Page 25

Maggie stared at Lucian like he was under a microscope. Lucian steeled himself not to flinch under her steady gaze.

“And then you steal my inn back from me?” Maggie hissed, and Lucian rolled his eyes.

“No, my dear, then you and I marry and run it together!” Lucian dropped the bombshell and watched Maggie turn bright red.

Chapter Seven.

Maggie

Maggie stared at Lucian in horror. What did he just say? She could have sworn he mentioned marriage and running the inn together. Had he gone crazy?

“Say something,” Lucian drawled merrily. “I can see your brain working overtime!”

“Marry you?”

“Indeed, that is acceptable, although I haven’t proposed yet!” Lucian teased.

Maggie didn’t know that her emotions were plainly written across her face.

“Are you insane?” Maggie cried, rising to her feet.

“Not the last time I checked!” Lucian retorted.

“We hate each other!” Maggie exclaimed.

“Do we?” Lucian asked.

Maggie’s temper flared to life. His cocky answers were annoying her.

“Yes, we do! We’ve done horrible things to each other, and we constantly argue. Hell, we don’t even like one another,” Maggie explained, trying to regain control. Lucian rose to his feet, and his fingers shot out and caressed her cheek.

“Maggie, I do not and could never hate you. We fight because we’re alike because it motivates us and sends sparks flying. I believe Henrietta calls it make up or angry sex. I’d like to explore that one day, and it will be explosive between us. You’re imaginative and stubborn, kind and caring, gentle but strong. Everything I ever wished for in a wife. God put you before me, and have no doubt, I will take the promise of beauty God has offered me. Now, while you try to resolve those issues and refute them, be aware. I intend to court you and wed and bed you. Those are my intentions, and now they’re out there!” Lucian said firmly.

Maggie gaped at him in both surprise and shock. She wasn’t sure which emotion to go for because Lucian’s words jumbled her inside. Lucian winked at her and then disappeared before she could say another word. A ghostly kiss landed on her cheek, and her hand raised to cup it.

“Lucian!” Maggie yelled. That infuriating man!

Lucian

Mr Evans stormed into the inn early the next day, startling Lucian from his reverie. Lucian stared in surprise as Mr Evans stomped over and slammed a newspaper in front of him. He’d never seen Mr Evans anything but mellow and firm. Anger was beyond Lucian’s understanding of the man’s character.

“Good morning?” Lucian said hesitantly.

“It’s going to be horrendous when the young lass sees that pile of crap!” Mr Evans thundered, glowering.

“Dare I open it?” Lucian asked as Mr Evans scowled even more deeply.

“I wouldn’t, son, I’d burn it to ashes,” Mr Evans snapped. Concerned, Lucian opened the paper and drew in a sharp breath.

“Haunted Inn A Danger!” Lucian announced and closed his eyes as he saw a picture of the Jekyll and Hyde.

“Oh, read the article, lad. It’s a cracker!” Mr Evans sneered.

Lucian opened the paper and read aloud. He was appalled at what had been published for anyone to see.

‘Dear Reader, we’re all aware of the local hot spot for paranormal activity. We had the respect to stay away from what didn’t concern us. For centuries, all locals have understood not to trifle with the Jekyll and Hyde Inn and to leave it alone. We understand evil resides there and, as God-fearing folk, choose not to poke the bear.

An outsider to the village and area bought the inn to renovate it and open it to the public. What’s wrong with this scenario? Apart from ruffling the feathers of the demonic creatures that dwell in the inn, Maggie Jones is setting herself apart. Ms Jones was overheard saying she wanted to run the local village pub, which is lovely. But why should the residents use your premises when you refuse to employ locals for repairs, hirings, or anything else?