.”
Samuel burst into whoops and embraced her again, though thankfully this time with less vigor. “A child! A child, Lulu—part of you, and part of me!”
“Hopefully a lot more you than me,” Lulu said sheepishly.
A child. A new beginning. A fresh start. A chance to make good all the mistakes she had made.
“What—oh, no, they’ve got to be a tiny you,” Samuel was saying, his cheeks flushed and his eyes wide with excitement. “A little you! Oh, Lulu . . .”
His kiss was fervent but reverential, sparking desire but also confirming his devotion. Lulu leaned into it, desperate for every heartbeat.
When they broke apart, she was astonished to see sparkling tears. “Samuel!”
“Well—a child!” Samuel said, his voice breaking. “Oh, Lulu. A whole new adventure.”
“One we can take together,” said Lulu, heart singing as she slipped her hand into his. “Together.”
About Emily E K Murdoch
If you love falling in love, then you’ve come to the right place.
I am a historian and writer and have a varied career to date: from examining medieval manuscripts to designing museum exhibitions, to working as a researcher for the BBC to working for the National Trust.
My books range from England 1050 to Texas 1848, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with my heroes and heroines!
Follow me on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find me on facebook at facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read my blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com.
Emily E K Murdoch, Curiosity Killed the Duke (Dukes in Danger Book 8)
