The first rays of dawn cascaded through Amelia's bedroom window, painting the room in hues of soft gold. She blinked, grogginess slowly fading away as she registered the morning light. Her throat felt hoarse and her limbs heavy as she stared up at her bedroom ceiling, letting the memories of the previous night crash down on her.

Within one night she had gone from summoning a demon, to touching herself in his presence. Had she succumbed to temptation too easily? Was she now branded as a 'fallen woman'? Her heart weighed heavily with the fear of judgement if word ever got out. But amidst the guilt and uncertainty, Amelia found herself grappling with a deeper truth.

She liked it.

Last night, a little bit of that fear died and gave way to an entirely new feeling; lust. Amelia swallowed a whimper as she recalled Lucian's voice guiding her. It was so wonderful—so intense—and she imagined—

Panic shot through her veins as she realised how far her own thoughts had gone.

In the chaise beside her bed lay the enigmatic demon, sprawled out on the furniture that was too small for his large frame. Now that he was asleep, Amelia felt more comfortable to observe him closer. Without those dark alluring eyes distracting her, she could see that he truly was an angelic beauty, with flawless skin, sharp cheekbones and lush lips. She wondered how his skin felt, but caught herself.

No, she had to focus on the matter at hand. If the implication of Lucian's presence in her room became known, it would be the death of her. Literally.

"Lucian!" Amelia whispered urgently, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. She tried again a bit louder, willing him to wake. "You must hide. If my aunt finds you here, she will have our heads."

Lucian stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he gradually became aware of Amelia's voice. "Ah, the darling Amelia, already awake and stirring up trouble." He gave her a mischievous wink. "There is one thing you should know about me, angel. I never hide."

With practised ease, Lucian slipped out of the chaise, stretching out his limbs as he walked through the room. Amelia's heart raced as she watched him observe her dishevelled bed.

"Well, I guess I'll have to lock you up then because you are not coming down with me." She challenged him.

Lucian turned around to face her with an infinitely amused smirk. "Are we already progressing to confining your master? My, my, you are a fast learner. Will you tie me up to your bed?"

She glared at him and silently scolded herself for immediately conjuring up that mental image. "Maybe," she started, "I will. This is the only place where you can hide."

The way he grinned back at her before picking up a red ribbon from her desk and tying his hair back into a low ponytail sent her brain spinning. "I hope you have something strong to tie me down to those bedposts."

That was not how he was supposed to react. And now, she instinctively blocked his path as he took a step towards her bed. "Could you at least wait outside for a few minutes? I need to get dressed."

Lucian's laugh cut through the morning silence. "My dear Amelia, are you truly so modest? After the intimacy we shared last night? What's a bit of modesty when compared to the secrets we now possess?"

Amelia's cheeks flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and indignation flooding her. "I'm not modest, Lucian. But I need to consider my reputation."

Lucian chuckled, "ah, your propriety. Such an amusingly convoluted concept, don't you think? But very well, my angel. I shall wait outside, shielding your delicate sensibilities from the scandalous sight of a man. Take all the time you need."

Before Amelia could even thank him, Lucian opened the window and jumped through it. She rushed up to her window to see if he landed alright, but Lucian had vanished into thin air.

Had he left her? Just like that!

With a huff, Amelia strode to her wardrobe and disrobed, each movement deliberate yet tinged with a newfound thrill. Her heart pounded in her chest as recalled last night. It was nothing like her previous attempt on her own and something about having another person so close made her burn with a sensation she had never felt before.

Once she had slipped into a fresh dress, Amelia turned to splash her face with some cold water before she made her way downstairs. Amelia found aunt Elspeth waiting in the parlour, her expression a mix of irritation and concern.

"Amelia, where have you been? It's already past dawn," aunt Elspeth chided. "I trust you have a reasonable explanation for your tardiness, young lady?"

Amelia plastered a polite smile on her face. "Apologies, auntie. I woke up early and lost track of time while writing. It won't happen again."

Elspeth's eyes narrowed, studying Amelia's face for any signs of deception. Satisfied, or perhaps resigned, she sighed and motioned for Amelia to join her at the table. "You spend far too much time with your head buried in books, lassie. It's high time you paid more attention to your appearance and sought out eligible suitors. A writer's career is a fruitless endeavour for a young lady of your standing."

Amelia swallowed the retort that rose to her lips. A familiar battle beginning anew.

Elspeth sipped her tea with the grace of a queen. "And your dress is most unflattering. Change into something more appealing for a suitor before you leave."

"If I wanted one, my undergarments would suffice." Amelia huffed in protest.

"A suitable suitor. And I will not argue with you any further on the matter. The season is about to begin and you will have a husband before it ends. That's final." Elspeth said pointedly before calling a servant to pour more tea.

"The deal was until my 26th birthday, there still is time." Amelia said through gritted teeth.

Elspeth slammed her spoon on the table, her eyes blazing with fury. "Are ye pulling my leg? Yer birthday is within a month, it is time to grow up and get married. Like a proper lady should."

