Claudia D. Christian

Estimated reading time: 4 – 6 minutes

“Look, I don’t want you to do this. My mama…she won’t understand. It’s better for you to just leave. Okay?”

“I am a man of principles.” Lily’s teeth crunched like a bug underfoot. “There’s nothing to be afraid of, Lily. I will not disrespect your mother by leaving you in this condition.”

“Disrespect my mother? You’re the reason why I’m in this condition! I wouldn’t look like this if it wasn’t for you!”

“Who told you to run away? Who told you to fall down and get blood all over the place?”

Lily slapped his arm in a burst of indignation. “I wouldn’t have to run away if you never took me there in the first place! Argh! Just go. Go back to Nicole. Leave me alone and go!” She punctuated her commands with a push.

Julian crushed both of her hands in one of his. “No. Now be quiet before I take you over my knee.” He rang the door. Lily choked on her outrage and he smiled.

Rachel appeared after Lily kicked his shin. “Baby! Why are ringing the bell…oh. Hello, Lord Douglas.” She pushed the screen door open in welcome. “I’m surprised to see you here with Lily. I thought…” Her words trailed off with an awkward lilt.

“Good evening, Mrs. Walker.” He bowed his head fully before continuing. “I apologize for not coming to visit sooner but as I’m sure you’ve heard things have been somewhat trying for me recently.”

“Yes. I have heard. I’m sorry for not sending you a note earlier with my condolences. I had no idea about Ian or your condition.”

“There’s no need to apologize. If anything, it is I who must beg forgiveness. I should’ve come to call much earlier than this.”

“It’s fine. Really. Oh! Please, please come in.” Rachel ushered the much larger man and her daughter in with a flutter of her small hand. “Have a seat, Lord Douglas. Would you like a drink? I have wine, vodka, and rum.”

“Thank you but that’s not necessary.” Julian settled his place on the loveseat and maneuvered Lily to sit next to him by a discreet yank of the hand. “I’m afraid apologies are in order tonight, Mrs. Walker.”

“How so?” Rachel’s dark gaze flitted over her daughter. The impassive little face belied its lack of emotion. The patched together ensemble would’ve put many a mother into frothing fits of outrage. However, as Lily declared, Rachel was used to seeing her daughter come home in far more worse circumstances.

“I met with your daughter tonight. We argued quite a bit.”

“Is that why she looks like she’s been in a fight?”

He mirrored her wry smile. “Yes and no. I invited Lily to my home, Mrs. Walker. I exposed her to rather adult activities.”

“I see.” Rachel erect carriage curved into her chair.

“Mama! It’s not what you think!”

“Lily, please be quiet. This is a matter between myself and your mother.”

“No!” She yanked her arm from beneath his. She stood up and rushed over to her mother. “I didn’t do anything dirty with him, Mama. I swear!”

Rachel’s lips curved with maternal love. “Oh, baby. You don’t have to explain to me. You’re big enough to make your own decisions.”

“Mama, I didn’t do anything!” She dropped to her knees before her mother. “He’s making you think things that aren’t true!”

“Is that so, Lord Douglas?”

“No, Mrs. Walker. It isn’t. I have transgressed against your house grievously. I want to make reparations.”

“Shut up you ass!”

“Lily! You will not speak like that in my presence or to a guest of ours! Apologize. Now!”

Lily swallowed back a burning rush of humiliating tears. She stood up, faced the emotionless vampire, and bowed. “Forgive me for my rudeness.”

“Forgiven.” Julian turned his attention to Lily’s mother. “I stand by my honor, Mrs. Walker. I compromised your daughter tonight. As such, I want to make my intentions known to you.”

“Lord Douglas, I appreciate the concern. Lily is an adult and while my only child—one I love beyond myself—she has the right to make her own decisions. I have no right to dictate who she can and cannot see.” A poignant smile passed. “It wasn’t that long ago when I was very much in the same circumstances as her. I know how it can be.”

“Your progressive views gives me much faith. However, I am a man of my time. As such, I am asking your formal permission to call upon, Lily.”