Free Lilly Blossoms (Lessons in Submission Book 3) by Maggie Ryan Page A

filling the plate, only to begin another. "I've heard tales that Miss Summers' students would rather write a million lines on the chalkboard than serve even one hour on kitchen duty. Not that she paddles them—well, not always—but have you ever had to peel pile of potatoes taller than yourself?"
    Was this another silly story like the one he'd told her to keep her attention away from the terror of their descent from the tree? It didn't seem so, and yet… Remembering one phrase, Lilly said, "Lines?"
    "Yes," he said, glancing back over his shoulder. "Haven't you ever had to write lines to reinforce a lesson?" When she shook her head, he returned to his preparations. "Well, little girls who have done something naughty are often required to write out lines. It helps them remember not to repeat the same bad choices. It can be something as simple as 'I'm sorry for being naughty', or as complicated as listing all the rules they have been given by their papas."
    Fascinated and yet confused, she could only nod when he gave her another quick glance. "Sugar, lemon or milk?"
    "What? Oh, the tea. Sugar and milk, please."
    She watched as he added a large spoonful of sugar and then poured a measure of milk from a real china pitcher. "Are you comfortable enough to scoot up a bit, or would you prefer to eat off your lap?"
    "Oh, the ben—table is fine. I'd hate to drop anything and have it break." She took his hand and allowed him to guide her the few feet to the bench. She giggled and finally, truly relaxed. "You are too kind, sir. Miss Bushy gives her thanks as well."
    "She's certainly welcome," Phillip said after she'd set the stuffed animal on the bench next to the plate that contained two acorns. "And, as promised, not a single bug is on our menu."
    "Ah, the birds might be disappointed, but this looks wonderful." She smiled when he chuckled. She could barely believe the spread before her. Her plate was piled high with a variety of small sandwiches. A small bowl sat next to it was filled with strawberries that had her mouth watering. Steam wafted from the china cup on its saucer. She was fighting back tears when he startled her by placing a napkin in her lap. "Thank you," she managed as he sat down beside her.
    "No, thank you, Lilly," he startled her again when he bent and kissed her cheek before sitting back. "I meant what I said, you know?" She was about to ask what he meant when he grinned. "If you'd have run, I'm afraid I would have looked quite the fool following." Popping a strawberry into his mouth, he swallowed and shook his head. "I shudder to think how my arse would be wiggling about sticking out of one side and my head out of the other. Nope, you saved me quite the embarrassment of looking like a hedgehog who has feasted on too many insects and became too chubby to fit through that little hole in the hedge." He had to wait until she stopped giggling before she could bend forward to accept the small berry he was holding to her lips. It was delicious, and yet, she found his company and his ability to relax her with silly stories the true treat.
    Still, as they continued to enjoy their tea, her thoughts returned to the bits of his tale that she was positive weren't a figment of her imagination. She yearned to discover more of what happened within the walls of the house but didn't know where to begin. Perhaps he hadn't realized that he'd told of things that she was quite sure were meant to be hidden. Shaking her head, she bit into another strawberry, closing her eyes at the sweetness of the fruit, and then felt her mouth and chin being dabbed with another napkin.
    "Oh, um, thank you," she said, reaching for the cloth only to have him shake his head and place it beside his plate. He then reached for her hand and gently extended her arm.
    "I'm very glad to see that the scratch is almost healed."
    When he pressed his lips gently to the injury, she felt a burn, far hotter than the soap and salve had felt on her wound. Her breath