"Màthair would have never let me give up on my dreams or force me to get married." Amelia shouted in retaliation. The words were out of her mouth before she realised what she had done. The servants all left the room, finding cover in the kitchen as her aunt's piercing gaze froze Amelia in place. She quickly sat down, praying that the punishment wouldn't be too harsh.

"How dare you taint my sister's memory." Elspeth stated, her voice dripping with venom.

"I'm sorry," Amelia stammered, "I – I didn't mean to bring her up. It's just that she always told me –"

Before Amelia could finish her sentence there was a knock at the door.

Everyone froze, listening intensely. After a few seconds it came again.

"Well," aunt Elspeth snapped at their only maid. "What are you waiting for girl? Go see who it is."

The maid ran to the door as aunt Elspeth poked her head into the hallway.

"Good morning, miss," a male voice spoke to the maid. "I hope I am not intruding, but I couldn't help but notice your sign. Is your mistress at home?"

The maid replied, surprisingly chipper.

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise as she slowly started to recognise the man's voice. But that couldn't be true. He vanished.

"A lord! Can you believe it?" Aunt Elspeth mumbled as she pulled Amelia out of the dining room and into the drawing room while the maid took the coat and hat of their guest. They had barely stepped foot in the room or the maid announced, "a lord Ciaran is here to request lodgings, madam."

"Yes–yes, let him in." Aunt Elspeth exclaimed, her hands fluttering nervously.

As the door swung open, a tall figure stood on the threshold, impeccably dressed and radiating an air of aristocratic charm. It was Lucian, although his hair was shorter and he was dressed in the latest fashions. His dark eyes twinkled with amusement as he caught sight of Amelia, who tried to hide her flushed cheeks and that hot discomfort between her thighs that only worsened when he spoke in that sensual voice.

"Good morning, ladies," Lucian greeted with a charming smile, dipping in a graceful bow. "I hope I am not intruding, but I find myself in need of accommodations during this bustling season and just happened to notice your sign as I was passing the lovely neighbourhood."

Aunt Elspeth's eyes widened, and she clutched her heart, trying to collect herself as she ushered their unexpected guest to the best chair in the room. "Not at all, my lord! We are delighted to have you here. Please, sit, sit."

She turned around and in a gasp remembered that Amelia was present. "Oh goodness gracious, where are my manners! This is my niece, Miss Amelia Catriona Balfour."

Amelia scrambled to her feet, trying her best to keep her thighs pressed together as dipped into a curtsy. "Welcome, my lord."

Lucian's eyes danced with mischief as he extended a hand to Amelia, taking hers in a warm, firm grasp before placing a featherlight kiss. "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Balfour."

Aunt Elspeth bustled about, fussing over every detail in the drawing-room, "I hope you will forgive our humble abode, my lord," she said with a touch of nervousness. "It's not quite fit for a nobleman of your stature, but we shall do our best to make you feel at home."

Lucian waved a dismissive hand, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Nonsense, Mrs McEwans. Your home is charming and inviting, and I am certain it will be the perfect sanctuary during my stay in this enchanting city."

The tumbling of a suitcase pushed aunt Elspeth's nervous frenzy over the edge and she hurried into the hallway, leaving Amelia alone with Lucian in the drawing room.

"What are you doing here, posing as some lord?" Amelia hissed through gritted teeth.

Lucian's charismatic smile widened when he glanced at her. "I thought you would be happy. Now, you don't have to tie me up to your bed and I can accompany you wherever you go."

"I don't need a nanny."

"No, but you need a suitor." Lucian shot back with a wink.

"Have you been eavesdropping on our private conversation?"

"Well, you two weren't exactly being quiet." Lucian said, his voice low and intimate. "Something you already showed me last night. And—oh—you sound so good when you scream out my name."

She gaped at him, struggling to come up with a response as his proximity made her heart race. "I must warn you, I am not one who succumbs to temptation easily."

Lucian's lips curled into a playful smirk, and he leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "Ah, but that is precisely the challenge, is it not? To make you blush and moan until you can't stand it any longer and succumb to the allure of my seduction."

Amelia's breath hitched at his boldness, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of amusement and intrigue. "And what if I refuse?" she whispered back.

Lucian's fingers gently traced the curve of her cheek, a smouldering intensity in his gaze. "You won't," he murmured, his voice laden with desire.

The moment was interrupted as Aunt Elspeth called for lord Ciaran once more, and they quickly composed themselves before returning to their roles as gracious host and esteemed guest.

"Lord Ciaran, you must be hungry. We were just having breakfast. Would you care to join us?" Aunt Elspeth regarded Lucian with a mix of admiration and interest that told Amelia all about her aunt's intentions.

"Mrs McEwans, your hospitality is outstanding. My travels have famished me to the core and I hope you will not hold it against me if I do not change first." Lucian, exuded an overwhelming level of charm and charisma as he rendered aunt Elspeth into a blushing mess.

