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Her dreams were simple: all she wanted was a husband to love. He didn’t have to be handsome or rich, just nice and understanding. A comfortable sort of man who wouldn’t mind her flaws and who would enjoy spending time with her, doing ordinary things. She wanted to make a home with him and bear his children. To have a place where she would feel safe and always belong.
I’m sure you have much more important matters to attend to.” “None more important than what I’m attending to now.”
“You, Miss Billings,” he said simply.
“I want you to know that your reputation is safe with me.”
“That you, Miss Billings, will always be safe with me.”
“First you say I’m kind. Now I’m nice?” He lifted his brows. “Have a care, Miss Billings, lest you do irreparable damage to my reputation.” The humor glinting in his eyes was a balm to her ruffled nerves. “Well, I think you’re both,” she said impulsively. “What you think is what matters to me, my dear Miss Billings.”
“You need hide nothing from me, Miss Billings,” he said. “If we are to further our acquaintance, it would be best for us to be honest with one another.”
“Who said this to you?”
his jaw was taut, and his eyes were smoldering, embers heating up the cold black. “Who said this?” he repeated. “It doesn’t matter—” “I beg to differ. No one insults you without consequences.”
“If anyone else is a nuisance, promise that you will come to me,” he said.
He increased the subtle pressure of his finger on her chin. His strength seemed to flow into her from that single point of contact. “Give me your word, my dear.”
“From here on in, you and your cronies will ensure that her dance card is full. Except for the waltzes; those are mine. Otherwise, you’ll do the pretty, and you’ll do it well.”
These days, he didn’t dirty his hands much, but this was a matter of honor. His soon-to-be-bride’s honor. Recalling Gabriella’s sweet departing smile, he felt a surge of satisfaction.
Everything is going according to plan. Soon she’ll be mine. And I’ll be one step closer to getting my vengeance. Numquam obliviscar—never forget.
I have wealth, property, and the freedom to live life on my own terms. What I do not have is someone to share it with. Someone with whom I can build a family. Someone who will give me sons to whom I may pass on my legacy.”
“Since I have come to know you, Miss Billings, I’ve become convinced that you are the one I seek.” He studied her intently. “May I dare to presume that you might have a similar preference for me?”
“I could never find you inconvenient, my dear,” he murmured.
“I would cherish whatever feelings you chose to bestow upon me. Take care of them as I will take care of you.”
I will be faithful to you, protect you, see that you want for nothing. You will not find me a cold husband.”
“On the contrary, Miss Billings, you did everything right. Too right.” He cleared his throat. “I hope your wish is not for a long engagement.”
“Gabriella.” His possessive rasp made her ordinary name sound beautiful and exotic. “I will speak to your father today, if that suits.”
When Gabriella blushed, brushing her hands over the abundant skirts of her blue gown, Adam felt his jaw clench.
All the same, Adam didn’t like anyone dallying with what was his. Gabriella was most definitely his.
“The lighting has no impact on your beauty,” he murmured.
“You’re lovely, Gabriella,” he said. “And you’re mine.”
Her sweet uncertainty had caused an odd constriction in his chest, and he’d had the desire to reassure her. To protect what was his.
“Promise me you’ll look after Mr. Garrity. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to him.” The words struck Adam like fists of sunshine. Warmth exploded through his chest, a confounding contrast to his cold rage.
Gabriella is mine.
“Don’t go,” he muttered. “Don’t leave me…”
This gorgeous creature was his wife? Bugger him, he was married?
You must have been popular as a debutante. How did I manage to snatch you up before someone else did?”
Worked out well for me, and I don’t need you having second thoughts.”
“I’m ready to get on with my life, Gabriella. Our life. And I don’t want to waste any time.”
“You’re mine. You belong to me,”
His head lifted, tilting slightly. “Is something the matter?” Although his tone was neutral, she saw the wary glint in his eyes…as if he were bracing for trouble.
I have never been unfaithful to you, nor will I disrespect our marriage vows. Ever,” he said evenly.
When it came to protecting those she cared about, his soft kitten of a wife had claws.
“You look tired. And I fear I am to blame.” He approached her as if the rest of the world ceased to exist, and it was only the two of them in this room.
If I had my way,” he murmured, “you’d stay the day in bed.”
A woman like Gabby should see herself as a queen. She should know that she was beautiful, one of a kind. And if she didn’t, then it was his damned duty as her husband to convince her of her worth.
“You could never be a bother, pet.”
“You are good at many things.” His intensity was a bit unnerving. “When it comes to being a wife, mama, and lady, no man could ask for more.”
I’m being honest. And I won’t have you discounting my compliments as if they are meaningless.”
Her words had tapped into a vein of consciousness deeper than memory. In it flowed his soul’s secret yearning: to own a woman’s complete surrender. To have her entrust her body, her loyalty, and her love to him. To have her yield control to him, to trust him, to know that he would do everything in his power to protect and cherish her.
“You’ve made our home and this property the envy of any man,” he said gravely.
Thank you also for making me the envy of men with your beauty, strength, and sweetness.”
“Because when it comes to our marriage, I won’t settle for less than everything.”
“Your trust is a gift, sweetheart,” he said, his voice hoarse with reverence. “But if I ever do something you don’t like, you will tell me, hmm? I want honesty between us at all times.”
He made note of her reaction, the way he made note of everything where she was concerned. Because she was his. His to pleasure and enjoy in any way he wished. His to honor, protect, and cherish.
“My sweet Gabby.” His eyes burned with the fierceness of a dark star. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you. But from the moment I awakened, I started falling in love with you.”