"Not at all, my lord. You may dress however you wish within this house. Please, this way." Elspeth flushed as she led 'lord Ciaran' to the dining room.

"I will keep that in mind," Lucian smirked as he passed Amelia in the dining room.

The clinking of silverware was the only sound that echoed in the air as the three sat around the table. Amelia tried her best to focus on her porridge, ignoring Lucian's piercing gaze from across the table. Her aunt regarded Lucian with a twinkle in her eye as she spoke. "Lord Ciaran, it is an honour to have you as our guest. Pray tell, what business do you have in Edinburgh? Are you perhaps here for the harvest ball of countess Khan? I hear it will be the highlight of the season."

"Auntie, don't be presumptuous." Amelia warned. "I'm sure lord Ciaran would rather not share his personal business with us."

Lucian leaned back in his chair, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, miss Balfour, you're such a proper young lady. But I don't mind sharing my business with such lovely ladies. You are correct, Mrs McEwans. I'm in Edinburgh to attend the harvest ball. It is said that every beautiful maiden in Edinburgh will be present. Will you attend, miss Balfour?"

Amelia's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and apprehension. Of course, she didn't attend such a prestigious ball, or any ball for that matter. Ever since her mother died, neither Amelia nor her aunt had received any invitation. Not that it mattered that much to Amelia. "I am not acquainted with those social circles, my lord."

But it did matter to aunt Elspeth. "Sadly, we have been absent from Edinburgh's social circle for quite some years, due to losses in our family." She quickly added. "But my niece has some acquaintances in the artistic scene. The two do mingle–sometimes."

Amelia gritted her teeth; she wouldn't stand for her aunt's disdain for her passion. "They do much more than merely mingle, dear aunt. Countess Khan is a patron of the arts and sponsors many up-and-coming artists. Even Wallace has received an invitation this year."

"That's because Wallace is successful, my dear."

Amelia's blood boiled.

"A blind fool, that's what he is." Lucian interjected suddenly. "To go to the event of the season without taking the most beautiful lady in all of Edinburgh. Miss Balfour, it shall be my honour to have you accompany me to the harvest ball." 

Lucian's voice was so smooth and seductive that the servant pouring Mrs McEwans' tea missed the glass entirely, and Mrs McEwans didn't even notice.

The room suddenly was far too hot and Amelia felt that strange fluttering feeling between her thighs bubbled up again. Did he just call her the most beautiful lady in Edinburgh?

"And what are your thoughts on the invitation of lord Ciaran, dear niece? Is he not the most captivating gentleman?"

Amelia swallowed the lump in her throat, searching for the right words. "He is indeed—charming. A true gentleman, whom I would be honoured to attend the harvest ball with."

Lucian's eyes twinkled with amusement, his voice dripping with playful innuendo. "Ah, charming and a true gentleman. High praise indeed, Miss Balfour."

Amelia fought to keep her composure. "Thank you, lord Ciaran. I do try to express my admiration accurately."

Elspeth's smile widened, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Well, my dear, I am sure lord Ciaran has an impeccable reputation. And although it is short notice, we will find the perfect dress for my niece, lord Ciaran. She shall be a perfect companion for the evening."

Amelia's discomfort grew with each passing moment as all these lies kept piling up. There was no money for a new dress. It was the reason they had to take on lodgers in the first place. She longed for the ground to swallow her whole, desperate to escape the weight of her aunt's expectations and the palpable tension between her and Lucian.

"I wish to be excused from breakfast, aunt Elspeth. I've promised Evy I would help at the bookshop today and I am already late as it is."

"Are you going into town?" Lucian asked innocently. "Because I also have some business to attend to in town."

"Take the carriage, dear." Aunt Elspeth insisted. "Lord Ciaran, you wouldn't mind sharing a carriage, would you?"

"Not at all, Mrs McEwans."

"Lord Ciaran can take the carriage. I don't mind walking." Amelia said.

But her aunt ignored her pleas. "Nonsense, dear. What if it starts raining?"

"Indeed," Lucian agreed with a cheeky grin. "We wouldn't want you to get wet, miss Balfour."

Amelia could hardly get out another word before she was forced to follow Lucian to the carriage that awaited them. He extended a hand, like he had done in the drawing room and Amelia shot him a stone-cold glare.

"Get in, Amelia."

"No." She raised her chin in defiance and crossed her arms. "I will walk. Alone."

"No you aren't." Lucian growled. "You know your aunt will raise hell if I go without you."

"Well, in that case you will feel right at home."

"Touché, Amelia." Lucian laughed before leaning in. "Now, get in that carriage or I will toss you in."

She gasped. "you wouldn't dare."

The words were barely out of her mouth or Lucian snatched her up by the waist and tossed her into the open carriage like she weighed nothing before swinging in behind her. Lucian leaned back in his seat, looking every bit the pompous lord he was pretending to be, and it infuriated her that he looked so damn good doing it.